St Ives vs. Biggleswade
A combined 1st and 2nd XV got together this Saturday to face Biggleswade who play in the league above, a combination of injuries and unavailability forced the Bulls to field a side that were inexperienced in playing together, but at the end of 80 minutes it looked as though the lads had been playing for years.
A freezing afternoon did little for the spirits and a gusty wind did not assist in the open expansive game, so the forwards took it upon themselves to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Some good offloading and support play kept the ball alive and ran the Biggleswade defence ragged, the play quickly reached the Biggleswade 22 and St Ives were constantly probing the line for the break through. It eventually fell to John Paxton out wide, who crashed over in the corner for the opening score.
From the restart St Ives were immediately on the attack once again. Mickey Blackley playing at Lock, and having a storming game to boot, surged up the field, swatting would be tacklers off left right and centre. Biggleswade were eventually penalised for infringement and from the quick tap Ross Thompson drew the defenders and put James Cannon in to score. The first half continued in this light, with St Ives enjoying a territorial advantage and enjoyed a further score for John Paxton. Half time score St Ives 17 - Biggleswade 0.
In the second half Biggleswade looked to reduce the points deficit and spent a large amount of time in the St Ives half, but strong defence and efficient rucking ensured the line was safe. The visitors did cross the line but the huge presence of Tim Lumley Good prevented the score, physically lifting the player like a log and keeping him from touching down.
The forwards began the attack once again, with the back row enjoying themselves in open play, the ball soon found its way into the Biggleswade half. The backs came into play and Ollie Moorhouse was on hand to crash in on the angle and score under the posts. St Ives enjoyed a majority in possession for the remainder of the half and could have extended their lead even further but it was a case of the final pass not going to hand that prevented more points. Eventually it did pay off with John Paxton on hand once again to complete his hat trick and bring the game to a close, Adam Clark successful with the conversion attempt bringing the final score to St Ives 29 - Biggleswade 0.
Speaking after the game Ross Thompson was over the moon with the display, to hold Biggleswade to nil is an achievement in itself, but to do it with a mixed side like we did today is fantastic. Many of the squad players stood up to be counted today, and it poses many dilemmas in the selection department for next weeks game against Oundle.