Bulls start the new year with a bang

Head Coach Paul Humphreys’ Christmas comments about surprising teams in the new year came to fruition in the first match of 2023. “Stamford, a top 4 team, came with an expectancy and an air of arrogance to Somersham Road. What they got instead was a very good team performance from St Ives, that sent them homewards licking their wounds”, said Humphreys post-match.
“We attacked from the outset with composure, pace and aggression. The forwards laid a platform with strong carries and good interchange, making dents at will into Stamford’s defence.
“Our set piece was dominant. Chris Williams’ first game for a while was excellent. MoM Matt Wood had his best game of the season. All this allowed the backs to play in a calm and confident manner, running with purpose and guile.
“Paul Ashbridge rolling back the years was again excellent, backed up by the rest behind the scrum. Harry Smith, scored his first try which sealed the win.
“The victory came at a cost as we lost three players to injury. Skipper Tommy Newman with an ankle injury, Ollie Raine with a dislocated jaw from a third head high tackle on him, all of which should have been red, and Michael Sykes with a hamstring injury.
“To say I am proud is an understatement. The boys 1-18 were magnificent. The best side definitely won, despite comments from some!”
Playing into the wind first up, the Bulls were under the cosh for most of the half but extraordinary defence kept the visitors scoreless. Stamford tried around the fringes, down the middle and around the outside, but across the park and to a man Ives players defended like lions.
With their own possession, Ives put together some excellent passages of continuity. As they approached the opposition line, Stamford could only prevent a score by offending. After two 5 metre penalties, the returning Christian Williams crashed and spun his way over.
Ives were on the point of shutting Stamford out for the half until their own indiscretions gave Stamford penalty opportunities. Caught offside in front and perhaps expecting a kick at goal, Ives switched off and a quick tap saw Stamford over for a converted try as the half closed.
Half time 5-7.
The third quarter saw Ives manage the game well. First a superb scrummage by the pack, anchored as ever by Josh Dear in his 200th appearance for the 1st XV, may have led to a pushover score. Opting for swift hands saw Paul Ashbridge crash over to score, converting his own try.
The Bulls’ tails were up and they continued to pound the visitors’ defence. As earlier, Stamford prevented tries by offending allowing Ashbridge to stretch the scoreline with two penalties.
With the game going away from them, Stamford threw caution to the winds. A quickly taken penalty beneath their own posts caught Ives napping and allowed Stamford a length of the field converted score to bring the gap back to 4 points.
In the final minutes the game was won by Ives defence. For fully ten minutes, Stamford were camped on Ives’ line. It was an extraordinary exhibition of determination as the Bulls knocked over runners repeatedly. Despite losing two players to serious injury they kept their opponents at bay.
Once the siege was lifted, Ives game management was again in evidence. Continuity and territorial nous saw them get to the red zone. After being awarded another penalty, they opted for a 5-metre scrum. Matt Wood complemented his immense defensive display by picking from the base and releasing Harry Smith on the wing. Smith made light of beating the last two defenders to seal the victory, converted by Ashbridge.
After such a hard-fought game, the result demonstrated Ives’ capability when have most players available for selection. They will wait anxiously for news from those players who left the fray early with injuries. We wish them all well.