Results and Reports 2nd December 2007
Peterborough under-17s 5 points, St Ives 12
This was a close hard fought match played in a very strong wind and frequent rain.Despite the conditions, both sides tried to play enterprising rugby. This of course led to an error-strewn match, but one that was exciting for the assembled spectators, with the result in doubt until the final whistle.
Peterborough started the stronger, playing against the elements in the first half. Their forwards worked hard to gain ground, but failed to breach frantic St Ives defence in the first exchanges. After weathering the intial storm, St Ives began to find their feet, but found difficulty keeping the ball in hand. Alex Fry, making his first appearnace in the older age group, acquitted himself well, securing good possession in the set piece. In the line out, David Baker was once again a prominent ball winner.
The half seemed to be reaching a frustrating scoreless conclusion for St Ives until finally, good direction running by the two centres, Matt Nice and James Wood, drew the defence leaving Ben Carter enough space to wriggle his way through the last defence to score in the corner. Nominated man-of-the-match Dan Breed kicked a superb touchline conversion.
From the kick off, St Ives made their way back to the Peterborough 22. An attempted clearance kick was gathered by Tom Brown who broke the first line of defence, and Nice was once again the link to release Carter to score. Half time 0-12.
Facing the wind and rain in the second half, St Ives began well, the "no kicking" rule imposed at half time forcing the players to work hard and support each other. Vociferous captain, Dan Hyde, led from the front with some charging runs. For 30 minutes Peterborough kept the ball in the St Ives half. But excellent defence by the St Ives flankers Baker, Simon Dunn and a rejuvenated Ronan Delany kept St Ives in the game.Douglas Wilson was also outstanding, with tireless defence and also superb driving runs with the ball in hand.
With 30 minutes on the clock, pressure finally told as Peterborough forced an error from St Ives, gathered well and scrambled over the line to score throug the hooker.
St Ives began to tire as extended injury was played and were lucky to hold out when Peterborough once again made it over the line, only to knowk the ball on. The relief as the final whistle blew was clear. Final score 5-12 to St Ives.