Spartans 22, Balsall & Berkswell 17

In an enthralling contest between two teams playing highly contrasting styles of rugby, Spartans shaded a fierce battle in their toughest test for a very long time and were lucky to steal the points from a previously unbeaten B & B side.
The opening quarter very much belonged to the Men In Black who despite the appalling weather tried to play some running rugby, and a good supply of ball allowed the lively home backs to move the visiting defence around. New found winger Tom Wayne was in the thick of things frequently, and scorched up his touchline not once but twice to give Spartans an early lead with two collector's edition tries. A streetwise and very experienced B's soon recognised the threat however, and closed the game down to suit their large, robust and determined forwards who were ably supported by some talented backs. Some coach killing moments saw the respective kickers trade penalties as the gap stayed at two scores, but the writing was on the wall and the very well drilled B's forwards turned the screw to level things with tries from driving lineouts.
Half time provided Spartans with some thinking space and although they knew what was necessary, B's were keen to keep things tight and tidy much to the home side's frustration. The visitors used their many talents very well and regularly threatened a score, being held up on three occasions as some desperate home defence was pushed to breaking point. The thin black line somehow survived, and trench warfare became the order of the day as the brutal contest continued in midfield. Two inspirational changes up front and one out the back proved the difference as Spartans threw their bench into the firing line, and with ten minutes left the black backs again executed well to snatch a five point lead. With a win still in sight B's produced a grandstand finish to leave the home coaching team a gibbering wreck, but time ran out on a great contest and a superb advert for Warwickshire rugby.
This week Spartans face another stern test when they travel to traditional Coventry hosts Pinley.