St Ives Rugby Club have ended a difficult season on a high by defeating Peterborough's second team 29-10 to win the Huntingdonshire and Peterborough County Cup final.
Playing in inclement weather, St Ives managed the conditions superbly with strong close-quarter rugby and utilising their dominant set piece to break down a determined Peterborough.
Head coach Paul Humphreys was delighted and said: "This was the performance we have been threatening all season. In difficult conditions, we played some very good rugby.
"The dominance the pack showed at the set piece set the tone, never allowing Peterborough to get a foot in the game and living off scraps.
A large contingent of supporters gathered at Huntingdon Rugby Club Club to watch the final, and St Ives got off to the best possible start when Paul Ashbridge kicked three points for an early lead.
Ives continued to apply the pressure, but with the weather making the ball extremely difficult to handle, no further scores were added until the 30th minute when Ollie Bartlett touched down after a good grubber kick was recycled quickly.
The Bulls' tails were up, and after several strong carries in the pouring rain, departing captain Tommy Newman crashed over for a popular score to make it 17-0 at halftime.
Peterborough upped their game in the second half and tested the Bulls' defence several times before two yellow cards to St Ives allowed them to capitalise with three points and score a well-worked try to make it 17-10.
READ MORE: Rampant St Ives score ten tries to reach Hunts and Peterborough Cup final
The weather didn't hold, but we held off a persistent @PRUFC side to claim the @HandPRugby Cup 29-10.#uptheives pic.twitter.com/ph97GeO2iC
— St. Ives Rugby (@StIvesRugby) May 6, 2023
However, St Ives shook themselves down and scored the try of the match when the pack sucked in the defenders to allow the ball to go out wide for Cullan Smy to score from an overlap.
Peterborough's frustrations grew, and a powerful surge from the scrum finished things off for St Ives to make it 29-10 to the delight of the drenched support, ending the season for the club in fine fashion with silverware.
Paul added: "To all those at the club who have supported me and from the players themselves and especially my wife and family, thank you. A very good way to end a difficult season."
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