Birmingham Barbarians 14 Spartans Stags 41

The Stags notched up their second victory of the season, despite a sluggish first half performance against an energetic BaaBaas side.

With the game evenly matched in the early exchanges, it was Spartans who eventually broke the stalemate with fine interpassing creating the overlap for Baines to run in under the posts.

Having gained the initiative, the visitors sat back, and allowed the hosts’ No 8 to bulldoze over the line unopposed. Again the Stags pressed and worked hard to create two more scores, but with the conversions missing, and the Barbarians converting a further No 8 try, the score at half time was precariously balanced at 15-14.

After a few home truths from captain Norton at half time, the Stags rallied and started to play more enterprising rugby resulting in a further 4 tries and 2 Howell conversions in the second period.

There were encouraging first time appearances from a crop of young players turning out for Spartans, and thank you to Birmingham Barbarians for laying on a sponsored Magners’ event, and providing us with one of their players to join our team to beat them in the post match Magners’ “boat race” as well.”