St Ives Rugby Club fall to one point defeat against Bourne

Both teams may have expected a try-fest in unusually warm and dry conditions for the month, but it was not to be as defences cancelled each other out in a hard-fought encounter.

The start was not what Ives would have wanted. Overplaying the kick-off receipt, a player was isolated and caught holding on, and Bourne duly pointed to the posts for an early 0-3 lead.

Centre George Peacock makes yet another tackle in defence (Image: Paul Cox)

As has been symptomatic of the season, Ives then had some good spells in attack with Ollie Raine and Tom Woodrow ever-present but could not hold possession for the final thrust.

As the half closed, Bourne gained territory and, after initially being thwarted by a try-saving tackle by Ben Fleming, finally scored in the corner. Unconverted for a 0-8 lead.

The second half became a very frustrating spectacle for the home fans as the Bourne captain cannily used all opportunities to run down the clock, questioning every decision.

Paul Ashbridge breaching the gainline (Image: Paul Cox)

It led to backchat from both teams. The first to suffer on the board was St Ives when a penalty was marched up the field, making the attempt at goal simple for the kicker, 0-11.

The remainder of the game was end-to-end. Neither side could take advantage of the numerous penalties giving territorial opportunities.

A textbook tackle by Sam Marjason-Stamp (Image: Paul Cox)

Some colossal hits were being made; one by Josh Dear hurtling the visiting hooker back by yards will stay long in the memory.

Finally, Ives were on the board after an infringement gave Paul Ashbridge a chance to convert a penalty to make it 3-11.

Then following a Bourne yellow card, St Ives chose a scrum from a penalty in front and marched Bourne back for a pushover try by Raine, converted by Ashbridge.

Sadly for Ives, the clock was up, and the game was beyond them.

Today we say our final farewells to legendary clubman, Simon Fry.

He will be sorely missed by one and all.#ripsimon pic.twitter.com/b8XI4RQcAB

— St. Ives Rugby (@StIvesRugby) October 28, 2022

Head Coach Paul Humphreys said: “It was a scrappy game. Our defence was superb again, and the effort the team put in was very pleasing.

"Our scrum went well and had the opposition in trouble all game.

"We created numerous chances in attack but were unable to capitalise - we left a few tries out there. The pleasing thing is we are creating opportunities.”