Best finish yet in league, now Tamworth focus on the cup

TAMWORTH 17 LEEK 14

TAMWORTH secured a club record top four place in Midlands Two West North as they edged a narrow encounter with fellow high-fliers Leek, writes Matthew Panter.

Both sides struggled to gain a foothold in the opening stages before the trusty boot of Danny Norton gave Tamworth a slender lead.

Leek, however, proved to be a tough side to break down and Tamworth's forwards had to put in a big performance once more to gain the edge up front.

With the game in the balance, Tamworth produced a fine move involving the half backs, brothers John and Danny Borthwick.

They sent the impressive full back Norton over for a great try.

Tamworth then fell foul of the referee as Leek kicked a couple of penalties to close things up.

The Wigginton Park men got off to a disappointing start in the second half as Leek crossed the line for a score.

However, Tamworth then showed great character for a young side and once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two Norton penalties. Team manager Andy Madden said: "The boys have played some outstanding rugby this season resulting in a top four place in the Midland Two set-up.

"That's a record high finish for the club and the players and staff should be very proud of this achievement.

"However, there is no time to celebrate just yet.

"We now go on to a tough Staffordshire Cup Final against Burton RFC and we'll focus on that."

The clash with Burton takes place at Lichfield RFC on Sunday, May 13.

SPARTANS 22 ASTON OLD EDS 8

SPARTANS ended their season on a high with victory over Aston Old Eds.

Using the elements well, Aston started strongly but the two sides cancelled each other out in the opening quarter with neither side able to score.

Gradually Spartans cranked up the pressure and forced Aston to defend.

Eventually, pressure turned into points when an Aston scrum wilted and Spartans squeezed over for the first try.

A yellow card for Spartans James Gibbons gave Aston chance to capitalise but Spartans responded by scoring an outstanding try as the backs and forwards combined to release young Jamie Parker to score in the corner.

Aston hit back and a well struck penalty from Thomas McNamee left the half time score at 10-3 with the game finely balanced.

The second half saw both sides probing but Spartans had the better territory and Aston were on the back foot.

Spartans received a second yellow for Michael Bennett and Spartans were forced to raise their game.

Staying in the Aston 22, patience was the order of the day as Spartans held their hard won territory, and eventually Parker crossed from close range for his second. Tom Hardy converted.

Spartans continued to move the ball around the pitch and were rewarded for their efforts when Matthew Southam scorched down the wing and off-loaded to Alex Garbett for the fourth try.

Aston responded but were hampered when Michael Tate left the field with a badly broken arm.

However they did score a late consolation try in the corner to complete a good advert for local club rugby.

Spartans C lost 32-12 to Handsworth Third XV. The under-16s were beaten 38-5 to Walsall and the under-17s lost 17-5 to Market Bosworth.