Spartans 34, Earlsdon 33

Coppice lane played host to a talented Earlsdon side who were looking to set their stall out early in their promotion campaign.

The first half saw the visiting side do exactly what they intended to do as they took an early lead with a well worked try. Spartans were caught day dreaming as Earlsdon continued to capitalise and extended their lead with another well executed try. Spartans managed to nick one of their own when Matt Perry finished off a period of home possession and ran in out wide. Although Spartans contributed it was Earlsdon who looked the better side going into half time 27-10 up.

Spartans had the slope in the 2nd half and had a lot to do if they were to come away with anything but they appeared to be up for the challenge, Joe Knibbs made a lovely break from scrum half to put the home side back into contention. It was the men in black who struck next, following an extended period of territory and possession the home pack showed what they were made of and were rewarded with a penalty try after a number of scrums on the away line. Earlsdon kicked a penalty to exert some pressure but Alex Bennett made a great break and put Andy Hislop in who ran down the flank and under the posts to add a 4th try. It was a nail biting finish as Earlsdon kicked another penalty to make it 31-33 but not to be out done Spartans got back down into the away half and Earlsdon conceded another penalty at scrum time which Tom Hardy slotted with the last kick of the game to finish 34-31.

This week Spartans travel to Barkers Butts in what will be another tough fixture. All support welcome, 3pm kick off.