In yet another nail biter, fifth versus 3rd in the division put on an exciting and hard fought match for the assembled crowd. The tremendous collisions and effort on display were testament to the high stakes involved.
Having not played for a month and the visitors having won at a canter last week, Ives 1st XV could be forgiven some rustiness. But they started well attacking down the slope. Stout Stockwood defence prevented a score.
On their first trek into Ives half, the visitors took the lead from a penalty.
With defences to the fore in the first quarter, the try line was finally broken following a well worked loop by the Bulls after a fine line out delivery by Jack Hickman. Paul Ashbridge espied the gap created and scored under the posts, converted by Charlie Mandley.
The visitors continued to run the ball in hand and were rewarded with a try. Having broken down the wing, a kick to the opposite corner saw the unmarked winger touch down.
Ives reacted well and began to dominate the collisions. From a scrum near the halfway line, Declan O’Neill broke the defence and took the hosts to within 5 metres. Fine recycling ultimately saw skipper Dan De’Ath crash over. Ashbridge added the extras.
With the half drawing to a close, Ives’ defence again caused the visitors problems. Forcing Stockwood back and gaining a penalty, Ives kicked to the corner. From the lineout, the forwards took control and De’Ath added his second.
Half time 19-8
Stockwood regrouped and began the second half with aggression and hard running, immediately putting Ives on the back foot. A penalty reduced the arrears by 3 points.
For the next 15 minutes Ives were in the ascendant, the scrum beginning to dominate. Despite half breaks by O’Neill, Ashbridge and Henri Cole, Stockwood’s defence held firm.
A speculative chip over the defence by Ives gave Stockwood possession. For once the wide defence was breached and the Stockwood centre beat four flailing arms to score under the posts. The conversion brought the visitors to within a point.
Almost immediately, a penalty concession gifted Stockwood the lead with 20 minutes remaining. The tension ratcheted up with the defences on both sides keeping play between the two 22s.
With time elapsing, Ives a foothold in Stockwood’s half. Despite losing possession, it was again strong defensive pressure that led to a penalty turnover. Injudicious backchat gave Ives a ten metre bonus to bring the kick for the posts within range. Ashbridge remained calm to give Ives the one point lead and claim a well deserved victory at the end of a closely contested encounter.
Head Coach Josh Dear was delighted. “We imposed our game with the ball on them, and stuck to the elements that gave us reward. Defensively we really dug in and worked hard as a unit.”