Spartans 10, Old Laurentians 31.

Spartans hosted table topping Old Laurentians at a cold and windy Coppice Lane, and whilst the league leaders had a bit too much pace, power and precision the home side gave a much improved display.

Spartans started brightly and ignored the league table, pressuring 'Laurent's into conceding ground and gifting Tom Hardy three points with a penalty in front of the posts. For a brief moment the visitors were rattled and some petulance, handbags and unsportsmanlike behaviour followed their early problems. The Men In Black were creating good chances but tiny mistakes saw the scoreboard unchanged, and as the game settled down the true contest began. A quick lineout saw 'Laurent's release their slick backs for a fine try to take the lead, but Spartans remained focussed and dug in, competing well against a good side. The game remained hard fought, but as 'Laurent's started to shade things in the loose another swift movement from the visiting backs saw a second try and a 12 - 3 half time lead.

Playing against the conditions in the second half, Spartans braced themselves for the onslaught and were forced to defend for long periods, but they did not surrender and kept 'Laurent's at bay, occasionally working their way into the opponents half. However, a number of seasoned campaigners in key positions ensured the visitors stayed in overall control, and a well worked scrum move saw the backs add a try, and with 20 and 10 minutes left a tiring Spartans made mistakes allowing 'Laurent's to cash in. Not to be outdone a determined effort from the black forwards saw them work their way upfield as the clock ran down, and much to their credit had the last word as they powered over the line with the final play.

This week Spartans remarkable RFU cup 'run continue at home in the quarter finals against Ashbourne.