Spartans RFC 25

Old Silhillians 12

SPARTANS moved to within two points of fourth spot on the Midlands Two West (South) with an excellent win over Old Silhillians.

Spartans broke the deadlock when flanker Michael Foulds crashed through for an excellent score.

Silhillians responded immediately when a gaping hole in the blindside defence was exploited and the two sides went in level at the break.

A re-focused Spartans side regained the lead straight after half-time when a high cross-kick from scrum half Tom Hardy was fumbled and Alex Stewart won the race to touch down.

A well-struck conversion from Hardy stretched the lead but Silhillians hit back with a try to make it 14-12. Spartans then pressed the visitors into giving away two penalties which were well converted by Hardy to stretch the lead.

And as time ran out, Spartans finished the stronger and slick handling across the back-line sent full back Michael Blair through the defence to score a wonderful try.

Elsewhere, Spartans second XV won 20-19 at Camp Hill with tries from Dave Owen, Duncan Bowden and Danny Campill.

The third XV lost 28-20 to Manor Park with scores from Steve Kennard, Martin Mahan and James Golda.

The fourth XV won an unsavoury encounter at Manor Park 14-12 with tries for Stu Phillips and Simon Bowman. Tim Hesketh added the extras.