Bulls weather the storm

With many expecting the gale to be the dominating factor as Storm Brian swept through the Midlands, it was to the credit of both teams that they were determined to play rugby with ball in hand.
Starting against the wind, Ives started well and swept upfield to challenge the home defence. Scrum power was immediately in evidence as front rowers Tommy Newman, Adam Scott and Josh Dear laid the foundations for a tremendous pack display.
In the first few minutes, it was the Ives support that was nervous as, with echoes of the previous week, two chances went begging.
With patience and ambition on display, Ives built again and great driving play by the forwards gave the backs momentum and space to release Jack Blackley to dot down in the corner.
The wind was determined to play its part as both teams found any pass over a couple of metres picked up and sent flying beyond grasping fingertips. With a very strict interpretation of the lineout laws being applied, there was little to be gained from the touchline restarts. Scrums became the most frequently completed means of getting the game going. And they served the Bulls well. Regardless of put in, Ives gained frequent possession.
A break from Paul Ashbridge took Ives close to the hosts’ 22 and the ball was quickly recycled. In a signal of things to come, Duncan Williams swatted all-comers aside to stride over for a try, converted by Ashbridge.
Mens Own’s efforts to stem the tide often resulted in penalty concessions. Ives opted to scrum and gradually made their way towards the line with Ollie Raine controlling the ball at the back. A final scrum close in was driven over for Raine to score, Ashbridge converting.
Just before the break, an odd sequence of events at a breakdown close to the Ives line saw Ashbridge carded for playing the ball after a tackle. Despite the man advantage, Mens Own could not breach the line.
Half time 0-19.
It was agreed in the half time huddle that it was not a day for champagne rugby. With a disregard for the health or warmth of the outside backs, the Bulls tightened up the game plan with splendid results.
Almost immediately from the restart, Mens Own were conceding penalties as they sought to keep Ives out. Mickey Drake took a quick tap and excellent continuity eventually saw Newman go over on the right.
The bulls were enjoying themselves around the breakdown, with the back row of Raine and the returning David Stone and Ollie Bartlett ensuring a constant flow of possession. Bullocking runs from Williams, again, and Dear, gave Newman the chance for his second under the posts. Converted once more.
Ives emptied the bench to warm up the substitutes, but the patterns remained the same. Ives pinned Mens Own back in their half. An over zealous side entry resulted in a yellow card for the Mens Own flanker. Rather than kick, another scrum ensued. It was marched back for Raine to secure his second try, converted.
Showing great spirit, Mens Own continued to run the ball back, spreading the ball wide to quick three quarters. On occasion it was only Ives’ scramble defence that kept them scoreless.
With five minutes to go, Ives won yet another scrum and Ashbridge skipped through a gap to score a converted try.
The only blip for the Ives came in the last seconds of the game. Whilst rewarding Mens Own’s persistence, Ives were irritated when a slip in midfield allowed the centre through for a try, which was converted with the final kick of the game.
The Bulls were rightly delighted with their efforts. In the extremely difficult conditions they had adjusted their style of play on the hoof to suit and come out smiling.