A youthful ON’s took advantage of a slow start to the game by the hosts. First capitalising on defensive indecision, then some lacklustre defence, the visitors were 14 points up within 10 minutes.
Ives struggled to hold on to the ball in attack in the first quarter. A yellow to the ON’s tighthead gave the Bulls the chance to recover.
With the pack dominant and providing multiple opportunities, Charlie Mandley chipped the defence, regathered and fed Michael Drake who scored under the posts.
A few minutes later, a half break and offload by Drake put Alex Henly clear. This was followed soon after by a determined drive by Ives forwards before a step saw Drake break and put Ben Fleming through to score.
The Bulls defence again allowed ON’s to gain easy yards, which led to the right wing scoring his second when the space appeared.
With the game tied and half time approaching, a lovely inside pass by Dan Hawkins saw Drake through a gap. He combined with Fleming again for the latter’s second of the match.
With both kickers imperious off the tee, the half time score was 28-21.
After some encouragement from the coaching staff at the break, Ives started the second period much better.
A perfectly executes lineout drive from the 22m line ultimately saw Tommy Newman dot down. A splendid way to celebrate his 200th appearance for the 1st XV.
Ives were pounding the ON’s defence, but could not get over the line until the forward drives tied in the visitors’ defenders. Paul Ashbridge was left in space and scored.
ON’s would not go quietly and fought back with another try. A speculative kick upfield was not gathered by the Bulls and they scampered over to score.
Ives were in no mood to release their grip on the game. Three tries came in quick succession. Matt Millar scored in one corner after good hands by the backs. Henly then got his second after driving play left acres of space for him to trot in. And skipper Dan De’Ath finished another fine drive to score Ives’ ninth try. Mandley converted from all angles.
As time was expiring on the clock, ON’s showed resolve and scored two quick tries at the death.
Head Coach Josh Dear was a contented man. “There was a lot to be proud of with today’s performance. Still some things to work on, but the spirit and play is growing nicely.”