St Ives returned to Bretton two weeks after a disappointing cup result and have had the time to work in training on things to put right. That they did on a bright but windy day.

Just like the dress rehearsal weeks prior St Ives started well and quickly got into a pattern of play that gained yards and caused the hosts to infringe, The first 3 points were put on the board by Charlie Mandley from a sweetly struck penalty.
Lions got a penalty back for themselves after a some good possession in the Ives 22m.

Ives quickly got back to their play and again were given a penalty 10m out from the Lions try line, this time Ives went for a quick tap and the ball was played to Paul Ashbridge who drew the over eager defence in about moved the ball to Josh Dear to trundle through the gap and finish next to the sticks, Mandley again able to add the extras.

Ives were enjoying their time with the ball, constantly finding the edges and making breaks. Ashbridge then grabbed himself a try and so did Declan O'niell, both tries come from direct work and determined running.

Mandley converting 1 of the available 2. 3-22

Lions then got themselves into the game and started to make ground of their own,
3 scores came their way, as Ives struggled to play with the ball.

Ives scored through Leo Hunt, one of 3 new additions in the starting line up to the club this season.

The game and momentum tossed and turned for the rest of the half, some resolute defence from both side preventing further scores, so at 29-27 Ives were staring down the barrels of defeat, but with minutes on the clock, good work at a breakdown won St Ives a penalty 35m out, with storm Anne in full flow the kick for posts was turned down and instead Skipper De'ath asked the newly returned Mitch Newman to kick us downfield, he landed the ball 10m out from the try line.

In a game that was disjointed and messy from both side, Ives finished with clarity and precision, The lineout functioned perfectly, the maul was set, and Ashbridge blew through the middle to score, the final kick of the game was Mandleys and he slotted the conversion, and sealed a 5 point win on the road. 29-34

Ives was much improved in places and phases of the game, and had brought alot of the training ground work ons, to the pitch. We go again this weekend at home to Brackley and look to improve again, but 3 wins from 3 games so far this season is a good place to be.