Leamington 5, Spartans 35.

The recently dried out Leamington turf looked like a fast track and so it proved as the game began at lightning pace. The Men In Black drew first blood and an early break down the middle with some good support saw Alex Garbett dot down, and from the kick off further early pressure saw Tom Hardy bag a penalty for 8 - 0. The home side were keen to flex some considerable muscle and an excellent 8/9/10 combination proved a real handful for the black defence. Ambitious play saw mistakes however, and Spartans were quick to strike with Matthew Southam snatching a try on the break, only for Leamington to hit back with a very strong driving maul leading to a try. Facing the increasingly strong winds, Spartans spent long periods in their own half but defended well and more turnover ball saw good counter attacking and little Jack Sharpe finished an eighty metre breakout with a try to end the first half.

The second half began with a revitalised Leamington really going for it, and against the wind they made huge inroads with some strong runs and driving play. Number 8 Craig Smith was by far the best home forward, ably supported by Patch Northover at 9 but they didn't quite have the support to get on the scoreboard and Spartans escaped. The home side came back again and again but once more the black defence held firm, and as the pace of the game slowed the wind and firm pitch took over. Unpredictable bounces, stray passes, messy rucks and sloppy tackles followed from both sides and the inevitable handbags saw both sides reduced to 14 men. Despite a Tom Hardy penalty stretching the lead, a fourth try bonus point for Spartans looked less and less likely until some hard won clean ball finally released the black backs and Alex Garbett scorched in for his brace. With time ticking away the Spartan backs clicked again with Matt Perry scoring a fine try despite some very tight shorts, leaving a rather flattering scoreline for the visitors.

As the season draws to a close Spartans play their last home game of the season this week, with a stern test against Southam. (3pm).