RUGBY: St Ives charge to victory on opening day, but it’s a losing start for St Neots
St Ives in their new kit ahead of their season-opening victory against Daventry. - Credit: Archant
A new season came complete with a successful start as St Ives launched their Midlands Division Three East (South) challenge in triumphant style.
Phil Brown’s Bulls men saw off Daventry 24-6 at sodden Somersham Road last Saturday.
St Ives spent the opening quarter camped deep in their own territory, but league debutant David Stone, Michael Wright and Paul Ashbridge all excelled during a fine defensive effort.
Ashbridge and Stone were also prominently involved as St Ives escaped upfield to claim the opening try of the season – the latter touching down after some slick handling from the former.
Max Dominy did the honours with the conversion, but St Ives saw their lead slashed to a point courtesy of two Daventry penalties before the break.
Dominy responded in the second half with a successful penalty of his own before Mickey Drake darted in for a try under the posts.
And another soon followed as Ashbridge burst though a couple of tackles and sped round the visiting full-back to cross the line.
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Dominy kicked the extras on both occasions to complete a satisfying start to the season.
St Ives skipper Josh Dear said: “We have set the bar high for this season.
“I asked for a performance to match the investment made in the club and kit, and I definitely got it.”
St Neots, who received a reprieve from relegation after finishing bottom last season, began the new campaign with a 28-5 home defeat at the hands of Biggleswade.
St Neots now host Daventry this Saturday while St Ives are on the road at Dunstablians.
