A rejuvenated St Ives Rugby Club kicked off the new year by producing a great team performance to defeat high-flying Stamford 25-14.

Head Coach Paul Humphreys had said at Christmas that he expected St Ives to take teams by surprise in 2023, and the Bulls well and truly backed up his comments to shock fourth-placed Stamford on their home patch at Somersham Road.

Playing the first Counties 1 Midlands East South division match since December 3, the Bulls' performance was epitomised by a dogged defence, a dominant set piece and consistent scoreboard pressure.

Playing into the wind first up, the Bulls were under the cosh for most of the half, but the extraordinary defence kept the visitors scoreless. 

The Hunts Post: Centre John Paxton puts a thumping hit in on his opposite man.Centre John Paxton puts a thumping hit in on his opposite man. (Image: Paul Cox)

Once in possession, St Ives were awarded two five-metre penalties, and the returning hooker Christian Williams crashed and spun his way over for an unconverted score.

A lapse in concentration at the end of the half allowed Stamford to take a quick tap at a penalty and grab a converted score for a 7-5 lead.

In the second half, the scrum, anchored by Josh Dear in his 200th 1st XV appearance, began to dominate and allowed a platform for quick hands to release Paul Ashbridge for a converted score and a 12-7 lead.

The Hunts Post: The St Ives front-row were dominant at scrum time throughout the game.The St Ives front-row were dominant at scrum time throughout the game. (Image: Paul Cox)

The pressure continued, and Ashbridge was able to kick a further two penalties to extend the lead to 18-7 before Stamford reduced the gap to four points with a try from another quickly taken penalty.

However, the last 10 minutes were won by St Ives' heroic defence camped on their own line to keep the visors at bay.

St Ives eventually utilised good game management to alleviate the pressure and get up the pitch, with Man of the Match Matt Wood capping an immense defensive display by releasing winger Harry Smith to seal an unlikely 25-14 victory.

The Hunts Post: MOM Matt Wood breaks off the back of the scrum to set up the final try.MOM Matt Wood breaks off the back of the scrum to set up the final try. (Image: Paul Cox)

Post-match, Humphreys said: "Stamford came with an expectancy and an air of arrogance to Somersham Road.

"What they got instead was a very good team performance from St Ives that sent them homewards licking their wounds."

"To say I am proud is an understatement. The boys, one to 18, were magnificent. The best side definitely won."

The result avenges a 46-5 defeat earlier in the season, and St Ives will anxiously wait and see if the injuries to three of their players will rule them out for the next fixture at Stockwood Park RFC on January 14.