Whilst played in 4 quarters to allow the coaches to rotate and test formations, this was a real game of two halves. The stiff breeze and slope played their part on a bright sunny day.
The first fifteen minutes were scrappy with neither squad able to string enough phases together to trouble the scoreboard.
Wymondham were the first to settle, and some continuous pressure broke the home defence and the deadlock. As the game moved into the second quarter, two more moves through the backs saw the visitors build their lead.
Ives finally found their feet and skipper John Paxton made a fine break supported by Cullan Smy. Stopped just short, Dave Walley was on hand to pick and drive over.
Wymondham added two further tries before and after the change of ends. They were to be the last time they breached the Ives defence as the Bulls took control for the remainder of the match.
An excellent lineout take by Ollie Bartlett led to a break for Ollie Raine who was caught just short of the line. Sam Marjason-Stamp was present to collect and score.
Ives pack was now causing havoc. A lineout following a penalty saw Josh Dear finish the move off to score.
Paxton was enjoying himself and another fine break pierced the defence. Raine was in support and took the scoring pass.
The last quarter was all Ives. Another lineout drive saw Wymondham only able to prevent a score by offending. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try to the Bulls.
Ives backs got in on the act as Dan Hawkins was released in midfield. Still with work to do, he pinned his ears back and left the last defence in his wake.
There was still time for a final effort up front. Ives pack set another lineout drive, Wymondham managed to slow it, but Bartlett was sharp off the back of the maul and rounded the defence for the final score.
Head Coach Paul Humphreys was pleased with the day, saying, “I think it was agreed that both teams served up some enjoyable rugby.
“The 4 quarters enabled me to change the side and rotate players and combinations. The pleasing thing is the effort and character the boys showed. Even in the middle half of the game when Wymondham got ahead on the scoreboard, we did not panic and still looked to play, asking questions in attack and defence.
“The final 20 minutes were a joy to watch. The composure and togetherness we showed and the desire to work for each other were very satisfying. There's still plenty to work on and sort out, but as a club and group of players we can be extremely pleased we are heading in the right direction.”