Aston Old Eds 2's 7, Spartans 3's 66

Aston Old Eds 2's entertained Spartans III's on Saturday on what was the warmest day of the year so far. The return of Captain Judd "Juddy" Smith into the front row after a lengthy layoff was a huge advantage for Spartans who also are still vying to finish the season top of the league.

Spartans were missing a few of their regulars, so some jiggling of positions was needed, and on a day built for running rugby, Spartans knew they would have to perform against a young, quick and very capable Aston OE side.

Spartans had a game plan however, and their forwards dominated their opposition in almost every department. The scrum was particularly devastating, with a number won against the head.

The breakdown also proved advantageous for Spartans, winning turnover after turnover. Finn, returning from his time away, made a huge contribution, as did the entire pack. This allowed the experienced Spartans backs to counter attack from depth with pace. It wasn't long before Dan Reeves scored the first of his fives tries, beating a number of defenders to score. His second followed shortly after and his hat-trick was complete after a skilled kick over the top and chase.

Other backs got in on the score sheet as the Spartans powerful forwards sucked in defenders. Strong runs from John Williams, Glenn Gordon, Simone Pearson, Mike "Denty" Dent, Finn and Dave all made ground and holes. The Fullback George "Cuz" Hesketh scored a try after neat switch from the hooker Dave put him through a gap on the Spartans own 10m line. Scrum half Knibbs scored the first of his brace after a cheeky intercept in the opposition 22. A great team move down the right involved a number of players with great running lines and supporting angles saw new boy Ryan Devine, playing in the front row, score.

Vice Captain Anthony Hodgetts, running the backs superbly from Fly Half, kept adding to the score with a number of conversions

Aston OE's were on the rack well before the end of the half, and some valiant attacks were well defended by the men in black who never allowed their opposition chance to get a foothold in the game.

The second half allowed both sides to take a breather, but Spartans were in no mood to get complacent. Replacements came on and changes were made in various positions to allow fresh legs but even playing uphill, the forwards still outclassed their opposite numbers. More tries followed as Knibbs scored his second and Dan his fourth and fifth tries. Carl "Toddy" Todd make some big carries and the young wingers were coming in looking for work well.
A well taken individual try was Aston OE saw them finally get on the score board, but a final flourish from the Spartans saw them finish the day positively winning 66 - 7.

We don't currently have the other results from the league, but with Spartans final game next week against Birmingham Exiles, they are looking to finish the season strongly.