Spartans 1XV v Congleton 2XV - Saturday 26th September 2026
The 1st XV's opening league match of the 2026-27 season, won 43 to 30 at home to Congleton 2nd XV at Sale Sports Club.
A second season in NOWIRUL The County Courier Division 5 East for the First XV, who open at home to Congleton 2nd XV on Saturday 26 September. The Second XV have eight IGR UK League North fixtures, starting at home to Sheffield Vulcans on Saturday 3 October.
Last season finished on the other side of the world. The Spartans came home from the Bingham Cup in Brisbane with six wins from six and the Hoagland Bowl, the club’s first tournament silverware in twelve attempts. This season begins the way they all do, with a Saturday afternoon in September.
Fresh back from Brisbane, and with the squads preparing for the season ahead, Matt Whiteley looked back on Mark Bingham’s legacy and the tournament that carries his name in The Observer.
A second season in NOWIRUL The County Courier Division 5 East, in a division that has been rearranged around them. Marple 2nd XV, Leek 3rds and East Manchester 2nd XV have gone up, and Broughton and Congleton 2nd XV come in, so eight of this year’s eleven opponents are already familiar.
There is no pre season this time, so the league opener is the side’s first match of any kind. It comes at home to Congleton’s Second XV on 26th September, and the season runs through to 17th April, when Crewe & Nantwich’s Thirds are the last visitors of the year.
The Second XV go into this season as champions. They won IGR UK North 2 last year, played eight and won seven, scored 454 and conceded 166, and finished six points clear at the top.
What they enter now is a different competition. IGR UK League North is five clubs playing each other home and away: the Spartans, Typhoons, Sheffield Vulcans, Leeds Hunters and Liverpool Tritons. The Spartans have played every club in IGR UK before now, and Tritons are the only one of this season’s four they met last year, finishing second behind them. The two sides meet again at home on 9th January. We want to change this season’s scoreline against Tritons and come away with two wins!
The season opens at home to Sheffield Vulcans on 3rd October and closes at home to Typhoons on 23rd January.
NOWIRUL The County Courier Division 5 East
| # | TEAM | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | +/- | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartans 1XV | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 298 | 143 | 155 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| 2 | Sale FC Norsemen | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 105 | 68 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| 3 | Carrington | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 109 | 90 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 20 |
| 4 | Stockport 4XV | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 225 | 162 | 63 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
| 5 | Broughton Park 3XV | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 109 | 131 | -22 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 6 | Broughton | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 66 | 226 | -160 | 0 | 1 | 16 |
| 7 | Crewe & Nantwich 3XV | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 92 | 51 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| 8 | Congleton 2XV | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 172 | 129 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 9 | Littleborough 3XV | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 43 | 100 | -57 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| 10 | Oldham 2XV | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 57 | 142 | -85 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 11 | Heaton Moor 3XV | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 52 | 86 | -34 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 12 | To be arranged | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 26 Sep 2026 | Spartans 1XV | 43 – 30 | Congleton 2XV |
| Sat 3 Oct 2026 | Oldham 2XV | 21 – 35 | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 10 Oct 2026 | Broughton Park 3XV | 20 – 64 | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 17 Oct 2026 | Spartans 1XV | 38 – 14 | Heaton Moor 3XV |
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | Littleborough 3XV | 17 – 24 | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 31 Oct 2026 | Spartans 1XV | 41 – 22 | Stockport 4XV |
| Sat 7 Nov 2026 | Spartans 1XV | 53 – 19 | Broughton |
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Carrington | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 5 Dec 2026 | Spartans 1XV | v | Sale FC Norsemen |
| Sat 12 Dec 2026 | Spartans 1XV | v | Broughton Park 3XV |
| Sat 16 Jan 2027 | Spartans 1XV | v | Oldham 2XV |
| Sat 23 Jan 2027 | Heaton Moor 3XV | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 6 Feb 2027 | Spartans 1XV | v | Littleborough 3XV |
| Sat 13 Feb 2027 | Stockport 4XV | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 20 Feb 2027 | Broughton | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 27 Feb 2027 | Congleton 2XV | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 6 Mar 2027 | Crewe & Nantwich 3XV | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 13 Mar 2027 | Spartans 1XV | v | Carrington |
| Sat 3 Apr 2027 | Sale FC Norsemen | v | Spartans 1XV |
| Sat 17 Apr 2027 | Spartans 1XV | v | Crewe & Nantwich 3XV |
Friendly
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Spartans 1XV | v | Knutsford vets |
IGR UK League North
