Pinley 13, Spartans 62.

Spartans travelled to Coventry and received a traditional welcome from a large home crowd enjoying the bar facilities, but with some key Pinley characters missing on the field Spartans spoiled the party as they benefitted from the benign conditions.

Spartans raced into an early lead as they showed ambition to run the ball and it was clear from an early stage that Pinley would need to keep things very tight, which they duly did to gain a foothold in the game. The black enterprise continued though and after the first half hour the visitors were leading 24 - 8 with a bonus point already in the bag, but some sloppy play saw things slow down and as tempers flared and handbags were introduced Pinley stemmed the tide until just before half time when Spartans added a fifth.

The second half began with the home side using nine large and strong forwards very well, and roared on by a very vocal touchline they briefly had some hope of a way back into the game. Assisted by some muddied thinking in the Spartan ranks, Pinley stayed on the attack but as the mental fog evaporated normal service was resumed and the Men In Black started to increase the try count. Spartans kept their attacking intentions going and were rewarded with a trip to the chiropractor and a penalty try for a high tackle as Pinley showed determination to continue, but tired players made mistakes which were punished and the scoreboard operator eventually gave up.

This week Spartans return to RFU Intermediate 'Cup action when they host either Oakham or West Bridgford.