Bugbrooke vs. St Ives – 2nd October 2004
Bugbrooke 23 St Ives 17
St. Ives Rugby Club travelled to South West Northampton on Saturday to play Bugbrooke. Bugbrooke won their opening 2 matches of the season and were hoping to make it three in a row. St Ives lost narrowly to Bugrooke at the end of last season but were determined to re-gain the points.
From the kick-off, facing the wind and rain, St Ives were on the back foot. Minds were still on the car journey down which meant the focus on the game was not enough to avoid an early penalty and try from the green and yellows. St Ives started to pick-up a little as their defence became stronger against a continuous shower of Bugbrooke attacks. Excellent tackling from Dave Sykes, Steve Burke and Nick Crane held them at bay.
Jack Blackley converted a penalty in the 2nd part of the first half bringing the scores a little closer, although a quick penalty from Bugbrooke in the St Ives' 22 just after allowed them to score in the corner following a dubious touch judge decision.
St Ives' defence held up as the Bugbrooke fullback came flying into the brick wall combo of James Cannon and Vinny Woodward, bouncing back 5 yards and spilling the ball.
The second half started more positively for St Ives with the wind behind them. A much improved kick-off from Fly Half James Cannon lifted the ball high to allow both teams a 50/50 change of gaining possession. Bugbrooke recovered, but soon lost the ball to the marauding St Ives pack following improved mauling and excellent rucking. Tackles from Steve Lake and Ross Thompson causing them to spoil the ball.
A fringing offence from Bugbrooke caused a penalty from them and allowed St Ives to take up position within the 22. A number of phases followed, and resulted in Cannon going through the Bugbrooke backline and over the try line to score St Ives' first try. Blackley converted.
St Ives returned to their half to start again, but this time conceded a number of penalties from rucking errors which fortunately the Bugbrooke fly-half didn't convert. One quick penalty from Bugbrooke allowed them to once again sneak in the corner for their 3rd try.
St Ives returned the favour when a classic Crane interception at the St Ives 22, left the ball in the skippers hands to storm his way up the pitch and score under the posts. Again Blackley converted.
The clock ticked down and although St Ives kept the pressure on they were unable to regain the 6 points needed to take the win away from Bugbrooke.
St Ives finished 23 v 17 down.
Nick Crane, skipper, said after the game "we started off slow, which cost us the game. A problem that was encountered last season which we must get out of. On the positive side, discipline was good again which is always a bonus that St Ives haven't always achieved". Nick added "training is key, and with only 30% of the first team training it will be difficult to improve the basic drills further. We need to work on this weakness".
St Ives' next league game is against Bedford Swifts, on October 9th at home on Somersham Road. Spectators are always welcome!!