With floodlights necessary to pierce the gloom, the rugby was nonetheless sparkling as young and old combined for a barbarian-style match.
Skipper Craig Cheetham called on former captain Ross Thompson to dust off his boots and Jim “I prefer boxing” Leyden, who put in a sound shift at hooker. The front row was completed with ever-willing Tommy “American Steel” Beauchene.
At the other end of the scale, youngster Harry Smith was pressed into action at scrum half, acquitting himself very well, and two players loaned by Cantabs were playing only their second ever games of rugby in the backs.
Sam Vivers used the game to test his fitness as he returned from an injury and backs Ed Mortimer and Matt Millar also found themselves in unaccustomed roles at 10 and 15.
Augmented by a Dad who had come to watch his son play after retiring from the game and two very handy players in the back row, Ives started well.
Mortimer was granted space to go over after a couple of minutes, followed by number 8 Will. Cantabs came back into the game with two long range tries, before flanker Dave scored Ives third, converted by Millar.
Turning to play downhill, Cantabs had twigged that they had a rapid trio of backs and scored three quick tries as they hoofed the ball downfield and followed up well.
With the game slipping away from them, Ives gathered their wits and played some fine continuous rugby resulting in Thompson barrelling his way over close in, which Mortimer converted.
Seeking the equalising score, Ives were pressing deep in Cantabs 22. With the ball lost in contact, the Cantabs half backs exchanged passes as they sprinted the length of the field to seal victory.
A special mention for referee Chris Rowbottom who arbitrated with skill and wit to add to the enjoyment of the game.