Bulls prevail after even first half

Ives ended up with a comfortable win against a spirited Casuals after tightening up their defence in the second half.
The game could not have started worse for the hosts, knocking the ball on from the start and grating Casuals an attacking scrum. A first phase move saw the centre gallop through to open the scoring with a converted try.
Ives bounced back immediately as Joe Cox’ grubber was pounced on by Albiee Tayedzerwa to score.
This was followed by a searing break by Rees Burns, continuing the good form demonstrated last week. He was caught just short of the line and managed to offload to Dan De’Ath who crashed over.
With the Bulls in the ascendancy it was down to poor choices in attack that no tries were added before Casuals responded. Twice in quick succession, first phase moves of the scrum saw space created and the winger rounding Ives’ defence to score.
With Casuals pressurising Ives defence, a yellow was issued for offside at a penalty. Down to 14 men, this sparked Ives into life. Mitch Newman made a jinking break in midfield, slipping the ball to Cox who scored under the posts.
With one conversion a side, the half time score was 17-all.
Ives started the second half with a bang and camped in the visitors’ half. Casuals could only prevent a score through indiscretions. From one quick tap, the ball made its way to Paul Ashbridge who dived over to take the lead.
Soon after, some excellent ball retention and continuity saw Ives stretch the Casuals defence until Adam Williams cantered through a gap to score.
Casuals were not done and through everything at the Ives. Camped near the try line for a good 5 minutes, they were to be thwarted as the Bulls defence was much improved on the first half. Crunching tackles especially by the Ives pack kept them out.
Having weathered the storm, Ives broke upfield only to be dragged back by Casuals infringements. Eventually, another tap and go saw Ashbridge go over for his second.
Another penalty concession to prevent a score was converted by Cox who, with two second half conversions, ended the day with 14 points.
Head Coach Paul Humphreys reflected on a mixed performance. “A bonus point win at home is always a good thing. Our attack was good, we made inroads at will. Unfortunately, our decision-making in the Casuals 22 did not help our cause.
“Our defence in the first half was not at its best and I felt we let a couple of soft ones in.
“We had words at half time, sorted out our defence. A good set defending our goal line was pleasing, the boys chucked everything at it and kept them out.
“Our backs found the edge at will in the 2nd half, a shame we did not capitalise and score more. Pleased with how the 2nd half panned out to take the game away from Casuals. Frustrated we did not score more, the fact we are creating is positive.”