The Spartans begin with a win.

The Spartans entered this season with the objective of consolidating their status in Division 4 East and not being relegated straight back down after one season. The aim is to win 8-10 league games which would likely keep the Spartans in the division. Then over the next couple of seasons build a competitive team that can challenge at the top of the 4th division level.

So it was with both excitement and nerves that the 1st team squad travelled to Aldwinians 3’s to play the first game of the new season. The Spartans started well with an opening period of possession and pressure in the Aldwinians half, who were caught off side 5 minutes into the game just outside their 22.

The Spartans elected to kick for touch putting the ball out 10 metres from the try line, where they won the line out ball and set up a driving maul which led to the first try scored by prop Robbie who drove over the line at the back of the driving maul. Scrum half Smithy converted, 7-0 for the Spartans.

The Spartans second try came from débutante number 10 Harry who attacked a gap in the defence at the half way line pulling in cover defenders from where Harry off loaded to inside centre Chris C in support who cut across the field toward the corner and was stopped just inside the Aldwinians 22. Hooker Chucky in support picked up the ball from the ruck and cut through in under the posts. Smithy converted, the Spartans led 14-0.

The Spartans third try came 30 minutes into the game as a result of quick thinking by inside centre Chris C. who took a tap penalty at the half way line catching the Aldwinians defence off guard. He ran though and in for a try in the corner while being chased by two defenders. Smithy converted, the Spartans led 21-0.

Half time score: Aldwinians 3’s : 0-21 : Village Spartans 1’s.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half saw the Spartans pinned in their own 22 as Aldwinians upped their efforts to score with a number of attacking scrums and most of the possession. With a scrambling defence and bit of luck the Spartans defence held firm. Slowly the Spartans re-established themselves as an attacking threat gaining possession and territory. Each side counter acting each other for the next 10 minutes as neither side looked like scoring.

With 20 minutes left in the game another quick thinking and intelligent rugby move by Simon G (Chucky) saw him tap on the 5M line turn and drive over from close range. Number 8 Karlos converted the Spartans led 28-0.

The Spartans then switched off for a short while and allowed one of the Aldwinians centres to gain ground through missed tackles from the half way line down the left wing channel where he off loaded to the winger who ran the ball in the corner for a try. The conversion was missed and the score now stood at 28-5 for the Spartans.

The Spartans then had a stroke of luck as the Aldwinian’s back line dropped the ball in attack on the Spartans 22. Fly half Harry picked the loose ball up and ran through a gap and 3/4 of the pitch unopposed to score under the posts. Karlos converted, 35-5 for the Spartans.

The Spartans then produced a flowing attack up the right wing channel involving passing and support moves by Chucky, Dean and Smithy, finished off by Chris C with a try under the posts. Karlos converted the score was now 42-5 for the Spartans.

Chris C’s hat-trick of try’s in the game came as he found himself in space on the right wing, Chris outflanked the defender with his pace to run around the winger and in under the posts again. Karlos converted the score was now 49-5. The ref blew for full time.

Final score: Aldwinians 3’s : 5 - 49 : Village Spartans 1’s.

Thank you to Aldwinians for a competitive game played in the right spirit. This was a decent team performance from the Spartans where for periods of the game they had good control. There are several things to work on and improve as would be expected in the early part of the season.

Try’s: 3 for Chris C, Chucky 2, Harry 1, Robbie 1.
Conversations: 3 for Smithy and 4 for Karlos.

1st team squad: Pepa, Chucky, Robbie, Tony G, Joe, Jenko, Marc H, Dean (capt), Karlos, Tom, Smithy, Harry, Chris C, Carl H, Chris H, Shaun, Andy Ry, Christian.

Next week the Spartans 1’s play Manchester 3’s at Home at 3pm. The 2nd team play at 1pm v Didsbury 4’s in a friendly.

New player enquiries- If you would like to join and play rugby for the Spartans then please see this information link.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/manchestervillagespartansrufc/a/recruitment-41184.html

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