2's winning run continues...

On a freezing afternoon at Coppice Lane Spartans continued their winning streak having beaten out a victory from harsh conditions.

With the weather more suited to an afternoon in the bar watching the six nations than playing 80 minutes outside it appeared as if Nuneaton 3s had the same idea arriving with just 12 players. Spartans leant two players to bring the sides to 14 each. With this sorted it was time for the match to get underway to the watchful eye of the handful of supporters that were present.

Spartans started off slow and rusty allowing Nuneaton to get an early try through ‘Jelly’ on the wing who was one of the two players leant to Nuneaton and put in a big shift for them. He was rewarded for his efforts with a cheap shot from flanker Rostron in what can only be described as an “attempted” last ditch tackle.

This score awoke Spartans who began to deploy their powerful runners in attack and up the physicality in defence. A shout out to Will Sanders whose physicality was an ever present thorn in the side of Nuneaton.

It was soon apparent that while Nuneaton were well drilled in open play they could not compete at either the line out or the scrum where it was clear Spartans forwards, led by the front three of Jones, Bowden and John ‘The Batman’ Lewis, could really get a foothold in the game.

Knowing that any mistake would result in a victorious Spartans scrum, Nuneaton succumbed to the pressure as Cam darted round the outside to score in the corner. The first half continued to be end to end action with both sides showing what they were capable of and crossing the whitewash.

The second half started much the same with both teams pushing hard to take control of the game. The turning point had to be Bowden’s gazelle-like running which saw him chare down the pitch from his own half being brought down just short of the line for Dale to steal the glory crossing the line to the left side of the pitch.

Spartans used their lineout to great effect winning ball after ball and setting up strong and powerful rolling mauls. Nuneaton’s only defence to this was to step away from the line and force a truck and trailer infringement. This riled Spartans and it was clear that in the closing stages of the game they were letting decisions affect there play. This was not a problem and despite constant infringements at the ruck a team effort in defence stopped Nuneaton scoring the match winning try and some good counter rucking saw Nuneaton final give their own infringement on the 80 minute mark. Harrison kicking the ball to touch to bring a close to what was one of the harder fought matches of the season.

The coveted POG award this week goes to Will ‘the hairdryer’ Sanders for his physicality around the park which saw him cross the line and bully his way in defence. While the Cock of the Game was award to Martyn Bowden for his knock on from the quick tap and go.

Next week Spartans return to League action traveling to Broadstreet in an effort to further secure their top of the league positioning from Old Leamingtons and Newbold 3’s the later of which have a game in hand.