Rampaging Bulls run in seven tries

Against a blustery wind, Ives started the game well and charged up field. Almost immediately, the game was paused as two Dunstablians forwards clashed heads tackling the same man. Unfortunately, neither was able to continue.
From the scrum restart, Will Sutton held the ball up for Alex Henly to pick his line and open the scoring.
From the kick off, Ives were again on the attack. This time the surge was led by a line break by Ollie Bartlett taking them to Dees 22. Good recycling eventually saw Sam Marjason-Stamp break free to score.
Putting together some good handling a driving runs, the Bulls were pinning their opponents back. After a series of pick-and-goes by the pack, Dan De’Ath espied an opportunity to stretch and dot the ball down.
Ives gained the try bonus point before the first quarter had elapsed. A lineout maul from deep in their own 22 took play close to the halfway line. Once the ball was released, swift hands saw play swing right and left before stand-in skipper Tommy Newman breached the line.
Dunstablians injury woes continued and their last substitute was already on the paddock as the fourth quarter started.
The Bulls were in the mood for more and excellent continuity and passing between forwards and backs ultimately saw Ollie Raine saunter over for Ives fifth.
On the half hour, Paul Ashbridge demonstrated tremendous leg drive carrying three defenders with him. Escaping the clutches of them all, he released to his support and Bartlett dashed through a gap to score.
The visitors finally had something to cheer when Ives gave up a couple of soft penalties. Taking them quickly, Dees exploited disorganised defence to dot down.
There was an immediate response from the Bulls. Driving play by the forwards ended with Michael Sykes taking play to within inches of the line, only to offload to brother Dave in support.
With both kickers in fine form, the half time score was 49-7.
Dunstablians down to thirteen men by this point. During the break, it was clear that another could not restart the match. A discussion between the referee and captains led to a shake of hands and agreement to halt the game with the result standing.
Head Coach Paul Humphreys was a tad frustrated. “I have mixed emotions. We started very well. From the first kick-off we moved the ball well and had a nice rhythm. We scored early from good play and this set the tone for the first half.
“We mixed power, pace and flair, maybe overdoing the flair at times. This happens when you score as freely as we did.
“Take nothing away from Dunstablians, they came to play and made us defend.
“Then half time came to be told of Dunstablians halting the game due to too many injuries and you have to feel for the opposition at this point. I think disappointment from both sides, and the feeling of what to do next loomed large.
“For the 40 minutes we played, we were good, very good. It would have been nice to see how the players handled the second half. I just hope the points difference does not hurt us later in the season.
“To then find out our 2nd team had beaten one of our local rivals, it was a good day for the club and both teams can be proud of their performances.”
St. Neots II 0, Ives II 12. Try scorers Dan Hawkins and Elliot Mortimer, one conversion Jack Blackley.