Whatever next for the Spartans? After great performances against Teeside and especially Newcastle, Sunderland recorded a win against Hull with a thoroughly unconvincing display.
Next to Sandhill were the Durham Saints, playing their first season in the league. It was also the return of some old Sunderland coaches, who left 2 years ago, so the game had some extra spice.
The Spartans, playing in unfamiliar orange jerseys, entered the game knowing that anything less than a win against this team was unacceptable. The game started poorly with the Spartans playing some of the worst football of their entire history. 14-0 at half time to Durham meant that many harsh words were said and tempers started to grow. Strong words towards the referee at the Sunderland sideline meant that Durham were awarded numerous penalties, but Sunderland were lucky not to have a player ejected after the referee was told to ‘get lost’ in a less polite manner.
A change in formation and effort was what was needed by the Spartans and this immediately paid off at the start of the second half, with Will Smith running nearly the entire length of the field with the ball for a score. 14-6 -Durham. Soon after, a wide open a Spartans receiver caught the ball in the endzone for another score to Sunderland, the board now reading 14-12 to Durham. With the light deteriorating in the 4th quarter, Durham requested that the game be abandoned, with Sunderland politely refusing. Seconds later, the Spartans Quarterback ran the ball in to make the score 14-18 in favour of Sunderland. This prompted the head coach of Sunderland to request the game be called, only minutes after Durham had done so, this time The Saints were not so eager.
With some uninspiring football played in the final few minutes, due to very poor light, Sunderland held on for the win, to take their record to 2-2, going into a bye week.
Although 2 wins on the bounce looks good on paper for The Spartans, a great improvement will be needed to record a win against Newcastle in two weeks time, before a long winter break.
Next to Sandhill were the Durham Saints, playing their first season in the league. It was also the return of some old Sunderland coaches, who left 2 years ago, so the game had some extra spice.
The Spartans, playing in unfamiliar orange jerseys, entered the game knowing that anything less than a win against this team was unacceptable. The game started poorly with the Spartans playing some of the worst football of their entire history. 14-0 at half time to Durham meant that many harsh words were said and tempers started to grow. Strong words towards the referee at the Sunderland sideline meant that Durham were awarded numerous penalties, but Sunderland were lucky not to have a player ejected after the referee was told to ‘get lost’ in a less polite manner.
A change in formation and effort was what was needed by the Spartans and this immediately paid off at the start of the second half, with Will Smith running nearly the entire length of the field with the ball for a score. 14-6 -Durham. Soon after, a wide open a Spartans receiver caught the ball in the endzone for another score to Sunderland, the board now reading 14-12 to Durham. With the light deteriorating in the 4th quarter, Durham requested that the game be abandoned, with Sunderland politely refusing. Seconds later, the Spartans Quarterback ran the ball in to make the score 14-18 in favour of Sunderland. This prompted the head coach of Sunderland to request the game be called, only minutes after Durham had done so, this time The Saints were not so eager.
With some uninspiring football played in the final few minutes, due to very poor light, Sunderland held on for the win, to take their record to 2-2, going into a bye week.
Although 2 wins on the bounce looks good on paper for The Spartans, a great improvement will be needed to record a win against Newcastle in two weeks time, before a long winter break.
