St Ives open Rugby League Conference East season by burying Titans

Rugby League Conference East

St Ives Roosters 46 Bury Titans 24

A NEW-LOOK Roosters outfit opened their new Rugby League Conference East campaign with an encouraging 46-24 home win over Bury Titans on Saturday.

With three debutants in their ranks, the game started badly for the Roosters, as they went behind to an unconverted try.

A settling down period then ensued, which led to Adam Peel crossing to score with a fine individual unconverted try.

Driving runs from the second row pair of Sam Peel and Jamie Noble gained valuable yards for the Roosters. This set up a good field position for David Sykes to cross close to the line for another unconverted try which extended the lead to 8-0.

The hosts were helped by a series of penalties which were given against the Titans for talking back to the referee.

The territorial advantage helped the Roosters keep up the pressure on the Bury side and their lead was extended by debutant Luke Slade.

Working the ball through the forwards, Slade took advantage of a flowing move to score near the posts, converted by Mat Dear, before Noble added another try.

Titans hit back with two unconverted scores to reduce the hosts’ lead to 18-12 at the interval and the second half started in dramatic fashion, as Noble crossed for his second try which was converted by Dear.

Another pair of unconverted scores let the visitors back into the game once again and, with the game in the balance, Adam Peel crossed for the decisive score to put the Roosters in control of the game, which Dear converted to give the Roosters a 10-point cushion.

Further tries from Slade and Steve Burke - one of which was converted by Dear - gave Roosters a 40–20 lead before the visitors, who kept plugging away, were rewarded with an unconverted try five minutes from time.

But it was St Ives who had the final say with player-coach Paul Ashbridge scoring a try.

This weekend, Roosters visit Northampton Demons A, kick-off 2pm.