The ultimate game of 2 halves!!

Spartans travelled to local rivals Gordon League on the back of a dominant win over Gloucester Old Boys and hoped to continue their good run of form.

Captain Phil Sutton once again lost the toss and the hosts chose to play up the slope into a wind which would develop into a key factor later in the game. With the elements in their favour the Red Ants needed to put in a dominant performance, which they did, recorded some very well worked tries which included a brace for Josh Allaway, and tries for Ashley Lewis and Aaron Fowke, both after bullocking runs, as well as young back row Alfie Howe, who's overexcited celebration could be heard all round Hempstead!

Two conversion resulted in a 29-0 half time lead however that wind had picked up significantly and now facing a significant slope and a gusting wind the Red Ants were under the cosh for most of the 2nd half. The League controlled field position with excellent kicking for territory which combined with Spartans poor decision making and unforced errors gave them a foothold in the game. Gradually they ate into Spartans leads with 4 converted tries to reduce to deficit to 1 point.

The final try was scored with 30 seconds to play which meant the visitors needed to defend bravely through the last phase of play to record a victory by the smallest of margins.

Other scores from the league - which is shaping up to be incredibly tight - Spartans have extended their lead to 6 points at the top of Gloucester Prem, however they have a very tough list of remaining fixtures and only time will tell if they can maintain their position atop the league.

Spartans: Ben Beattie, Brad Dunn, Phil Sutton (Capt), Ashley Lewis, Josh Allaway; Tom Broady, Marty Cummings, Callum Bankes, Aaron Fowke, Terry Connors, Jordan Smith, Ben Webb, Elliot Mayer, Alfie Howe, George Boughton. Reps: Sidney Bayliss, Luke Foran, Josh Fowke

**Congratulations to Ben Beattie, Brad Dunn and Tom Broady who have been selected in the 40 man Gloucestershire RFU U20 squad for the upcoming championships. Let's hope the lads make it through to the matchday squad.**