Blackley leaves Oundle trailing

Midlands 5 East (South)

St Ives 22 Oundle 0

THIS comprehensive weekend victory was a step in the right direction for St Ives, who have been less than impressive so far this season.

Saints fielded a changed side with club captain Pete Hammond sidelined through injury and James Cannon returning at inside centre

The past few seasons have seen matches between the two sides finish as close affairs with honours even. However, this season's clash saw Oundle sitting mid-table with St Ives languishing uncomfortably at the bottom.

The hosts kicked off downhill and went on the offensive, mounting several attacks and probing the visitors' defence for weaknesses - and they didn't have to wait long for success.

From a scrum awarded to Oundle the St Ives pack almost casually pushed the Oundle scrum backwards to enable Saints' scrum-half Dan Stewart to fall on the ball as they crossed the line.

The pressure continued and several attacks were repelled until a good move involving the whole St Ives back-line resulted in a try in the corner for winger Ben Pinion.

The hosts then appeared to take their foot off the gas, occasionally allowing Oundle into their half, but the home defence stood firm and prevented any meaningful attacks from developing.

Saints kept mounting assaults on the Oundle line and it was fly-half Jack Blackley chose to take the defence on by himself, backing his pace to surprise everyone to split the Oundle defence and cross for the try.

The icing was firmly placed on the cake as outside-centre Jack Collins intercepted a pass and managed to run from inside his own 22-metre line to cross under the Oundle posts for a try that was successfully converted.

# Meanwhile, the club has received its new kit, along with the junior section, from St Ives-based sponsors Croesus Financial Services.