With third placed Ives welcoming 2nd in the league Dunstablians, this was always going to be a close encounter.
Throughout the game it was apparent that the Bulls strength up front was a key weapon. Dunstablians relied on their fleet footed three-quarters to keep them in the game.
Early on, the returning new dad Alex Henly made a fine break, clawed down just short the line. The ball was quickly recycled and found Tommy Newman on the wing to touch down.
Newman was involved again as he returned a kick upfield with a strong run. Ben Fleming received his pass and ducked inside to beat the cover defence to score.
Ives were playing with freedom, but a sharp interception by the young Dees stand-off saw him sprint half the length of the field to score a converted try.
Ives continued to play a fine offloading game, with Michael Sykes prominent and the visitors unable to prevent the Bulls gaining territory.
Camped on Dees line, the pressure finally told as Ives pack drove a scum over the line for Ollie Bartlett to score.
Back came Dees as a lick was fielded deep in their own half. Fine running and handling saw them go the length for a second converted try.
The ping-pong continued as Ives drove a lineout maul fully 15 metres to score the bonus point try through Newman.
As the half was closing, another strong scrum by the hosts led to a penalty try as the only way to stop Bartlett scoring from the base was to offend.
A penalty at the other end saw the half time score 29-17.
Dees started the second half with stronger defence. A turnover in midfield saw the right winger break tackles and storm upfield. Passing out of a tackle, he released his left wing partner to go over unopposed.
With the result still in the balance, both sides found it difficult to enter the opposition 22. Ives benefited with a penalty each through Charlie Mandley and Joe Cox to stretch the lead beyond a score with 5 minutes remaining.
Dees were not about to give up and as time elapsed, a series of penalties gave them the opportunity to score their own bonus point try on the final whistle.
DoR Duncan Williams was a very happy man post-match. “It was always going to be a close match between two good sides. I was really pleased with the desire of the players to impose our game on our opponents throughout, regardless of the scoreline. We now set our sights on next week when we host local rivals St. Neots. It’s bound to be another cracking match.”