| # | TEAM | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | +/- | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartans 2XV | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 12 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | Liverpool Tritons 1XV | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 15 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| 3 | Typhoons 1XV | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 54 | -39 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Sheffield Vulcans 1XV | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 57 | -45 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 3 Oct 2026 | Spartans 2XV | Postponed | Sheffield Vulcans 1XV |
| Sat 31 Oct 2026 | Sheffield Vulcans 1XV | 12 – 57 | Spartans 2XV |
| Sat 5 Dec 2026 | Liverpool Tritons 1XV | v | Spartans 2XV |
| Sat 12 Dec 2026 | Typhoons 1XV | v | Spartans 2XV |
| Sat 9 Jan 2027 | Spartans 2XV | v | Liverpool Tritons 1XV |
| Sat 23 Jan 2027 | Spartans 2XV | v | Typhoons 1XV |
| TBA | Spartans 2XV | v | Sheffield Vulcans |
Friendly
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 3 Oct 2026 | Spartans 2XV | No score recorded | Sheffield Vulcans |
| Sat 7 Nov 2026 | Leeds Hunters | Cancelled | Spartans 2XV |
| Sat 21 Nov 2026 | Spartans 2XV | Cancelled | Leeds Hunters |
Friendly
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 Oct 2026 | Spartans 3XV | 39 – 27 | Nottingham Hurricanes |
| Group | Role | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Committee | Chair | Christian Davis |
| Vice Chair | Chris Smyth | |
| Secretary | Jonny Fletcher-Wright | |
| Treasurer | Gareth Longley | |
| Director of Rugby Union | Alessandra Lewis | |
| Director of Touch Rugby | Michael Clarke | |
| Club Captain, Union | Matt Brown | |
| Club Captain, Union | George Campbell | |
| Club Captain, Touch | Ben Walker | |
| Playing | First XV Captain | Rob White |
| First XV Captain | James Hainsworth | |
| Second XV Captain | Oluwatayo Adewole | |
| Second XV Captain | Alex Quinlan | |
| Third XV Captain | Keenan McDonald | |
| Third XV Vice Captain | James Martin-Harper |
Christian Davis took over as Chair on 1st September 2026, succeeding Joshua Sanderson-Kirk. The First, Second and Third XV captaincies for the season were announced on 14th August 2026. The club captaincies and the rest of the committee continue from 2025-26.
The 1st XV's opening league match of the 2026-27 season, won 43 to 30 at home to Congleton 2nd XV at Sale Sports Club.
The 2nd XV at home to Sheffield Vulcans in an IGR friendly at Sale Sports Club.
Spartans 1XV43 – 30Congleton 2XV
Spartans 1XV kicked off their 2026-27 NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East campaign in style under a warm September sun today, ending the early afternoon 43 pts to 30 at home.
Watched on by a great opening crowd, the game was fast paced and a pleasure to watch.
Eden Heath and Mark Richardson both made their 1XV debuts, and Brad Fredrick was named Coach's Player.
We'll be providing a full match report as soon as possible.
Coach's Player: Brad Fredrick
Oldham 2XV21 – 35Spartans 1XV
Spartans 1XV made it two wins from two in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, travelling to Oldham RUFC on Saturday 3rd October 2026 and running in five tries against Oldham 2XV.
The tries came from Josh Frampton, Kev M, James Hainsworth, Oscar Garland and Angus Riddell, and Riddell was named Player of the Match. Alex Doyle made his 1XV debut and Tom Vosper made his return to the Spartans 1XV, both from the bench.
A second strong weekend in a row for the First XV, led by captain White and vice captain James Hainsworth.
Angus Riddell
Broughton Park 3XV20 – 64Spartans 1XV
Spartans 1XV made it three wins from three in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, travelling to Broughton Park RUFC at Hough End Playing Fields on Saturday 10th October 2026 and posting their highest score of the season so far in a 64–20 win over Broughton Park 3XV.
Tom Vosper, Emeka Ihenacho, AJ Morgan, Josh Frampton, Brad Fredrick, Angus Riddell, Oluwatayo Adewole, James Hainsworth and Sam Monaghan all scored tries, and Alexander Quinlan kicked seven conversions. Joe Herson made his First XV debut.
The match fell on Stonewall's Rainbow Laces day, and the squad laced up in rainbow colours for it. A rainbow appeared over the pitch during the afternoon as well.
Andy Ryland was named Coach's Player for being consistent, reliable and adaptable across three different high pressure positions, communicating effectively and supporting his teammates throughout.
Captain James Hainsworth said afterwards: "Proud of each and every one of you! Everyone had a class individual game as well as playing as an amazing team."
Coach's Player: Andy Ryland
Spartans 1XV38 – 14Heaton Moor 3XV
Spartans 1XV made it four wins from four in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, beating Heaton Moor 3XV 38–14 at home at Sale Sports Club on Saturday 17th October 2026.
Captain Rob White, Alexander Quinlan, Joe Vincent and Charles Waller scored the tries.
Director of Rugby, Ale Lewis, named Will Curvis as Coach's Player. The players' player of the match was Rhyno.
It was one half of a home double header at Sale Sports Club, with the 3XV playing Nottinghamshire Hurricanes in a friendly on the same afternoon.
Coach's Player: Will Curvis | Players' Player of the Match: Rhyno
Littleborough 3XV17 – 24Spartans 1XV
Spartans 1XV made it five wins from five in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, beating Littleborough 3XV 24–17 away on Rakewood Road on Saturday 24th October 2026. Littleborough had beaten Spartans twice last season, 39–20 at Sale and 34–27 on their own ground. This time Spartans came home with the points, and the First XV stay top of the division.
