SPARTANS edged an entertaining clash with Aston Old Eds 25-22.

Spartans played with the wind in the first half and took full advantage with good running by Sam Bowker and Fraser Mackie.

They opened the scoring when Kane Densley picked up a loose ball just inside Aston's half and jinked his way past the opposition before crossing the line.

Spartans applied pressure again and some good rucking by the forwards saw Densley go in for his second try.

With Aston camped on their own try line, Spartans applied the pressure and the next score came from Charlie Bampton.

Aston eventually crossed the try line after strong running by their big pack but Densley completed a hat-trick of tries to stretch the Spartans lead.

The second half was a completely different game as Spartans seemed to take their foot off the gas and Aston got back into the game, narrowing the gap to 20-17.

Spartans dug deep and Max Garbett broke for the corner and was a step away from scoring when a high tackle denied him.

Spartans were awarded the penalty try which stretched their lead to 25-17.

This eased the pressure slightly, but Aston rallied quickly and pulled back another try.

With minutes to go, Spartans were holding on by the skin of their teeth and Cameron Holland produced a fine tackle to prevent a winning try for the visitors.