Having lost at home by a single point to the same opponents, Ives travelled to Long Buckby hoping to leapfrog them in the standings.
Despite decent preparation, the Bulls started shabbily. Losing possession in their own 22 in the first minute, Buckby pounced for a try. Worse was to follow as a silly penalty gave Buckby territory.
From a lineout, simple hands saw them over in the corner. With less than 5 minutes on the clock, Ives were 12-0 down.
They shook themselves down and began to play. The remainder of the half saw Ives apply continuous pressure on the home defence. Opting for a scrum from a penalty, great hands saw Albiee Tayedzerwa over in the corner.
There followed a sweet move around skipper John Paxton which left Charlie Mandley with nobody to beat.
With the half drawing to a close, Ives stole a Buckby lineout. A fine break by Joe Cox took play close to the line, before swift transference saw Tayedzerwa in again.
With all kicks going astray, the marginal 3-point lead for Ives at half time did not do their efforts justice.
Ives started the second half in similar fashion, driving their opponents onto the back foot with driving forward play. Releasing the ball to the backs, Tayedzerwa was left with little space, but managed to dodge his way over for his hattrick score. Mandley struck the conversion from wide out.
Buckby are not top of the table for nothing, however. They changed up their pack, bringing on some big men to pound the Ives defence. Three times in quick succession, breaches were made through unusually soft shoulders for Buckby to score. With the home kicker having troubles of his own off the tee, they took a 5-point lead into the last ten minutes.
Ives were not done. More excellent driving play forced Buckby to concede penalties. A quick tap saw the ball wide for Ollie Raine to dart over. With the conversion missed, the scores were 27 apiece.
Buckby marched Ives back from the kick off. From a lineout they mauled over the line to score. A fine kick from wide out saw them take a seven-point lead with only a minute remaining.
Again, offending by the hosts gave Ives opportunity. Another quick tap saw the Bulls finally remember their strength out wide. The ball found its way to Cullan Smy who stepped his way over.
The conversion attempt to draw the match drifted wide. The league leaders were left mightily relieved to come out on top of the game between two finely matched teams.
DoR Duncan Williams commented, “I couldn't be prouder of this group of players. They have never quit or stopped travelling away. They have always stood up and made themselves available. This new St. Ives team is out of the darkness and enjoying the sunshine. We aim to finish the season strongly and go again next week at Northampton Casuals.”