St Ives Juniors - 11th December
Under 13s
St. Ives 31 - St. Neots 0
Ina real team performance, St. Ives demonstrated some wonderful play which was soon rewarded with their first try try through Jack Bainbridge in his new found position of centre, Tom Whiteside added the extra's through the conversion. Some of Saints recent influx of new players, many new to the sport, soon began to find their feet with Fraser Leader, Will Moore and David Turner to the fore. The second and third tries were scored from barnstorming prop Dominic Edwards, one converted by Tom Whiteside. Aden Fry was determined to get on the scoresheet, which he did after he did after some more good teamwork and support. The final try was scored by Sam Bullock, coming into the line from full back to score under the posts, Tom Whiteside again converting.
St. Ives 7 - Wellingborough 12
St Ives started brightly and displayed some exciting inter-plays. In addition they absorbed some intense Wellingborough attacks with good defence and rucking, and finally took the lead just before half-time after good ground was made with an excellent kick to the corner, Aden Fry scoring the try, Tom Whiteside converting. Second half saw Wellingborough make some significant changes and with St Ives tackling dropping off, allowed the visitors to score two tries, the second converted just before the final whistle, leading to a narrow loss for the home side.
Under 14s
St. Ives 7 - St. Neots 24
St. Ives took the opportunity of an extra game to ‘blood’ several of their new players at this level. For some it was their first taste of competitive rugby and everyone performed well. St. Neots started strongly from the kick off and their experienced back line took their chances well, running in four unanswered tries before the break. The home side defended well but struggled to make headway playing up the slope. Following several changes at half time the hosts sought to redress the balance and from the first play made their intentions clear. From a lineout the ball was played through several phases, with Tommy Collins being held up short of the line. However, quickly recycled ball saw Matt Bligh drive over. Andrew Howard added the extra points. The rest of the match saw both sides committing themselves fully to the contest but neither was able to add to the scoreline. The St. Ives man-of-the match was Matt Bligh who, playing out of his normal position, worked tirelessly and lead the team well.
St. Ives 12 - Wellingborough 0
This was another stern test for St. Ives, who faced a determined Wellingborough side in a physical encounter. Saints forward pack came to the fore in the fist period, driving a larger opposition pack at every opportunity, in both set piece and loose play. This provided opening for the backs, with the first points provided by Mehmet Koroglu, again Andrew Howard added the conversion. The hosts continued to press resulting in several infringements. From a quickly taken penalty Ben Sockett drove forward and recycled ball saw Chris Love crash over for his first score. In the second half, it was again the home side’s resolute defence that kept waves of Wellingborough attacks out. However, Saints finished with a flurry and were unfortunate not to added further scores. Man-of-the-match was Andy Cox, who gave two excellent performances at scrumhalf.
St. Ives Mini and Junior section would like to wish all players, coaches, families and friends a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2006.