Watched by a large crowd in the sunshine, the local rivals put on a feast of tries in an entertaining game. With a strong wind blowing down the slope, it was perhaps surprising that both teams found playing against it easier.
Ives started lethargically and were guilty of cheap penalty concessions. St Neots took advantage to take the early lead. Ives responded immediately with a break by veteran Pete Fahey resulting in a try for Declan O’Neill, converted by Paul Ashbridge.
The next 20 minutes saw neither side able to convert chances, the gusting wind frequently skewing passes that went to ground.
Finally, good lineout possession saw the ball spread wide for Connor Newsome to cross. This was followed by a break by the returning Alex Henly, good hands leaving Henri Cole with a gap to charge through and touch down.
Switching off at the restart gifted St Neots possession and they scored again to leave the score 19-14 at half time.
Stern words were imparted to the home side at the break to shake them from their torpor. It seemed to work as the second half performance was altogether better.
Against the elements, the Bulls tightened up their approach play, frequently driving beyond the gainline to camp in St Neots’ half. Skipper Dan De’Ath crashed over to extend the lead.
In the fourth quarter the floodgates opened. The try of the match came from a scrum in Ives’ own 22. O’Neill broke from the base and fed Owen Pugh. Newsome was in support and the three interchanged passes to leave the visitors flailing at air before Pugh dotted down.
There followed four Ives tries in quick succession, many following great running from the back by Dan Hawkins. The pressure mounted and Ashbridge, Michael Drake, O’Neill and Ollie Mills all scored. Hawkins converted two.
To their credit, St Neots did not give up, scoring two further tries in their lost cause, gaining a try bonus point.
Ives face a stern test next week against high flying Leighton Buzzard, but will look forward to it following this fine victory.