Backs-to-the-wall defence earns Spa hard-fought success over Stourbridge

However, this time it was the side from Moorefields who gained the slenderest of victories with a 20-19 success over visitors Stourbridge.

Leamington went behind to a converted score in the third minute but quickly regrouped and from a lineout Craig Smith almost latched on to Patrick Northover’s engaging chip over the defensive cover.

Northover then got Spa on the scoreboard with a penalty.

The visitors continued to test Spa, cleverly using the pace of their outside centre only to be caught napping against the run of play, Northover creating space from a quick tap penalty to race in under the posts.

The scorer added the conversion but Spa only held their three-point lead for a matter of minutes as Stourbridge responded with a converted try.

With the half entering its final stages, Spa gained attacking momentum through Alex Carroll and Mark Baldwin and capitalised when Dan Kane powered over. Northover converted to give the hosts a 17-14 half-time lead.

The visitors set about the second period with some very robust attacking play.

Spa increased their slender lead courtesy of a penalty from Tom Jewitt but soon found themselves under more pressure.

Craig Smith repelled the initial danger with a tremendous tackle which forced the ball into touch.

Soon after, the Spa winger had to pull off another thundering tackle to prevent an almost certain try.

Then, in an incredible phase of play, Stourbridge tried once again to open up Spa on the far wing.

This time, Smith gave his opponent the faintest of hope before sizing him up for another assassin-like demolition.

In the dying minutes, Stourbridge did get their reward with a score in the corner but the conversion attempt drifted wide to leave the hosts celebrating a hard-fought victory.