St Ives ignited their survival bid by jumping off the bottom of the Midlands Division Three East (South) table.

The Bulls claimed a battling 19-5 success against Daventry at windswept Somersham Road last Saturday to climb one place in the standings.

Jack Blackey swooped on a loose pass before racing in for an early try which was successfully converted by Jim Robinson.

They had to survive plenty of pressure with Robinson sin-binned before extending their advantage courtesy of an Ollie Bartlett score in the corner after the ball had been superbly stolen by the returning Mickey Blackey.

That provided a 12-point cushion at the interval and it proved to be a match-winning position as the Bulls battled well with a fierce wind in their faces during the second half.

They had to make ground the hard way while adopting a ‘no kicking’ policy after seeing an early Daventry attempt to find touch in the first half loop back over the kicker’s head!

It certainly worked for them as a series of quick offloads and rucks allowed Robinson and Phil Kneeshaw to carve out a second try for Bartlett. Robinson also guided over a fine conversion into the gale.

Daventry did hit back with a try, but the Bulls saw out a vital triumph in their survival bid.

Skipper Josh Dear said: “We’re tough to beat when we play like this and implement the right rugby for the conditions.

“It was a great performance from all the lads.”

St Ives go to Dunstablians this Saturday.