The Spartans on tour in Madrid for the 2017 Union Cup, 28-30 April.
Where they took their largest tour party ever consisting of 65 players across 3 teams with 19 support staff and club supporters.
The Spartans fielded 3 teams competing in the Union Cup, Plate and Bowl. The tournament was played over two days on the Saturday and Sunday of the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. Though, the weather conditions were more like Manchester - cool and raining!
The 1st team took a squad of 24 players to play in the Union cup, the competitions premier event. Where 16 teams would compete for the right to be European inclusive rugby champions.
The 2nd team with 21 players entered the second tier Union Plate competition, where 8 teams competed.
The 3rd team with 20 players entered the Union Bowl for newly formed teams which had 6 teams in this section of the competition.
In what turned out to be memorable tournament on and off the pitch the Spartans came away from Madrid proud of their efforts.
1st team results, 4 team pool:
Spartans 60 - 0 Celtic Lions.
Spartans 62 - 7 Straffe Ketten (Brussels).
Spartans 42 - 0 Madrid Tritons.
The 1st team finished top of their pool and qualified directly for the semi-finals.
Main Cup Semi-final number 2:
Spartans 0 - 10 Kings Cross Steelers 1.
In a hard fought semi final the Spartans lost out the King Cross Steelers. The Steelers went on to win the tournament defeating Montpellier in the final 26-7. Congratulations to the Kings Cross Steelers on retaining the Union Cup.
2nd team results, 4 team pool.
Spartans 0- 34 Berlin Bruisers
Spartans 5 - 12 Wessex Wyverns.
Spartans 0- 24 Tou win (Toulon).
The 2nd team improved with every game, saving their best performance for Toulon losing 24-0. Toulon went on to win the Plate competition. Congratulations to Toulon.
3rd team results:
Spartans 0-63 Rebelyon
Spartans 0 - 19 Brighton Sea Serpents.
Spartans 5 - 17 King Cross Steelers 4.
The Spartans 3rd team played in the Bronze play off v the Munich Monks winning 5-0. To take a bronze medal home. Leaving Munich with the wooden spoon.
Congratulations to Rebelyon who were the outstanding team in the bowl competition winning the final.
A big thank you from the Club to all the coaches, medical staff, tour management and supporters who supported the clubs players on tour.
The Bank Holiday Monday saw the end of the tour celebrated in true Spartans style with fancy dress and plenty of beers! The Spartans 'Naughty nana's' were out in force around Madrid.
The Village Spartans - 'More than Rugby!'