Unfortunate late withdrawals saw Ives shorthanded as kick off approached.
Cantabs arrived with a full complement and offered players to even the side up.
The first hour saw a topsy turvy match with only a score or two in in throughout the first hour.
The guest winger, Sam Vivers and Adam Scott all crossed for the Ives, with Matt Millar converting one.
In the last few minutes, the visitors' capacity to rotate personnel and tiring Bulls legs saw Cantabs score a handful of tries to somewhat distort the scoreline.
Skipper Josh Taylor commented, "It was a good performance by the lads. They came off smiling knowing they had done well and enjoyed themselves."