Results and Reports 7th October 2007
St Ives under-17s 5 points, Leighton Buzzard 36
St Ives first home match of the season also saw them sporting their brand new strip, kindly supplied by sponsors Croesus Financial Services. Unfortunately, Leighton Buzzard came to spoil the party and started the game playing a fast direct game through their forwards. Frequent inside passes to the blind side flanker gained Buzzards ground and St Ives defence was on the back foot immediately. Nonetheless, after defending well it was a series of missed tackles that allowed Buzzards to score a try under the posts, which was converted.
Very soon afterwards, Buzzards lost their full back for a foolish late challenge on the ultimately nominated St Ives man-of the match, Dan Breed. However, the loss of a man inspired Buzzards to greater effort. The Buzzards man-of-the match No.8 drove forward gaining many yards and again, loose tackling allowed two quick scores, one converted. Half time 0-19.
The second half saw a much improved effort from St Ives. Hooker Sam Penney began to hit the mark in the line out, with David Baker ably supported by Dan Hyde. Breed set both Matt Nice, who had an excellent match at centre and when pressed into service as flanker, and James Wood driving forward. Sadly, a move broke down and led to a scrum for Buzzards in the centre of the park. St Ives failed to pick up the backs movement telegraphed by Buzzards whose wing scored a simple try in the corner.
St Ives best period of play followed, with aggressive attack. But forcng the pace, and now against the run of play, Buzzards intercepted a potentially try scoring pass for St Ives, to sprint the length of the field to score a converted try.
For the first time in the match, St Ives heads went down and a further soft try was conceded as the Buzzards attack was shepherded to the line.
The final word went to St Ives, however. Showing great spirit a series of drives were cynically stopped by penalty-giving prevention. After one such, a ball straight to the backs saw a good break in the centre, giving Nice a sprint for the line. He unselfishly passed inside for Adam Buttigieg to score closer to the posts. Sadly the last kick of the match went wide, leaving Buzzards deserved winners for the performance of their forwards.