St Ives Bulls secured a thrilling 10-9 victory against Rushden & Higham.

A strong defensive display and strategic play saw them take the spoils in a low-scoring but exciting match.

Despite Rushden's early aggressive approach, the Bulls' solid defence kept them from breaching the line.

A high shot from the visitors resulted in a penalty, allowing them to take an early lead.

However, the Bulls responded swiftly, forcing the Rushden defence into a corner.

Michael Sykes fronts up Michael Sykes fronts up (Image: Paul Cox)

Ollie Bartlett capitalised on a penalty to the corner, managing to score despite Rushden's efforts to contain him.

The contest remained closely fought, with a penalty attempt from the halfway line by Rushden striking the crossbar.

As the first half drew to a close, a penalty conceded by the Bulls allowed Rushden to go into the break with a slim 5-6 lead.

The visitors carried this momentum into the second half, but a skewed kick at goal provided a let-off for the hosts.

A long kick from Cullan Smy, who impressed with his decision-making, found centre Rees Burns.

Burns made a fine break from his own half, passing to Connor Newsome who ran in unopposed, reclaiming the lead for the Bulls.

Despite more pressure from Rushden, the Bulls' defence held firm.

Another penalty from the visitors brought them within one point of the hosts, setting up a tense final 10 minutes.

Rushden's last-ditch attempt to clinch the match with a very kickable penalty drifted wide, much to the relief of the home crowd.

Head coach Josh Dear said: “We’ve had two very close matches in a row and come out on top in both.

"The lads have taken their chances when presented and showed great team spirit with their defensive displays when under the cosh.

"Winning gets to be a habit, so we’re looking forward to preparing for the next one in a fortnight.”