Ives travelled to Cantabs with a much-changed squad, blooding plenty of newcomers and welcoming back so evergreen players.
Congratulations go to Tommy “American Steel” Beauchene, Sam Fletcher, Mark Pickering and Jacob Wood, all making their first appearances for the 1st XV.
The overhead and underfoot conditions were dank and the wind chill factor arctic, which did not augur well for a feast of running rugby. However, both teams were intent on spreading the ball wide in their efforts to keep warm and entertain the onlooking support.
Throughout the game, both teams created chances with some fine play, only for cold hands to allow the ball to escape at critical moments. On another day, the match would have been a high scoring encounter!
Ives took the lead following their own period of pressure in Cantabs’ half. Cullan Smy sold two successive dummies and went through untouched. Charlie Mandley added the extras.
Cantabs then took advantage of a missed kick for touch to run the ball back from their own half to score a converted try of their own.
For the next 40 minutes the game was in the balance. Both teams had chances, but could not maintain possession for long enough. There was some tremendous defence and jackalling by Jow Cox which stemmed many attacks.
More experienced players Josh Dear, Tommy Newman and Shaun Mundy were putting in some thumping front on tackles. And man-of-the-match Beauchene was enjoying his day – stealing lineout ball and making yards every time he had the ball.
Tension built until in the last 5 minutes the deadlock was broken. Eschewing the expansive game played throughout, Cantabs drove took route one. Some tired tackling by the Bulls allowed the determined host player to reach the line and touch down for the decisive score.
DoR Duncan Williams reflected, “That was just how cup matches should be. Exciting, close and down to the wire. From a coaching perspective, we were able to look at a number of new players and the evergreens did well. A good outing for the Club.”