Results and Reports 3rd December 2006
Under 15s
St. Ives 17 - Oundle 15
A blustery Sunday morning saw St. Ives under 15s playing the only game at Somersham Road against a well-supported Oundle team. This fixture is always a good test for both teams and, once again, proved to be the case with plenty of action for both groups of supporters to enjoy.
St. Ives had decided to take the opportunity to give several of their newer players their first full starts, including Harry Aldridge, Tom Watts, Josh Gladwell, Haydon Bailey and Adam Howell. All of these players have been pressing hard for their opportunity and committed themselves well to their task. The two teams were evenly matched, with Oundle setting their stall out from the start. They made good use of the elements and soon had their hosts pinned back inside their own twenty-two. Oundle pressure forced several errors, which resulted in loose ball from a ruck and their first score. Buoyed by this score the visitors threw everything at Saints, who defended valiantly. A loss of direction and some aberrant decision making saw the hosts concede a five metre scrum, which was converted in to a good try in the corner. St. Ives then started to play as they have been and from the restart a determined forward set up possession for the backs, who moved the ball wide for Haydon Bailey to open their account; 5-10 at the break.
St. Ives made several changes at half time and again used the conditions well. This time it was the host's pressure at the lineout that forced a 5M scrum, from which Andrew Howard received the ball and drove over to level the scores. St. Ives then had a period of sustained pressure and possession, throughout which Oundle's dogged defence held firm. However, Saints took the ball against the head at a scrum and again the backs orchestrated a move that saw Matt Bligh break the line to score; Howard added the conversion. The hosts were denied further scores, although flying-wing Tom Collins was unlucky, having won two foot races to make touchdowns, both of which were adjudged to have been "dead". Oundle took the final initiative and driving deep in to home territory scored a try in the corner. In very difficult kicking conditions, the conversion was missed and the home side was able to enjoy a hard-fought victory.
St. Ives Team Manager, Andy Britton, was very pleased with the overall team performance and in particular with how well the newer players had risen to the challenge - even if this causes him even bigger selection headaches! Saints man-of-the match was Josh Gladwell for his excellent all-round game - a score is sure to come soon Josh!