With last week’s league leaders Oundle’s game postponed, Leighton Buzzard arrived at the Chicken Shack determined to take top spot in the league.
The opening skirmishes were even, with the Bulls going closest, but unable to beat the last defence.
Buzzard then demonstrated their offloading game to great effect. Starting their own half, their ability to keep the ball alive and avoid rucks was apparent. Great continuity saw them over for their first.
Ives fought their way upfield. But in what was to oft repeated, the pressure of the Buzzard’s defence shook possession away from the hosts. The visitors transition from defence to attack was to be admired. Strong running in the centre saw them break and score again.
The Buzzard 10 was beginning to dictate the game. Cajoling his forwards to drive forward, where both second rows were prominent, or whipping the ball through the hands. One try saw him chip the onrushing Ives defence and recover to score.
Throughout the pressure, Ives back three of Matt Millar, Ben Fleming and Jordan Hawes were showing well. Millar in particular was exemplary under the high ball, with Fleming and Hawes supporting well.
But the incessant pounding of a game Ives defence saw Buzzard score regularly and end the half 42 points to the good.
As with the first half, Ives started well but could not convert possession and territory into points. Up front, youngsters Declan O’Neill and Henri Cole made determined efforts. The introduction of Stuart Cornwell (at the other end of the team age scale) saw Ives gain some momentum.
But it was short lived. Having settled back into their rhythm, Buzzard scored a couple at each end of the half. With the kicking off the tee immaculate from all angles, they reached 70 points.
With time expiring had one final opportunity to avoid being “nilled”. Charlie Mandley stepped up and struck the ball sweetly to avoid that.
Ives will use the Christmas period to recover and look forward to visiting the Racecourse in the new year.