RUGBY: St Ives keep their cool in a Corby cauldron to maintain promotion challenge
Josh Dear touches down for one of his two tries to help St Ives to victory at Stewart & Lloyds. Picture: PAUL COX - Credit: Archant
St Ives displayed cool heads to continue their challenge for a second successive promotion last Saturday.
St Ives captain Ollie Bartlett during their win at Stewart & Lloyds. Picture: PAUL COX - Credit: Archant
The Bulls survived plenty of pressure and provocation when recording a 34-12 triumph at Stewart & Lloyds in Midlands Division Two East (South).
The Corby side and renowned for being formidable opponents on their own turf and they lead 12-8 at the break after touching down twice in the opening half whereas St Ives could only manage a penalty and a try both provided by Paul Ashbridge.
But it was a different story in the second period as the Bulls racked up 26 unanswered points to storm to victory and leave their hosts highly agitated.
They quickly took advantage of a Stewart & Lloyds forward being sin-binned as young talent Bradley Robinson crashed over for a second try in as many games to put St Ives ahead.
Alex Henly claimed the final St Ives try in their success at Stewart & Lloyds. Picture: PAUL COX - Credit: Archant
But they had to wait until the final quarter to really put their hosts to the sword with three further tries when being assisted by a total loss of discipline from their opponents.
Josh Dear bulldozed his way through a gap to touch down after a quick tap penalty from player-coach John Naylor and the same man then helped himself to his second try during a spell when Stewart & Lloyds were reduced to 13 men.
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Both of those scores were converted by Ashbridge and he also added the extras after Alex Henly completed St Ives’ try haul late on before the contest was ended a little early by the referee following an unsavoury incident which left Bulls man Greg Dale nursing a gash to the head.
St Ives director of rugby, Phil Brown, said: “The lads can be really pleased and proud of that performance.
“They faced some challenges later in the game and showed tremendous discipline to continue playing the rugby they did to gain their just deserts.”
A seventh win in nine league matches during their debut Midlands Division Two East (South) season kept St Ives third in the standings ahead of a home clash against fourth-placed Belgrave this Saturday.
