St Ives vs. Peterborough 2XV
St Ives faced some tough opposition this weekend in the semi-final of the Hunts & Peterborough cup. Preparation before hand was not the greatest with a change of venues at the last minute due to water-logged pitches at St Ives. This hampered St Ives as it meant the team could not travel with the in-form Ollie Jones or the battle hardened Jason Price at flanker. Also a mid-week injury to Pete Hammond meant a last minute reshuffle to the front row.
Despite these changes, St Ives were confident that they could still give the Peterborough team a run for their money. As it turned out the 'borough pack were just too strong for the travelling Bulls. The plan before the game was to use the St Ives back-line as much as possible, knowing that this would be the main strength the home side of Peterborough ensured that they bossed the St Ives forwards as much as possible. What ensued was a bruising encounter between two packs, with both sets of backs enjoying little possession.
The St Ives pack battled hard all day but in the end could not cope with the strong consistent running and tough scrummaging from the home pack. Peterborough scored three tries each half and finished the game 32-0, St Ives should have notched some points on the board though, but last minute tackling and fine defence from the 'borough team secured a clean sheet for the day. Ollie Scott at flanker was held up over the line and John Paxton was unfortunate with the bounce of the ball to miss an opportunity in the corner.
Despite this loss Ross Thompson believes that St Ives will continue their previous form. We have a tough game this weekend at home to Bedford Swifts and we need to concentrate on that. Peterborough are always a tough team to play, especially at Fengate but I am proud of how the lads battled out there today. The back-row of Steve Burke, Bryan Richardson and Ollie Scott played their hearts out, but unfortunately against the strong opposition forwards we were always on the back foot.