Bulls thrash Newts

Watched by a large crowd of former players and spectators, Ives put on a great performance particularly in the second half.
Coach Paul Humphreys noted, “The first 20 odd minutes were typical of derby games. Our shape and pattern were not in evidence and we got ourselves into an arm wrestle.
“Having scored first, annoyingly we then switched off and let them score 2 tries. We then responded and the game turned. Despite not scoring we attacked well up the hill and our defence was very good.
“Half time came and the players talked with a calm sense about what was needed. We then played some good rugby in the second half, which was pleasing. We got sloppy at times and left a bit out there.
This was a good response to last week and knowing I am, the boys can be proud of the performance they put on for the watching spectators.”
Ives opening score came courtesy of a fine driving maul from a lineout, finally dotted down by Duncan Williams. The Bulls then went off the boil for a spell.
Their cause was not helped by Michael Sykes receiving a “team yellow” after various players had been penalised for tackles above the sternum. Neots got on the board kicking one of the opportunities.
Still a man down, Ives suffered as from the kick off, the visiting left wing danced his way through the home defence to score.
On the half hour, Ives regathered their momentum and a clean break by Alex Henly was followed by excellent recycling of possession until Williams barged over for his second.
Again, Ives relaxed too much from the restart allowing Neots easy territory and the concession of another try.
There then followed a bizarre 15 minutes when Ives grounded the ball three times over the line after fine attacking play for no reward. Crossing, a dropped ball over the line and an early dip the saviours of the defence.
Towards the end of the half, Matt Wood suffered an innocuous looking injury which turned out to be a broken foot. The entire Club wishes him well for a speedy recovery.
Half time 12-15.
The second half was one way traffic. Ives continuity and offloading game caused chaos in the Neots defence.
The two Ollie’s, Bartlet and Raine, finished off fine play in quick succession soon after the restart.
Before the third quarter was up, Ives had scored twice more. First Ben Fleming scored the pick of the day’s tries as the ball went through multiple hands in tight spaces to achieve a gap.
Skipper John Paxton then burst through the last defence after more great teamwork in the build up.
The final quarter saw more of the same. Bartlett took a direct line to score his second. Alex Henly rounded the defence as the Bulls spread the ball wide.
The flow was briefly interrupted as Ives discipline relaxed, giving a series of soft penalties away. Neots took advantage to score their third and had a sniff of a try bonus point.
Ives had other ideas upped the ante to close out the game. Again, transferring the ball wide, Albiee Tayedzerwa dived over in the corner. Then, with time elapsed, Paul Ashbridge received the ball after a bullocking run from Michael Sykes and left the defence in his wake.
Joe Cox had another productive day off the tee, securing 7 conversions.