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BackSat 17 Oct 2026 · Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
St Neots
1st XV Men
Tries: N GustoConversions: N Gusto
7
14
Tries: H Cole, B PeachConversions: C Mandley, D Hawkins
Tense encounter sees Ives winning run continue
Phil Brown
Weather again plays a key role
Ives travelled to local rivals St Neots knowing the hosts would be well prepared for a tough encounter. Selecting a side with a clear game plan in mind, the Bulls were surprised to arrive to see the large main pitch cordoned off – a victim of the prolonged dry weather, as for many.
Both sides struggled to stay within the boundaries of the very narrow pitch. As a result, direct rugby became the approach of the day.
Playing with the wind in the first half, Saints big ball carriers up front and in the centres ground Ives back into their own half. A mention for Josh Meadows whose ankle level tackling was often the major disruptor of Saints’ attacks.
The game was still scoreless after 30 minutes, at which point the Bulls put an astonishing series of phases together. Saints defence was robust, but Ives kept possession through at least 25 rucks. Finally, the defence was cracked open by Henri Cole who strode between two tacklers to score under the posts. Converted by Charlie Mandley.
Half time 0-7
With the wind at their backs, Ives had thoughts of stamping their authority on their rivals. But the wind was not their friend and passes frequently drifted from flailing hands.
In the set piece, Ives were gaining momentum. In the lineout, Ben Peach was imperious, winning the opposition’s ball as well those fired accurately by Ives’ Sam Marjason-Stamp.
Ives pack gained dominance and as the third quarter was closing, battered the Saints line until Peach crashed over. Dan Hawkins added the extras.
With nothing to lose, Saints threw caution to the winds. Fine defence kept them at bay, with sub Matt Holland to the fore.
A remarkable miskick by the Saints stand-off, was caught by the wind and swept back into the winger’s arms. With Ives expecting the ball elsewhere, he cantered in unopposed to score a converted try.
The Bulls then kept their defence solid to close out the game for a good win in testing conditions.
DoR Duncan Williams was looking forward, “A really close game which we ultimately never looked like losing . Dissapointing to only get 4 points but happy with the win and we look ahead to playing 2nd placed Stewarts & Lloyds next week.”
Both sides struggled to stay within the boundaries of the very narrow pitch. As a result, direct rugby became the approach of the day.
Playing with the wind in the first half, Saints big ball carriers up front and in the centres ground Ives back into their own half. A mention for Josh Meadows whose ankle level tackling was often the major disruptor of Saints’ attacks.
The game was still scoreless after 30 minutes, at which point the Bulls put an astonishing series of phases together. Saints defence was robust, but Ives kept possession through at least 25 rucks. Finally, the defence was cracked open by Henri Cole who strode between two tacklers to score under the posts. Converted by Charlie Mandley.
Half time 0-7
With the wind at their backs, Ives had thoughts of stamping their authority on their rivals. But the wind was not their friend and passes frequently drifted from flailing hands.
In the set piece, Ives were gaining momentum. In the lineout, Ben Peach was imperious, winning the opposition’s ball as well those fired accurately by Ives’ Sam Marjason-Stamp.
Ives pack gained dominance and as the third quarter was closing, battered the Saints line until Peach crashed over. Dan Hawkins added the extras.
With nothing to lose, Saints threw caution to the winds. Fine defence kept them at bay, with sub Matt Holland to the fore.
A remarkable miskick by the Saints stand-off, was caught by the wind and swept back into the winger’s arms. With Ives expecting the ball elsewhere, he cantered in unopposed to score a converted try.
The Bulls then kept their defence solid to close out the game for a good win in testing conditions.
DoR Duncan Williams was looking forward, “A really close game which we ultimately never looked like losing . Dissapointing to only get 4 points but happy with the win and we look ahead to playing 2nd placed Stewarts & Lloyds next week.”
Further reading