St Ives marked their return to action with a 36–25 victory over Old Laurentians, launching their season in front of a home crowd on a pitch that looked more like a sand dune than a rugby field. Decked out in smart new kits, the home side overcame an electric start from their visitors to secure a hard-fought but deserved opening win.

Old Laurentians began at a blistering pace, using their speed and sharp handling to find gaps across the St Ives line. They thought they had scored inside the first minute before being denied, but quickly turned pressure into points with a penalty and then a converted try to surge 0-10 ahead. Their pace and movement looked dangerous, but St Ives soon worked out that although the opposition were younger and quicker, their own size, strength, and organisation gave them the upper hand in the physical exchanges. From that point on, the home side looked the more dominant team.

The response from St Ives came after prolonged pressure near the opposition's try line, with quick hands in the line setting up Rees Burns to provide the first points. Minutes later, a neat move from the backs sent Michael Drake cutting through and under the posts to narrow the gap even further. The tries came in quick succession with Declan O'Neill bulldozing his way over the line despite taking a heavy hit to the face. Dan Hawkins added the conversions with the hosts turning the match around to lead 19–13 at half-time.

Ives carried that momentum into the second half. O'Neill struck again with a powerful drive under the posts before Drake's sharp acceleration brought him a second try. Hawkins battled tricky winds from the tee but continued to keep the scoreboard ticking. Old Laurentians briefly threatened with a blistering run from their winger to make it 31–18, yet the hosts’ scrum dominance — anchored by Josh Dear in the second half — provided the perfect platform for Paul Ashbridge to dive cross the line and stretch the lead further.

Old Laurentians refused to fade hwoever, grinding out another converted try in the closing stages and hammering away in search of a late comeback. But their handling let them down at a crucial moment with a fumble on the wing sparing Ives any last-minute drama. Even a yellow card for John Paxton in the dying moments couldn’t spoil the celebrations once the whistle finally blew.

On a sandy, testing surface, St Ives demonstrated grit, organisation, and no shortage of flair. Having worked out their opponents’ game, they looked every bit in control and will take plenty of confidence into the weeks ahead.

Special mention to Owen Pugh, Matt Holland, and Will Maxted, who all made their debits this weekend for the first team. Man of the Match was awarded to Michael Drake.

Final Score: St Ives 36 – 25 Old Laurentians

Written by Florence Fudge