The vagaries of the Cambs junior cup regulations left Ives 2nds facing a tough semi-final encounter against their opponents who play at the same level as Bulls' 1st XV.
However, for the first 25 minutes of the match nobodycould have discerned which was the higher placed side. having conceded an early try, Ives had their own chances to score. The scrum was holding up well against much bigger opponents and a sound set piece delvered good ball for the backs.
On one occasion, an overlap created went astray and Wisbech survived the onslaught.
Wisbech created another score, before a fine league-esque steal in the tackle by David Sykes saw him sprint to the line. Unfortunately the personal accolade was chalked off when the referee awarded a penalty try for a high shot by the last home defender in the process of scoring.
It was a very hot day and with no replacements left on the bench after an early injury, Ives flagged, conceding a welter of tries in the last ten minutes of the half.
The second half was a much improved performance by the visitors. Both teams had chances.
Special mention of two try saving tackles by Albiee Tayedzerwa which kept the hosts at bay.
Once again, the rotation of players by the hosts gave them renewed energy. In the last 15 minutes, they scored 4 further tries against an exhausted Ives side.
There is debate about the final score, as whoever entered the match card could not add up. With the number of tries agreed, the score entered was mathematically impossible! It matters not, but a bit rude ;-)