Bulls fail to contain rampant hosts

Ives tough season was encapsulated in a game in which they competed well for the first and last quarters. Unfortunately, Oakham took full advantage of some sloppy play by the Bulls when caught in possession, snatching 8 tries from turnovers in an horrendous half hour for the visitors.
Three times in quick succession, Ives were attacking the Oakham 22 only for an interception and two turnovers to gift the hosts opportunities to score.
Ives fought to get back into the game, but two slip-ups in defence in the final minute of the half granted Oakham a lead of 30 points at the break.
Despite the clear words shared over the oranges, Ives frailties continued and Oakham scored a quick hattrick of tries.
With the result well beyond the Bulls were now playing for pride. The introduction of David Sykes at half time added some go forward and aggression in defence. It inspired others to run directly at the heart of the Oakham defence, with a whitewash avoided as John Paxton completed a series of drives by crashing over. Mitch Newman converting the try.
The Bulls were on top for some time, but a kind bounce from a speculative clearing kick gave the home winger a solo run to score against the run of play at the time.
Ives were fighting and a break by Cullan Smy took him to within metres of the line. Recycling the ball and taking penalties quickly, Ives finally breached the defence through the indefatigable Ollie Bartlett.
With their backs turned, the sharp thinking Oakham scrum half took a quick kick off, and oakham scored their tenth in the dying minutes.
Coach Paul Humphreys was not too dependent after the match. “It was an even contest for the first 15 minutes, both sides evenly matched. I am not sure what happened then. We failed to secure the ball, any we did get was scrappy and we ended up playing off the back foo with little cohesion.
“Man of Match John Paxton at centre had a good game some big hits in defence and kept breaking the gainline or creating space for Cullan Smy. Ollie Bartlett was his usual self - everywhere! Duncan Williams carried hard all day, backed up by Sam Marjason Stamp, but it was to no avail.
“Our basics let us down and Oakham managed to turn us over at will.
“That said, the last 20 minutes showed what we could do and we won that mini battle again, showing that when we play no team can live with us. Alas it was too little too late, but pleasing to finish that way.”