Late changes disrupt Bulls organisation

Late changes to the Bulls starting line-up forced a juggling of resources, with Ollie Bartlett pressed into service at outside centre and young flanker Tom Evans appearing in the unaccustomed position of winger.
The start of the game was very even, but Park used the bitter easterly wind to gain territory and pin the Ives back. From a scrum close in, a simple pick up from the base created a two on one for the winger to trot in for a well-executed score, which was converted.
Ives fought well through the forwards to gain territory. Jim Robinson, Paul Ashbridge and Bartlett added an attacking threat absent in recent weeks. However, with Bartlett out back, primary possession at the line out was proving difficult to achieve and Park cleared their lines again.
Having missed a penalty attempt, Park went for the line out instead after Bulls’ latest transgression. A series of rucks tightened the Ives defence, and the ball was spread left for the No. 8 to again make his mark and score in the corner.
Another good break by Robinson, ably continued by the pack was cynically halted by a visiting player not rolling away. Robinson slotted the penalty.
As has happened more than once this season, Ives then charitably offered the visitors an immediate opportunity to recover the points, by transgressing in front of their own posts.
Robinson again breached the Park, defence. Ashbridge supported and gained huge yardage, the Bulls swarmed forward. And once again the attack was illegally stifled at the breakdown, to the huge frustration of the watching support. Robinson took the points.
Towards the end of the half, the hosts showed the defensive spirit required to hold the visitors out on the own line for fully 5 minutes. Bartlett was outstanding in his defensive duties now and throughout the match. Turning round 6-15 having finished the half strongly augured well.
And things got better when man-of-the-match Ashbridge took a neat pass from Robinson and showed great strength and agility to break a number of tackles and force his way to the line. Unfortunately, Robinson was pole axed having given the pass and had to leave the fray. But, Ives were back within 4 points.
Park are not at the top end of the table for nothing, however. Making some alterations up front, they made use of their heavier pack to trundle downfield. Ives shipped penalties attempting to stop the mauls, but ultimately the pressure told and Park went over. The try was converted.
Both sides lost a player for 10 minutes following breakdown incidents, but scores ensued for neither side.
Small errors began to creep into the Ives play as they went in search of what would have been a deserved bonus point. Granting the opposition possession meant the home side was playing at the wrong end of the pitch. Park swung the ball left and right and ultimately some tired tackling allowed the left wing to score with the final play.
The Bulls now need to gather their wits and mental strength in advance of their eagerly awaited return fixture against local rivals St. Neots.