Spartans defeated in big battle with the Romans
CHESTER ROMANS ........................... 34 HALTON SPARTANS ............................ 9
THE Spartans played their fourth game of the season making the short trip to their closest rivals, the Chester Romans, looking to even their record after dropping their opening two contests.
However, it did not go the Spartans’ way as they went down to a disappointing 34-9 defeat.
It was clear from play one the Romans meant business as they put together a solid drive to score their first touchdown of the day, which was converted to establish a 7-0 lead.
Following the subsequent kick-off the Spartans’ offence took to the field and despite great runs from both Martin Murphy and Craig Owen they could only manage a couple of first downs before punting the ball away.
Chester’s offence picked up where they left off in their first drive and again advanced downfield for their second converted touchdown to make it 14-0.
Again, the Spartans’ offence could not gain any real traction and both teams exchanged punts on their respective next drives.
As the sides turned round for the second quarter, the Spartans’ offence started brightly putting together a great drive, but were unable to cross for the touchdown.
Instead, the ever-dependable Matty Fitzsimons slotted over a field goal from 35 yards to cut the deficit to 11 points.
The Spartans’ defence were beginning to make inroads into the Chester offence, the most notable of which was a solo sack on the Chester quarterback by defensive end Dave Quinn.
The Halton defence were looking to hold the Chester defence until halftime allowing the Spartans to regroup for the second half.
Unfortunately for Halton, it was not to be as the Romans crossed for a touchdown and converted point-after ● on pretty much the last play for the first half making it 21-3 at the midway stage.
With a scoreline of 21-3 going into the third stanza, the Spartans were always going to be chasing the game – but they never gave up and on the offence side of the ball they put together some good drives.
Their hard work eventually paid off, with Murphy rumbling in for a welldeserved touchdown, after punishing the Romans defence for the majority of the game.
On defence, the Spartans picked up interceptions from linebacker Jim Williams and safety Billy Forrest that ended a couple of the Romans’ drives.
But it was not enough and spending large amounts of time on the field in the end took its toll on the Spartans’ defence.
The Romans scored a further two touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, both of which were converted, sealing a 34-9 victory.
It was clear to see that this was a tough loss for all the Spartans players and coaches, but they just have to dust themselves down, and begin to plan and prepare for the visit of the Staffordshire Surge to the Select Security Stadium on Sunday.
Sunday’s game kicks-off at 2pm and gates open at 1pm.
Concourse bars will be open serv- ing drinks and food, and there are cheerleaders, half-time competitions, and a match commentator too.
Entrance fee is £5 (cash only) for two adults and unlimted U16s.
Or why not treat yourself to one of the club’s season passes which gets you into all of the Spartans’ four remaining home games for £15 for two adults and unlimited U16s?
These can be purchased from Spartans’ staff on the day.