Spartans 34, Leamington Spa 5.

The latest episode of Spartans rugby saw the men in black face a determined Leamington and in a good advert for Warwickshire rugby the home side eventually came through. With the conditions near perfect for rugby, both sides threw the ball around and both defences were tested to the full. Gradually Spartans gained the upper hand and with good possession and territory they sneaked ahead with a pushover try, backed up by a penalty minutes later. Spartans continued to press but the black tide was held back by a very well structured and clever 'Spa side. Leamington showed they were never going to lie down and armed with a strong set of forwards, a seige gun kicker and a lightning quick winger they grabbed a try back on the stroke of half time leaving just a three point gap on the scoreboard.

The second half started where the first left off - competitive, entertaining and enthralling as good passages of play from both sides continued but the last pass went astray or a small mistake was made and the scoreboard monitor had a long rest. With twenty minutes to go a nervy and increasingly frustrated Spartans had still left the door open for 'Spa, but a try out wide for the black backs settled things down. As confidence grew in the Spartan ranks less mistakes were made and the Leamington defence was split down the centre not once but twice and the try bonus point was sealed. 'Spa kept going and fought to the very end, but the black defence kept their own back door bolted and turning defence into attack stole a try with the last play of the game.

Next week sees a possible cup game for Spartans as the Rugby World Cup takes effect on the league programme.