Rob White, Joe Vincent and Kev Morgan scored the tries.
It was a cold, wet afternoon and, in the words of Director of Rugby, Ale Lewis, "a frustrating game". She singled out captain Rob White and vice captain James Hainsworth for staying "cool calm and collected" through it, and added: "We showed some real resilience and grit once again to complete this game and get the win!"
George Campbell was named Coach's Player for coping with plenty of chopping and changing and adapting to whatever was thrown at him. James Hainsworth added that Campbell "set the standard high from the start".
The captains struggled to pick a player of the match and settled on Joe Vincent for his running and his tackling. Vincent's opposite number was one of Littleborough's standout players, and Vincent shut him down at every opportunity. Jack Mitchell was their standout forward. He came off the bench and, in Hainsworth's words, "ran straight and hard".
Captain's Player of the Match: Joe Vincent | Coach's Player: George Campbell
Spartans 1XV41 – 22Stockport 4XV
Spartans 1XV made it six wins from six in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, beating Stockport 4XV 41–22 at home at Sale Sports Club on Saturday 31st October 2026. Last season Spartans drew 33–33 at Stockport and lost 29–34 to them at Sale. This time Spartans took the points, and the First XV stay top of the division.
Director of Rugby, Ale Lewis, named Tom Vosper as Coach's Player for "incredible scrums and running with real intensity, and fighting to make metres".
Vice captain James Hainsworth said the score "definitely represents how we played", adding: "Keep this up. Keep training." Captain Rob White called it "a proper old school game of rugby".
Hainsworth was named Player of the Match, and Joshua I’Anson made his 1XV debut off the bench.
It was one half of a double header, with the 2XV winning 57–12 away at Sheffield Vulcans on the same afternoon.
A full match report will follow.
Player of the Match: James Hainsworth | Coach's Player: Tom Vosper
Spartans 1XV53 – 19Broughton
Spartans 1XV made it seven wins from seven in NOWIRUL County Courier Div 5 East, beating Broughton 53–19 at home at Sale Sports Club on Saturday 7th November 2026. The fixture had been due at Broughton and was switched to Sale at Broughton's request. The First XV stay top of the division on 35 points, nine clear of Sale FC Norsemen, who have a game in hand.
Broughton brought 12 players. Captain Rob White told the squad the day before: "Even though they’re bringing 12, they’re a v handy team."
Director of Rugby, Ale Lewis, named Alexander Quinlan as Coach's Player "for being calm, making good decisions for the good of the team and getting stuck into stuff he doesn't usually do (like latching and rucking his heart out)".
Joshua I’Anson started at full back, a week after making his 1XV debut off the bench against Stockport.
The 2XV's IGR UK League match away at Leeds Hunters on the same afternoon was cancelled.
A full match report will follow.
Coach's Player: Alexander Quinlan
Sheffield Vulcans 1XV12 – 57Spartans 2XV
Spartans 2XV beat Sheffield Vulcans 57–12 away at Stocksbridge on Saturday 31st October 2026 in the IGR UK League.
Co-Captain Oluwatayo Adewole said after the game: "INCREEEEDIBLE game today!! Not just the result but the intensity, the vibes, I'm still buzzing".
Oscar Garland was named Back of the Match and Jack Mitchell Forward of the Match. Joe Vincent converted six of the tries.
It was one half of a double header, with the 1XV beating Stockport 4XV 41–22 at home at Sale Sports Club on the same afternoon.
A full match report will follow.
Back of the Match: Oscar Garland | Forward of the Match: Jack Mitchell
Spartans 2XVNo score recordedSheffield Vulcans
Photographs from the 2nd XV home match against Sheffield Vulcans in this IGR friendly at Sale Sports Club.
A full match report will follow.
Leeds HuntersCancelledSpartans 2XV
The Spartans 2XV IGR UK League North match away at Leeds Hunters, due on Saturday 7th November 2026, has been cancelled.
The reason given by the club on Spond: Leeds have withdrawn from the IGR league this year.
Spartans 2XVCancelledLeeds Hunters
The Spartans 2XV IGR UK League North home match against Leeds Hunters, due on Saturday 21st November 2026, has been cancelled.
The reason given by the club on Spond: Leeds have withdrawn from the IGR league this year, so neither league meeting between the two sides will be played.
Spartans 3XV39 – 27Nottingham Hurricanes
The Third XV beat Nottinghamshire Hurricanes 39–27 in a friendly at Sale Sports Club on Saturday 17th October 2026. It was a development game, with some players playing for the first time and others trying new positions on the pitch.
The seven tries came from Eden Heath, Adam Fletcher, Peter Brookes, Leo Wood, Ricky Howard, Chris Heaton and Adam Unsworth.
Joe Kelly made his Spartans debut, as did Ricky Howard, who was also voted back of the match. Leo Wood was forward of the match, and the Hurricanes voted Chris Heaton their player of the match.
The club thanked the Hurricanes for making the trip up to Manchester, and has promised to travel down for the return fixture.
Back of the Match: Ricky Howard | Forward of the Match: Leo Wood | Hurricanes' Player of the Match: Chris Heaton
