St Ives came back down to earth with a bump on Saturday.

The Bulls failed to build on a resounding derby success over St Neots in their previous game when crashing to a 26-3 defeat at Corby side Stewart & Lloyds.

They were left to reflect on a sloppy period of play when they failed to press home a numerical advantage after two home players had been yellow-carded.

That was followed by a nightmare spell in which they conceded four tries in quick succession with their pack pushed firmly onto the back-foot.

St Ives’ only points came from the boot of Jim Robinson and coach Phil Brown admitted: “We were left to rue the 20 minutes in the game when we relaxed and we know we have to correct the mindset.”

Teenager Benn Dixon made his senior debut as a replacement for a St Ives side who remain bottom, one point adrift of St Neots who went down 29-7 at Stockwood Park.

Both teams are involved in Midlands Division Three East Cup clashes this Saturday.

St Ives go to Sleaford while St Neots host Kesteven.