Spartans 23, Southam 26.

In their final home game of the season, a lacklustre Spartans were too slack to overcome to a ruthless Southam side bolstered by the return of their recently absent players. For once the Men In Black stuttered and struggled to get out of first gear and had their errors routinely punished by the visitors. A slow start saw Spartans go ahead but Southam levelled immediately, and as the kickers exchanged penalties, a dull and disjointed first half ended at eight points each.
The half time analysis seemed to have worked as Spartans got off to a good start with a try from a driven maul, but Southam were straight back into the game with two penalties of their own to take the lead. Neither side really grasped the game but it was Southam who made the better decisions and showed better execution in all of the key areas. Tom Hardy hauled Spartans back in front with a penalty but Southam used their huge forwards well and grabbed the lead with a try. With momentum swinging Southam's way Spartans nearly pulled off the crime of the century when a mistake released the pressure and Alex Garbett sneaked in for a try, but Southam used their experience well and a five metre lineout produced the inevitable match winning try. "We're disappointed everyone was not able to be their best today" said Head Coach Terry Garbett. "A big part of that was the opposition we were up against and you have to be accurate in such a big game. Southam were a very strong side and all credit to them" he added.
This week Spartans travel to Malvern for their penultimate league challenge. (3pm).