Rusty Bulls find a way to win

The lack of matches in the previous two weeks showed as St. Ives had an error strewn outing, nonetheless taking maximum points from the game against a spirited Brackley side.
Played in unusually fine weather, Ives started on the front foot, but as was to occur on many occasions throughout the match, gave a couple of penalties away at the breakdown. Brackley took advantage and a direct line pierced the Ives back line for an unconverted try.
The Bulls bounced back immediately and some fine driving play and swift recycling ultimately saw Paul Ashbridge take a fine line through the visitors’ defence. In a strong cross wind, Will Sutton converted from wide out.
A high shot gifted three points to Brackley after a penalty in front of the posts.
Across the park, Ives did their best to string phases of possession together. Making their way to the opposition 5 metre line, Duncan Williams took possession and carried the defence over the line with him for Ives’ second try.
As the half was drawing to a close, Sutton kick close to the opposition line. From the restart, Brackley stood off, hoping to catch the Bulls obstructing. Ollie Bartlett collected the ball and simply turned and crashed over the line. Another good conversion saw the score 19-8 to the hosts.
For much of the second half there was a pattern.
Ives would painstakingly make their way into Brackley territory, then an error on the floor would grant Brackley relieving kicks. It meant that for much of the half Ives defence was severely tested. It said much for their determination that continually repelled the visitors.
Breathing space was achieved when Brackley made a mess of their own line out. Attempting to recover the situation with a long pass, Adam Williams read the play and intercepted. From within his own half, he handed off the last defender and scored.
The pattern of the half resumed and Brackley exerted pressure for the final quarter. With the last play of the match, Ives were again gaining ground only to concede penalties which Brackley were happy to run back. Stretching the home defence, they finished the game with a consolation converted try.
Head Coach Paul Humphreys stressed the defensive display. “A game where our defence excelled. You could see we haven't played for a few weeks as the sharpness and decision-making were off-point.
“We had enough to beat a determined Brackley side, who never went away.
“Taking the pitch conditions out of it, and taking nothing away from Brackley, we never got out of 3rd gear, when we did string our attack together we scored. Glad to get the bonus point win.
“The challenge for the new year for the players and myself is to show the real St Ives, right a few wrongs, show what we can do and lay down a few markers.”