Back
Sat 09 Mar 2024 · Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
Luton
1st XV Men
Tries: N GustoConversions: N Gusto
7
19
Tries: O Raine, A Williams (2)Conversions: C Smy (2)
Strength in depth demonstrated as regular 2nd team players shine
Phil Brown10 Mar - 17:09
Share via
Coach Humphreys massively proud of the performance
A scratch squad of 17 players assembled to make the long trip to Luton. With multiple injuries and non-availabilities, the majority have played most of their season for Ives 2nds. It was without doubt the most satisfying victory of coach Humphrey’s tenure,
St Ives travelled to Luton as a rag-tag bunch.
Ives started the game the better, with dominance in the opening 20 minutes of the game. They had the better opportunities, and if the team had not been strung together at the last minute they may converted some of these.
Ives played some exciting rugby at times. Handling and decision errors stopped Ives converting chances in to points, with much of the game played put between the two 22s.
Ives scrum was dominant, which set a platform.
With the half drawing to a close, Ives struck twice. First they scored following a lineout, with Ollie Raine stretching his legs to score down the 5 metre channel.
From the restart, Luton kicked to Raine. He set off on a run through the heart of Luton. Throwing dummies and weaving a magic spell Harry Potter himself would be proud off, Raine fed Adam Williams for a free run from the 22, converted by Cullan Smy.
12-0 half time.
Ives start 2nd half well, camped in Luton’s 22. A fortunate intercept for the hosts saw the home player sprint the length of the field to score a converted try.
The rest of the half followed the pattern of the first. Ives created a few good opportunities, with Max Flint making some good powerful runs. Ives failed to capitalise on the chances created.
Dan De'ath had a powerful game in both the tight and the loose giving Luton a hard time of it. Good play eventually allowed Williams to score his second of the game, converted to make 19-7 to the visitors.
Luton gave it a go, but Ives tiring defence held resolute.
Coach Humphreys was full of praise for the 17 who played said "If you had given me that score on Friday night I would have bitten your hand off. However, all the regular 2nd team players that stepped up to allow us to play the game, showed we are starting to build the depth that we need for the future. Probably the most satisfying win of my tenure. Proud does not even come close to how I feel about the dirty 17 that played."
St Ives travelled to Luton as a rag-tag bunch.
Ives started the game the better, with dominance in the opening 20 minutes of the game. They had the better opportunities, and if the team had not been strung together at the last minute they may converted some of these.
Ives played some exciting rugby at times. Handling and decision errors stopped Ives converting chances in to points, with much of the game played put between the two 22s.
Ives scrum was dominant, which set a platform.
With the half drawing to a close, Ives struck twice. First they scored following a lineout, with Ollie Raine stretching his legs to score down the 5 metre channel.
From the restart, Luton kicked to Raine. He set off on a run through the heart of Luton. Throwing dummies and weaving a magic spell Harry Potter himself would be proud off, Raine fed Adam Williams for a free run from the 22, converted by Cullan Smy.
12-0 half time.
Ives start 2nd half well, camped in Luton’s 22. A fortunate intercept for the hosts saw the home player sprint the length of the field to score a converted try.
The rest of the half followed the pattern of the first. Ives created a few good opportunities, with Max Flint making some good powerful runs. Ives failed to capitalise on the chances created.
Dan De'ath had a powerful game in both the tight and the loose giving Luton a hard time of it. Good play eventually allowed Williams to score his second of the game, converted to make 19-7 to the visitors.
Luton gave it a go, but Ives tiring defence held resolute.
Coach Humphreys was full of praise for the 17 who played said "If you had given me that score on Friday night I would have bitten your hand off. However, all the regular 2nd team players that stepped up to allow us to play the game, showed we are starting to build the depth that we need for the future. Probably the most satisfying win of my tenure. Proud does not even come close to how I feel about the dirty 17 that played."
Further reading