Reigning champions Spartans edge gallant MBB Marlins

By JACK AMI
NATIONAL Capital District Rugby Union reigning champions Spartans edged MBB Marlins 11-10 at the Murray Barracks Oval over the weekend.
Spartans were stretched by their younger opponents from Gerehu, but came back strongly in the second half after trailing 6-0 at the break.
It all went down to the wire as the Marlins matched the Spartans in every department.
This was one of the better games seen this season, with the experience of the Spartans put to test by a determined Marlins outfit.
Both teams were up in each other’s faces at the ruck as neither side were willing to give much away for their opponents to capitalise on.
The Spartans and Marlins committed their fair share of errors but that did not stop both sides from playing a competitive match until the final whistle.
Despite losing, the Marlins’ performance speaks volumes and they can be assured of strong run heading towards the business end of the season.
Spartans coach John Larry said after the match that too many silly errors, poor ball handling and execution had forced them to defend against an unrelenting opposition.
“I give credit to the young side for putting up a strong performance against us in a match that could have gone either way,” he said.
“We have to get our act together as our upcoming match is against competition leaders Royals, who are yet to lose.”
In other results, Royals continued their winning run with a 15-0 over Wanderers, Southern Chiefs stopped Central Highlanders 27-18 and Defence tamed Grey Hounds 22-8.