St Ives and St Neots suffer defeats ahead of derby showdown

Local rivals St Ives and St Neots warmed up for a derby showdown this Saturday by being on the receiving end of heavy defeats.

The two sides are ready to do battle in Midlands Division Three East (South) at Somersham Road (2.15pm) – and both are in need of points.

St Ives coach Phil Brown took positives from his bottom side’s 34-0 reverse at the hands of Luton side Stockwood Park last weekend.

The Bulls conceded three tries as a result of turnovers in the first period and their deficit continued to grow due to three further tries in the second half of a match played in testing conditions.

Heavy rain made it treacherous underfoot and when the sun did finally emerge, it shone straight into the faces of St Ives during the second period.

But Brown insisted: “Even though we conceded more scores in the second half, the performance was much-improved and augurs well for the local derby against St Neots.

“It is undoubtedly another game which will be played out in similar conditions so we’ve had good practice for it.”

St Neots slipped to third-bottom in the standings after going down 35-7 to Rugby St Andrews at The Common last Saturday. A penalty try, converted by Lewis Hall, provided their only points.

The Saints have lost four of their six matches to date after breezing to promotion with a perfect record last season.