St Ives continued their immaculate challenge for title honours with another comprehensive success – and warmed up for a crucial cup clash in the process.
The Bulls breezed to a 64-0 victory against lowly Northampton BBOB in Midlands Division Three East (South) last Saturday.
Phil Brown’s men stretched their perfect league record to 13 matches with a Somersham Road win that was even more conclusive than the scoreline might suggest.
The referee missed one of their 11 tries off when calculating the final score!
St Ives found themselves under pressure early on but survived the early storm to quickly take command with Dan Hyde opening the scoring.
His first try was followed by three others before the break with Paul Ashbridge, Josh Dear and Josh Meadows all touching down.
The second half began with a try-of-the-season contender from player-coach John Naylor as a training ground move from the base of a scrum was executed to perfection in the heat of battle.
A penalty try soon followed before Meadows darted in for his second score of the afternoon. Ashbridge then completed his hat-trick with two tries in quick succession which both stemmed from the visitors kick-offs.
And the Bulls weren’t done there. Ashbridge continued his stellar showing with a fourth try on a day when he also sent over seven conversions before Pete Fahey added the final score when completing a move which started in St Ives’ own half.
Stand-in skipper Mickey Drake said: “We were apprehensive before the game and the scoreline doesn’t reflect how hard BBOB fought for the full 80 minutes.
“But we took the chances that came our way and we can now look forward to the tough encounter that lies ahead at the weekend.”
Drake is referring to the Bulls’ trip to fellow Midlands Division Three East (South) side Vipers in the semi-finals of the Midlands Senior Vase this Saturday.
St Ives will start as favourites to reach the final of this competition for the first time after winning 29-3 at the Leicester outfit in a November league clash.
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