West Bridgford 24, Spartans 15.

The road to Twickenham proved a short one for Spartans as the RFU Intermediate Cup provided an excellent advert for junior rugby, with both sides playing their part in a thoroughly entertaining game in the leafy suburbs of Nottingham.

'West got off to a good start with a dominant set of experienced backs moving the ball very nicely to probe Spartans defence, and a seasoned winger took his chance well to give an early lead to the home side. With their backs to the wall, the Men In Black were forced to reveal a lot of character as they faced wave after wave of attack, but hang on they did, and despite constant pressure the scoreboard didn't change. On the half hour 'West went further ahead from a creative lineout, but Spartans managed a reply from a penalty against the run of play to give them a lifeline and as the half time whistle blew 'West were ruing a number of missed chances.

The second half saw an increasingly tense affair develop as Spartans fought their way back into the game, as a number of 'West attacks were foiled and play finally moved into the home half. Somehow the tables were turned and the black forwards were able to win some ball which was used to good effect, driving over for a try to narrow the gap. 'West had other ideas however, and as Spartans tried to chase the game they moved the ball very well to score two tries in quick succession and thwart any suggestion of a surprise result. With just ten minutes left the visitors sneaked over again to rattle the home side, but no more chances came their way and Spartans went home empty handed.

This week Spartans to Whitchurch for the first time in well over thirty years as their league campaign resumes.