St Ives vs Aylestonians – 25th September 2004 2004
St Ives 27 Aylestonians 8
St Ives league campaign in the newly formed East Midlands/ South Leicestershire division got off to a splendid start with a convincing win over the Leicestershire club Aylestonians at the Somersham Road ground in their first league game. A final score of 27-8 win did not flatter the St Ives team and but for some illegal spoiling tactics on the part of the visiting side, the score would surely have been more.
Jack Blackley, a rather dreamy, laid back, unconventionally turned out player at full-back, nevertheless possesses much talent and a turn of speed that enabled him to grab a try, and score a try a penalty and two conversions in the match. Ross Thompson and Dave Williams were St Ives other try scorers whilst Robinson with a try and Shearer with a penalty scored for the visitors late in the game when a rampant St Ives side relaxed a little too much.
Veteran Andy Freer marshalled the backs well at fly-half and Steve Burke at No. 8 lead the uncompromising forwards well. The forwards refused to be intimidated by the physical approach of the Aylestonians pack and with some darting runs from John Paxton at scrum- half, St Ives always controlled the game.
Next week the 1st xv will travel to Northamptonshire outfit Bugbrooke in good heart after this pleasing start.