Spartans Stags 26 Stourbridge 4s 17

With Edwardians calling off the scheduled fixture on Friday lunchtime, Spartans Stags were fortunate to get a hastily organised alternative game against the travelling Stourbridge 4th team.

Playing with the slope in the first half, Spartans failed to take full advantage against a well drilled Black Country outfit, and despite tries from Gibbons and Waterman their half time lead was restricted to 10-5.

Given the slender points advantage, and the close proximity in both teams’ ability, it was important for captain Norton to rally his side up the hill. The Stags duly obliged, and with the introduction of fresh legs, the home side pressed hard for further scores. A sustained period of pressure resulted in further tries for Haig and Bowden as Spartans extended their lead, and Westwood notched up an additional 3 points.

However, Stourbridge would not Lye (sic) down, and two converted tries late on resulted in a tense final few minutes as the Stags held on precariously to a 6 point lead.

Westwood finally eased the pressure with a last play penalty to bring a conclusion to a well contested encounter. ”