Having not played each other for a few years, both sides entered the contest not knowing each other and came away knowing even less after a dull game on a suitably grey autumn day.
To start with, the higher ranked home side had all the ball and constantly tested the black defence for fifteen minutes, after which a mystery penalty gave them a deserved lead. Spartans began to find their feet however, and with some possession managed to keep the ball for longer periods as they tried to play some running rugby. Now it was the home side who were forced to defend until the scores were levelled by a well-struck penalty. The visitors continued to push hard and eventually the London referee saw yellow, sending the home fullback to the cooler. Spartans took advantage of the extra man and finally scored a try with an overlap giving Jamie Owen the chance to romp home from twenty metres, and the conversion provided just a seven point difference at half time.

The second half began where the first left off; a scrappy affair with little continuity on offer and neither side looking like scoring. Surprisngly, the home side didn't use their big forwards and the Men In Black were able to increase their share of possession, forcing some desperate defence which saw the penalty count rise and Spartans bagged a brace despite some wobbly attempts. The home side had their chances but missed a kickable penalty at a crucial stage allowing Spartans some breathing space and they made their way downfield only to drop the ball over the line. As the game entered the last quarter the home forwards began pounding Spartans' tryline for ages, until the referee went for his pocket and only fourteen black defenders ensured there was no way over. Eventually the siege was lifted and Spartans made their way back downfield to intercept a lineout and dive over the line, and time was at last up.

This week Spartans host Walsall at Coppice Lane, kick off 2.15pm.