St Ives vs. Oundle
St Ives Still Searching for a win
St Ives travelled to Oundle for their penultimate game in this seasons league campaign. Spirits were high and the hope was there for the first league win of the season. Unfortunately this was not to be the case.
It has not been St Ives' year this season with a number of unlucky results and an inability to convert possession into points, but despite a 100% loss record, spirits still remain remarkably high!
A strong side travelled with only the omission of James Cannon in the centres and evergreen Steve Burke in the back row, but the return of Jason (I want to be a vet) Price and Mark Dollard provided a very competitive line up. Unfortunately St Ives were prone to the usual 20 minute warm up allowing Oundle to score 2 quick tries in the first half. They managed to score a third before St Ives replied with a magnificent break from Mike Sykes playing at outside centre. Mike's strong running allowed him to break the line and draw the remaining defenders before switching back inside to leave a clear run in for John Paxton to score under the posts. Converted by Jack Blackley.
This seemed to wake up the team who enjoyed periods of sustained pressure for the rest of the half, but unfortunately only coming away with an extra three points from the boot of Jack Blackley. Half time score: 17-10.
The second half started in much the same way as the first half ended, with St Ives enjoying periods of sustained pressure, but as has been the case for the majority of the season, unable to convert possession into points. St Ives did cross the line again, but were denied the try by some brilliant cover tackling from Oundle.
The St Ives defence leaked two further tries in the second half to bring an exciting physical and bruising encounter to a close at 29-10.
The 2XV lost 22-0 away to Thorney in the East Midlands League and the Old Bulls lost 12-13 at Home to Stamford.
St Ives final league game is against Bedford Swifts on the 8th of April at Somersham Road.