ARNOLD SPARTANS 15 CHEADLE HULME 10

The first away trip of the season and an epic victory. The day started well as despite the deluge we were treated to a coach driver who knew exactly how to get to the ground. This almost made up for Spriggy, once again forgetting Mr Mac’s midget gems, even some sherbert lemons would have sufficed.

Classic second team rugby was on offer even before the game started. With 6 players either ill, injured or getting christened we waited for another injury to rob of us the influential Tom Hammond at inside centre, Ned Whittle slotted in and for the second game in a row played like a veteran. Gary Connolly had already stepped up to make his first team debut leaving the Spartans with a backline of Sander Fowler, Harry Kenworthy, Ned whittle, Nick Wright, Sam Walton and Mitch Bolus.

Only the 6 ft plus frame of Olly Mills stood out in what was possibly the smallest backline in Spartan history. Indeed I was in two minds whether to play Dec Humphreys or Snow White at number 8. It may have been a typical second team selection shake up but as soon as the whistle went it was a typical Spartan performance. Bob Mortimer caught the kick off and waded deep into territory. The backs displayed some very nice skills with Harry Kenworthy and Nick Wright making some superb breaks. What was missing was the final scoring pass, if this pass was made some spirited defence or the increasingly inclement weather was forcing a knock on.

The Cheadle tight head had the nudge in the scrums and possession was increasingly disjointed. Another dancing feet break from Harry perfectly fed Wrighty and the ball moved wide, the ball was switched inside and from nowhere the ball fell into to the hands of Tom Wriggers, on the full hoof. With 15 metres to go the big man drove like Ginger McLoughlin

This was his first try for the Spartans and possibly his first try ever so apologies to anybody who has to sit and listen to Wriggers talking you through his try. Rumour has it by Saturday night his run started from under his own posts. That was the tale of the half – a lot of great back play, some good drives from the pack and a lot of scrums from knock ons.

The second half started well, the pack won a scrum with an inviting blindside, Dec fed Sander Fowler who sprinted for the line, he drew the cover defenders to find Olly Mills on a wide arc, more cover came across but they hadn’t reckoned on Millsy flipping the ball to Bob Mortimer who barrelled in from 10 yards – a near perfectly executed blind side move.

Cheadle came back and their big runners made yards, their big kickers made even bigger yards as they took advantage of the freshening typhoon. Mitch Bolus and Sam Walton looked increasingly ensured but an effective kick and chase game was putting the Spartans on the ropes. Two deserved tries drew the sides level. It was certainly not a day for goal kickers as the kick sailed wide.

With only a few minutes to go Cheadle had the wind on their backs and the wind in their sails. It was time to see if this crop of Spartans had any backbone. Sam Neill and Spriggy initiated a series of perfect pick and drives. Twiggy continued to make a nonsense of the lineouts, Owen Burrows was involved in everything yet still failed to say anything. Rajaan Hutchinson had worked himself to a standstill. But this was mostly due to him running across the pitch for a lineout when he replaced the skipper. Will Jepson continued to win a bit of 50-50 ball.

And so it was as a series of tackles and skirmishes forced a loose ball. Millsy scooped it up with 40 yards to go. Off he went down the tramlines getting quicker as he went for the winning score and a mobbing from the team. It appeared to be the winning score but Bob Mortimer was having none of it as he spilled a horrible restart. Sander Fowler was having none of it as he passed to the invisible man over the deadball line. Time for the Spartan collective to take over. Fowler forced a fumble from the five metre, the pack poured through and forced a very tricky deep kick to Sam Walton. It took a heart stopping couple of bounces before Sam gathered and put his laces through it. End of game.

Champagne Moment: tough one this especially as there was a lack of comedy moments. Wriggers try may have claimed it but I am sure everyone will hear about it anyway. It must go to the Millsy pick up and 40 yard dash. It was noticeable that the entire team mobbed him but there was a disappointing lack of a pile on and rib digs. Well done Millsy, at this rate everyone will be wearing a waist coat at the Spartan do.

Man of the Match: very tough, Sander filled his boots with every blindside, Harry showed super balance and incisive running, Wrighty looks a genuine prospect, Dec is beginning to play like a genuine senior 8, Mitch was very secure in horrible conditions and of course Millsy had some golden moments. I am going to give it to Sam Walton. He stepped in on a late call and I think he was the only player to not make a mistake all game. Well played Sam and well played you Spartans. As ever a special mention must go to the traveling supporters, their presence always makes a difference and every credit to the ref who had a very clear and consistent game.

Report by Graeme McIntyre