St Ives have gone from one end of the emotional scale to the other in the space of two games.

Seven days after being disappointed by their display in a narrow victory over Northampton BBOB, the Bulls were left pleased with the performance during a 31-19 loss at Northampton Casuals last Saturday.

Will Nelson went over late in the first half to cut St Ives’ arrears to seven points at the break, but they immediately conceded a third try of the game in the opening minute of the second period.

Two further tries for the hosts followed as they stormed clear, but the Bulls rallied with a fine display in the final quarter of the contest.

Paul Ashbridge was the star performer as he twice converted his own tries to reduce the arrears on a day when coach Phil Brown felt his side deserved more.

He said: “I felt angry with the performance we produced when winning in our previous game.

“This time I was disappointed for the players that they were beaten when they deserved to win.”

Coach Brown singled out youngster George Peacock for special praise. He had expected to be on the bench to gain experience, but found himself playing a full game at scrum-half after a series of late personnel changes.

St Neots remain deep in relegation trouble after a 26-16 defeat at Northampton BBOB.

Captain Matt Cartwright crossed for the second-bottom Saints’ only try while Joe Woodgate boasted a 100 per cent success rate with the boot.

He guided over a conversion and all three of his penalty attempts to keep his side in contention.

This Saturday it is the turn of St Neots to host Northampton Casuals while St Ives entertain another club from that town, Northampton Mens Owen.

St Neots and St Ives meet for the first time this season later this month.