County Cup match v Stags

After a setback last week against a strong Shelford side, the St Ives U15s turned up at their next County Cup match with determination and self-belief. The lads had worked hard over the last couple of training sessions to focus on strength and commitment in defence, and speed and maximum effort in every play. The first half saw some great team work from St Ives, and our quick response to a penalty enabled us to get the first try on the board. Stags responded a few minutes later with a try of their own. The St Ives scrum was fairly dominant and the lads were contesting every ruck, but with breakdowns sometimes becoming a little messy, there was good attacking play from both sides, and scores were even at 12 points each just before half time. Some great team work led to some strong carries from the forwards, quick ball from the backs, then a well-orchestrated driving maul and St Ives took their third try just a minute before the half time whistle, 17-12 to St Ives. The second half started with some power and good footwork from our centres resulting in a try within minutes, but the tide turned and St Ives found themselves defending. Stags were able to dive over for a try at the 40 minute mark, then some messy work at the breakdown and Stags scored another try at 55 minutes to take the score to 24 each! Only a few minutes left but the St Ives lads brought their passion, determination and commitment, and gave it their all. Some good movement of the ball and we were within sniffing distance of the try line, a last minute pop pass, and we were over the line for a try seconds before the final whistle. Nicely converted, so a win for St Ives, and a final score of 31-24! An exciting game with superb sportsmanship from both teams, and fantastic to see the St Ives lads build on some great training sessions, and prove to themselves what they are really capable of.