RFU Intermediate Cup Round Three: Camp Hill 19, Spartans 24.

Spartans travelled to one of Birmingham's oldest rugby clubs, and in another thrilling game between two sides keen to throw the ball around they came out on top - but only just.

The Men In Black drew first blood very early in the game when much to the surprise of everyone they pinched a scrum and Michael Bennett sneaked over on the left, and after both sides had become acquainted Spartans bagged a penalty from Tom Hardy. Stung into action, Camp Hill used their excellent half backs and considerable bulk to work a series of lineouts which resulted in a try to the hosts, and for a good while Spartans were well and truly on the anvil. Time and again Camp Hill launched their big players at the thin black line, but the defence held on and the visitors escaped. Both sides showed ambition of different sorts with Camp Hill all size and power and Spartans fleet of foot, leading to a truly enthralling spectacle. A rare visit into home territory gave Spartans chance to prove equal to their opponents as the black forwards drove over for a try of their own, and with the sides swapping kicks half time arrived with the scoreboard at 16 - 11 and everything to play for.

Camp Hill got off to the better start when play resumed and had clearly used a lot of brain power in the half time chat. Using big forwards Rob Hill & Stephen Halpert well, they made a lot of yards off their elusive half backs and Spartans conceded a penalty. Home hooker Ryan Large lived up to his name with a fine game, and uphill, against the slope and a large crowd with thirty minutes still left Spartans found themselves 19 - 16 behind when the home side added a try in the far corner. Gradually, the Men In Black ironed out the unforced errors and strung some plays together, forcing the home side onto the back foot for once and now it was Camp Hill who were conceding penalties. Tom Hardy bagged his third of the afternoon to level the scores and it was squeaky bum time for both sides as the clock ticked down. Fortune favours the brave as they say, and Spartans went for it. Down the centre, into the left corner and then across into the right corner they charged for Alex Garbett to dot down and steal the game with the very last play of an eventful afternoon, and with it Spartans move into the last eight of the competition.

Spartans return to league action this weekend with a tough trip to a high scoring , suave and sophisticated Silhillians. (2.15pm).