Saturday was momentous for two youths at St Ives Rugby club who have graduated through age grade system, making their first senior appearances at the age of 17 for the 2nd XV.
Sam Gledson started at stand-off, whilst Declan O’Neill grabbed the man-of-the-match accolade having played in multiple positions due to injury disruption.
Declan was also proud to be playing his first senior match alongside his older brother Connor.
Despite the scoreline, which saw Ives lose heavily to Saffron Walden, there was plenty to be happy about post-match.
Final Score: St Ives 17, Rugby St Andrews 15
With 11 changes in the starting line-up, there was bound to be disruption in the Ives ranks. Their plans were further hampered with a warm up injury bringing more alterations.
The start could not have been more worrying as Saints immediately breached the Ives tackle line, only to knock on with the try line beckoning.
The relief was short lived as first a penalty in front and then some good offloading following a 5-metre scrum by the visitors gave them an early 10-0 lead.
Recent weeks have shown that whoever pulls on the shirt for Ives is resilient though. And gradually finding their way into the game they began to trouble the Saints defence. Strong runs by Dan De’Ath and Ollie Bartlett gained momentum for the hosts.
From a tap penalty, a ruck saw the ball spill loose. The returning Greg Dale was first to pounce, chipping the ball through and diving to score. Charlie Mandley added the extras.
A dour sequence of play followed with neither side able to convert promising opportunities, until a shabby exit saw the Saints stand off breeze past all the Ives defence untouched to set up a score.
Half time 7-15
The second half was a very stop-start affair. Both teams struggled to gain decent possession at the breakdown and chances were few.
With the game entering it’s final quarter, the Bulls finally out together some fine continuous play. Matt Millar collected a poor clearance and gain good yards. The ball was recycled left then right until the visiting defence was stretched. Millar was on hand to take the final pass and beat the defence to the line.
With only three points in it, the game continued to stutter and have some fractious moments.
With the light fading, Ives won a lineout close in, the ball was swept wide and Michael Drake took the defence on to sprint through and score.
With the final whistle beckoning, Ives for another week faced potential heartbreak as Saints had a penalty chance. But the kick fell short.
With so many changes to manage the side did a fine job to take the spoils, demonstrating immense to determination to overcome the odds.
Head Coach Josh Dear said after the game: "Really pleased to have got the win against a side that played very direct and physically.
"The performance at times was a bit clunky and we have plenty to work on in training. But we again came away with the win which I feel we deserved. We are a team that works incredibly hard for each other and that ethic is getting results."
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