Rugby: St Ives lose out to league leaders after dominating

Stewarts and Lloyds travelled to the Chick Shack keen to extend their 100 per cent winning record so far this season.

After a very close first half, it was only errors by Ives that led to a flattering scoreline for the visitors, whose celebrations illustrated they knew they had been in a much closer game.

Head Coach Paul Humphreys summed up: “I felt we dominated S&L pretty much for most of the game. We dominated field position, the scrum, possession and our defence was comfortable and never really stretched." 

There are lots of positives that we can take pride in but the harsh truth is. We never turned our dominance into a win. That's the bit, for me, that hurts the most.”

With the pitch the same bog as last week after heavy rain, the mud made a handling game difficult. Much of the game was thus a battle of strength between the forwards. As the game unfolded, it was clear that Ives had the advantage in the scrum. But S&L’s doggedness in defence kept them out.

Michael Sykes in action on Saturday. (Image: Phil Brown)

With no score as the half hour elapsed, S&L finally got towards the Ives lines as the hosts were penalised at the breakdown. A smartly taken pick and go saw the opening score.

From the kick off, Ives were on the attack. S&L relieved the pressure by hoofing a long ball downfield. Ives failed to gather it and a simply try ensued for the winger.

As the half closed, the Bulls put together a fine period of continuity. 

The third quarter saw Ives dominant in all areas of the game except the scoreboard. 

It was therefore a sucker punch to concede try from the first serious attack by S&L in the second half. The stand off, who had a fine game, chipped the onrushing Bulls and sprinted past the cover defence to touch down.

Once again, Ives bullied their way upfield to the visitors’ 22. Forcing the game was their undoing as a pass was intercepted and the S&L winger ran the length of the field to score.

Final Score: St Ives 7 - S&L 31.