A tale of two different squads.

The already promoted Spartans lose to a relegated and 'enhanced' Dunkinfield squad 48-7.

This rearranged Wednesday evening game was a tale of two different Dukinfield 3rd team squads. The regular Dukinfield 3rd team squad playing most Saturdays this season has struggled to compete in the division, winning 7 games out of 22 all season and ending up being relegated.

The Spartans have twice met this season another Dunkinfield 3rd team squad, 'enhanced' by Dukinfield's 1st and / or 2nd team players who had no games and were free to play within their club where they wished. 'Dukinfield 3's' winning both games. Something in the North West Intermediate Leagues that can happen and will happen again to the Spartans and other teams as well- what has been termed the 'loading of lower teams' from higher teams above.

Dukinfield were the better team on the night and deserved their win. The Spartans had already been promoted the Saturday before so the result was immaterial, the Spartans just needed the one point from playing the game to confirm promotion to Division 3.

The Spartans had a number of 1st team players injured and unavailable to play so called up five 2nd team players to the 1st team squad. It was a tough game to end the season with, the result did not go the Spartans way.

However, the Spartans finished the season with pride not giving up. Thank you to all those who played to finish the season, especially the 2nd team players who helped out and played against vastly more experienced Dukinfield players.

Final score - Spartans 7 - 48 Dukinfield
(One Try for Chris Cart and one conversions for Smithy)

Match day squad:
Forwards: Pepa, Chucky, Poni, Tony, Jenko, Marc H, Josh, Jeff, Ben P, Noodles, Tom S.
Backs: Smithy, Chris Cart, Big Jon, Neil G, Brad, Carl H, Marlon, Karlos, Liam B, James Mc.

So the season has ended and the Spartans achieved much more than most thought possible at the start of the season. Another promotion season (4th to 3rd division) after last seasons promotion (5th to 4th division). So its back to back promotions- Division 3 here we come in the 2016/17 season!

The Village Spartans - More than rugby!