It was a tough afternoon on the road for the travelling St Ives 3rd XV as they headed to Cambridge Rugby Club, facing a home side in full force and backed by a strong crowd atmosphere with their Championship 1st XV fixture also taking place.

Led by Craig Cheetham, St Ives knew they were in for a challenge from the outset. Cambridge made a strong start, setting the tone early. Slick ball movement through their influential 12 created space out wide, and it wasn’t long before they crossed in the corner, slicing through the St Ives defence for the opening score.

Unfortunately, that proved to be the first of several. Cambridge utilised their backfield well, identifying overloads and capitalising clinically when in attacking positions. When St Ives did manage to set their defensive line, Cambridge shifted tactically, leaning on powerful forward carries – particularly through their standout man of the match. Jamie Irons met that physicality head-on with determined defence, but despite his efforts, the momentum remained with the home side.

Four tries down but far from beaten, St Ives responded with intent. Olly Mills entered the fray in the first half and immediately made an impact. With a focused, direct drive at the defensive line, he powered through and finished superbly with a dive into the corner to get St Ives on the board.

Half-time brought a chance to regroup. The message was clear – refocus, stay in the fight, and play for each other.

As the second half unfolded, Cambridge stuck to their formula. Their 12 continued to dictate play, exploiting space and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Yet St Ives began to grow into the contest. Big tackles flew in, defensive sets tightened, and the boys dug deep to compete in every collision.

A lineout deep in the Cambridge half presented opportunity. St Ives executed the newly thought (and not yet tried) set piece perfectly, and Ben Peach was there, alert and undefended, to collect and power over for St Ives’ second try. A reward for persistence and belief.

The final stages proved difficult. Cambridge rolled on fresh forwards, maintaining intensity, while the St Ives bench was gradually reduced through injury. Fatigue crept in, but effort never dropped.

The scoreboard may not have favoured the visitors, but every player who wore the St Ives shirt did so with pride. The energy, passion, frustration and laughter all stemmed from one place – pride in the badge and the privilege of playing alongside teammates. That spirit carries forward into next week.