After a longer than planned Christmas break due to flooded pitches, the Tiger Bulls lads were up for a good match today. The first half got off to a great start with Tiger Bulls making their way up the pitch with some excellent teamwork, but then an intercepted pass almost saw Shelford taking a try, but a great tackle from our Outside Centre saw the ball back in our possession. Tiger Bulls kept possession, moving up the pitch with confidence and good teamwork, and soon our Hooker was over the line for a try...but the ref ruled the ball was held up. The Tiger Bulls lads got straight back at it, and within a few minutes we were again making our way towards the try line, ball to Hooker and this time he made a powerful charge over the line to secure our first try, nicely converted. Shelford responded just moments later with a converted try of their own, but from the restart Tiger Bulls dominated both the scrums and the possession, and we were making ground again, with some great supporting play. At 35 minutes we got the ball to the forwards in the middle, and after a couple of good phases and a powerful charge, we had our second try, again converted. Almost a third try from our winger just a moment later, but unfortunately just in touch before getting to the try line. The half finished with a try from Shelford just before the whistle, with the missed conversion signalling the end of the half. Half time score: 12-14 to Tiger Bulls so all to play for.

The second half started well with a try within the first couple of minutes, converted. Some great team work, and a great run and offload from our Outside Centre, and a sprint from our Fullback. Possession then changed hand numerous times over the next ten minutes, with neither side getting any points. A good steal from our Winger to secure possession, but then the ball was turned over again, and Shelford took their first try of the half, converted. Soon after, and with a Shelford overlap, they managed to get around us and take another try, converted. At 26-21 and 20 minutes of the match still to play, Tiger Bulls worked hard to fight back. But with legs tiring and a couple of injuries meaning replacements and re-arranging, Tiger Bulls couldn't quite get over the line. And at the last moment Shelford ran in their third try of the half, unconverted.

Lots to be proud of, some great team work, and some ideas to work on for the remaining Cup matches. Up the Ives (and Tiger Bulls!).