Birmingham Exiles 5 Spartans’ Stags 38

In a ruthlessly efficient display of controlled rugby, Spartans Stags completed their pre- Christmas period with a solid victory over league outfit Birmingham Exiles.

With their hosts looking dangerously quick if the ball was sent out wide, Spartans put an early stranglehold on the game with tries from Baines and Eren. Westwood knocked over the conversions to complement these scores.

Despite a 14 point Spartans’ advantage, Birmingham Exiles still executed positive phases and the visitors worked hard in defence to protect their lead.

A further score from Perry before half time put Spartans 19-0 ahead, but the key to the match lay in the first period after the break with Spartans ringing the changes from their well stocked bench likely to break up the cohesion set up in the first 40 minutes.

However, the visitors remained strong and kept the scoreboard ticking over with further tries from Baines, Whiting and Shilcof and 2 more conversions from Westwood.

An Exiles final salvo saw them cross for a consolation try, but the Stags returned home with the festive spoils.”