Rugby: St Ives on top after game with Bedford Swifts

Head Coach Paul Humphreys was a contented man after the match at Somersham Road.

"Wow, what a nice way to end the league campaign," he said.

"The first 10 minutes we did not show up. Our defence was leaky and Swifts came at us like we knew they would, needing to win to guarantee league survival. Despite conceding three tries, I never felt we would not come back.

“Once we had the ball, I knew we could play and score. To turn around with the scores as close as they were at half time made the job easier.

“Again, we started slowly, but then clicked into life playing the rugby we know we can - a mix of power and pace. We scored some great team tries in the process, with a lot of very good individual performances.

“With the league done, the focus is now on our second team and their upcoming Semi-Final at Cantabrigian in the Cambs Cup. Let’s see where that road takes us!”

Having escaped an early try in the first minute when Ben Fleming and Adam Williams held up the Swifts attacker, things were to unravel for Ives in the next 10. Disconnected defence gave the visitors ample space to run in three quick tries.

The Bulls reset their minds and with some great carrying by the pack camped in the visitors’ half. The ball was sent wide and Ben Fleming darted through a pap to score.

Shortly afterwards, Ives turned over a Swifts lineout on their own 22 through the continued good work of Jack Hickman. Strong running by debutant Dean Hawkins took the ball to the opposition red zone. Hawkins then released Williams to score.

Another defensive lapse by Ives allowed their bonus point try before Williams added a second following fine continuity between the Bulls’ forwards and backs.

With Joe Cox converting all three, the Ives turned to benefit from the elements 21-24 down.

The second half saw Swifts immediately increase their lead when Ives lost the ball attempting to run out of defence.

As if a switch had been flicked, Ives tightened up their play and struck with four unanswered tries. First a deft chip by Cullan Smy was gathered by Williams to complete his hattrick.

A turnover in midfield saw Hickman regain possession for the Bulls. Untouched, he ran through to score.

Swifts’ attempts to run out of defence were thwarted repeatedly and Ives were granted a scrum. The solid foundation up front continued and having stretched the defence, Fleming was released to score his second.

From the restart, a raking touch finder saw Ives gain a 5-metre lineout. A good maul was set with Tommy Newman the man to carry the ball to the line.

Swifts needed to win to maintain their status at the Counties 2 level and did not give up. Ives momentarily switched off and fine handling from their own end saw Swifts go the length of the field to score.

It was scant consolation as Ives were keeping their opponents under pressure. A half break and his long reach enabled Tom Woodrow to touch down on the line.

With time effectively up, the backs benefited from another sound Ives scrum and Williams took a fine line to go over for his fourth try of the game.

Hawkins converted four of the second half tries to complete the scoring.

Dan Hawkins in action. (Image: Paul Cox)

Final Score: St Ives 59 - Bedford Swifts 36.