Spartans 48, Old Yardleians 10.

After a couple of tough weeks at the office against outstanding opponents, Spartans ripped up the formbook to record a deserved win against higher placed Old Yardleians.

Playing on a good surface but with a blustery wind the Men In Black moved the ball well and stretched Old Yards' defence until they squeezed over in the corner with a fine try on the ten minute mark. The visitors quickly rallied and hit back strongly, using their big forwards and excellent half backs to good effect. From a set play 'Yards carved an opening and ran in under the posts to take the lead, but Spartans stuck to their task and managed to stay in the game until the dust settled. Some excellent handling saw the blacks scorch up the wing for another try in the corner, quickly followed by a clever kick and chase leading to a third try and a ten point cushion, but 'Yards were not going to be outdone and hit back with a penalty for 17 - 10 at half time.

The second half began with 'Yards showing some determination to get back into the game early, but they were gradually undone by a Spartans side who made the very most of their chances, with the black backs making good ground through some lively running and good support. The bonus try was secured with another searing break down the touchline for a score in the corner, backed up from the kickoff with one down the middle from a line break and then a sixth try in the opposite corner for fifteen early second half points. With 'Yards on the ropes and plenty of time on the clock the visitors rallied their defence and did try to attack, but it was only a temporary respite and a pragmatic penalty added three more points to keep the scoreboard ticking. As the game entered the final phase 'Yards were engulfed by the blackness and two more tries and a penalty totalled thirty one unanswered second half points towards a satisfying result for Spartans.

This week Spartans are on their travels to joint league leaders Newbold for a real test of recent progress.