Spartans 27, Barker Butts 5

Spartans put their recent disappointments behind them and returned to winning ways in a hard fought contest against a strong Barkers side. The cold but crucially dry weather meant both sides could try and play rugby, and a large crowd witnessed a good advert for Warwickshire rugby.

Spartans found themselves under pressure from the kick off but worked their way out of trouble, just managing to stay in the Butts half long enough to get a feel of the game. Butts showed some very classy hands and ran some very clever lines but the black defence was equal to it and the scoreboard didn't move. The intensity of the game increased the longer the stalemate continued, and a fierce contest up front and both sets of backs enjoying themselves kept everyone entertained. Spartans broke the deadlock with a bruising try after two quick surges from a penalty, but Barkers were quick to respond and stormed back into the black half. Just as it seemed Butts' creative backs would deservedly level things an intercepted pass saw Spartans scorch away and double their lead Once more Barkers came back and a quickly taken penalty by a very lively scrum half saw him dance and offload to his supporting forwards for a half time score of 14 - 5.

The second half began where the first left off; a very good contest up front with Butts dominating the lineout but Spartans keeping the ball well whilst both sets of backs were trying to run. As Barkers chased the game they found themselves running from unlikely areas and the black defence was able to contain the threat wherever it arose. With the game by no means decided territory favoured the home side and under increasing pressure Tom Hardy was able to bag two long range penalties before the Men In Black put a stranglehold on the game. Butts still kept up an excellent workrate and showed their ambition in running the ball, but time was running out and a spilt ball was seized by Spartans which turned into a third and final try with the last play of the game.

Credit must be given to both Clubs and the visiting Gloucester referee for an excellent contest played with great spirit in ice cold tricky conditions.