POOR officiating was partly to blame for Roosters’ first home defeat of the campaign at home against Sudbury on Saturday – according to player coach Paul Ashbridge.

Conference East

St Ives Roosters 18

Sudbury Gladiators 46

POOR officiating was partly to blame for Roosters’ first home defeat of the campaign at home against Sudbury on Saturday – according to player coach Paul Ashbridge.

It was a robust game which, in Roosters’ eyes, featured a poor performance from the match official.

One particular flashpoint saw David Sykes, along with the Gladiators scrum-half, yellow carded for fighting.

However despite a good performance, the hosts were comprehensively beaten.

Ashbridge said: “Sudbury came to fight and the referee allowed them to do so.”

Roosters’ tries were scored by Sam Peel, Stefan Galluchi and Max Dominy, with Ashbridge kicking two goals and one from Lewis Hall completed the scoring.

Roosters are in action this Saturday when they feature in the East of England 9’s at West Norfolk RFC.