Red Ants complete sweep of local derby wins with battling performance

Spartans have a very demanding fixture schedule still to go, including 3 trips to Bristol, but if they do go on to secure Gloucestershire Premier, January may very well prove the decisive month. 4 local derbies against some of our fiercest rivals, 4 wins and 3 try bonus points, all this achieved despite an ever increasing battle with injury and unavailability.

Our rivalry with near neighbours Longlevens has heightened over the past 2 seasons and this game certainly had an edge to it. No quarter was given in a brutally physical contest which was in the balance right up until the final play when Longlevens number 8 Tom Harvey was held up over line to enable Spartans to win through 21-15.

Spartans scored tries through Josh Allaway and Brad Dunn in the 1st half, both converted by Tom Broady, but they found themselves 15-14 down at the break after having to absorb huge amounts of pressure from Levens weighty pack.

The 2nd half only brought 1 more score, workhorse 2nd row Jordan Smith dotting down in the corner, with Broady superbly converting from the touchline, have the visitors the lead which they never relinquished.

A performance full of guts, heart and resilience which keeps us firmly on top of the league.

Spartans: Ben Beattie, Brad Dunn, Nick Rhodes, Josh Fowke, Josh Allaway, Tom Broady, Marty Cummins; Nico Tarantino, Aaron Fowke, Callum Bankes, Jordan Smith, Elliot Mayer, George Boughton, Alfie Howe, Jordan Fowke. Reps: Tez Connor, Paul Sutton, Roy Fowke.