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Sat 26 Sep 2015 · Midlands 3 East (South)
Old Newtonians
1st XV Men
Tries: N Gusto (8)Conversions: N Gusto (3)Sent Off: N Gusto
46
10
Tries: S GoslingConversions: M DrakePenalties: M DrakeYellow Carded: M Wright, W Atkinson
Newts stagger the Bulls with 8 tries to one
Phil Brown27 Sep 2015 - 14:16
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Totally changed side struggles to compete
St Ives made their longest journey of the season to Leicester and returned with a number of wounds to lick. Whilst absences were to be expected due to injuries and England’s key day, the squad arrived still expecting to perform well.
It was not to be, despite an excellent start. The visiting referee, who had also travelled a long distance from Hartlepool, showed his intent immediately. Kicking into the wind, Ives pack made good ground, but a stray hand on the floor from Newts was penalised. The attempt was converted by Mickey Drake.
From the restart, Ives frailty was exposed. They turned over possession and the Newts three-quarters ran directly through the midfield defence to score.
The most even phase of the game followed. Both sides looked capable of taking on the game upfront. Midway through the half, Newts won a kick and chase to score after the Bulls failed to find touch.
The pattern of the game was then set, as Ives were frequently penalised for ruck offences. Newts took the chance to run quick ball and scored again.
In not the only moment of madness from Newts, the centre decided to attempt the separation of Nick Gunnell’s head from his shoulder via his boot. The referee instantly dismissed him. Despite being down to 14, Newts continued to run the ball well and scored two more tries before half time. 22-3.
After a dressing down at the break, Ives started the second half superbly. The ball found its way to Luke Slade out wide. He jinked through the defence, drew the winger and passed to the on rushing Steffen Gosling. Gosling stepped the full back and crashed over under the posts to score his first try for the 1sts. Converted by Drake.
Having shown what might have been, the Bulls then imploded. Too many ruck offences led to Michael Wright being binned. Retaliation for another piece of violent play by Newt’s 7 on a prone Gosling unseen by the official led to Will Atkinson joining Wright on the sidelines. Skipper Josh Dear, back rowers Phil Kneeshaw and Ollie Bartlett, and debutant Xavier Parker continued to fight a rear guard action.
But, down to 13 for a phase, Ives succumbed to a further four tries from which there was no way back. Except home. The return trip seemed even longer.
It was not to be, despite an excellent start. The visiting referee, who had also travelled a long distance from Hartlepool, showed his intent immediately. Kicking into the wind, Ives pack made good ground, but a stray hand on the floor from Newts was penalised. The attempt was converted by Mickey Drake.
From the restart, Ives frailty was exposed. They turned over possession and the Newts three-quarters ran directly through the midfield defence to score.
The most even phase of the game followed. Both sides looked capable of taking on the game upfront. Midway through the half, Newts won a kick and chase to score after the Bulls failed to find touch.
The pattern of the game was then set, as Ives were frequently penalised for ruck offences. Newts took the chance to run quick ball and scored again.
In not the only moment of madness from Newts, the centre decided to attempt the separation of Nick Gunnell’s head from his shoulder via his boot. The referee instantly dismissed him. Despite being down to 14, Newts continued to run the ball well and scored two more tries before half time. 22-3.
After a dressing down at the break, Ives started the second half superbly. The ball found its way to Luke Slade out wide. He jinked through the defence, drew the winger and passed to the on rushing Steffen Gosling. Gosling stepped the full back and crashed over under the posts to score his first try for the 1sts. Converted by Drake.
Having shown what might have been, the Bulls then imploded. Too many ruck offences led to Michael Wright being binned. Retaliation for another piece of violent play by Newt’s 7 on a prone Gosling unseen by the official led to Will Atkinson joining Wright on the sidelines. Skipper Josh Dear, back rowers Phil Kneeshaw and Ollie Bartlett, and debutant Xavier Parker continued to fight a rear guard action.
But, down to 13 for a phase, Ives succumbed to a further four tries from which there was no way back. Except home. The return trip seemed even longer.
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