Brilliant Bulls light up the gloom

With 50+ VPs and former players huddled under their umbrellas to watch the fare after a splendid lunch, Ives bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a splendid exhibition of continuity despite the torrential rain.
Some of the onlookers may not have been in their seats when debutant Brad Gooding finished off some fine teamwork in the left-hand corner to open the scoring.
A few minutes later, Paul Ashbridge returning from nuptial celebrations, slid over between the sticks after good continuity by the Ives had opened a gap in midfield.
The opening onslaught was not over as Mike Brennan got in on the act with some scorching, aggressive running to finish another period of possession for the hosts.
As the first quarter ticked over, Brennan repeated the act for a brace as the visitors defence could not hold him.
With try bonus point already secured, the visitors may have been forgiven for folding. But they showed their mettle with some direct play of their own. Unfortunately for them, Ives defence was on point and they could not breach the defensive wall.
Having weathered the storm and with the half closing, Ives stepped up the pace again. In quick succession, some handling which beggared belief in the conditions led to scores for Ashbridge and the ever-present Rick Peters in support.
With Alex Henly converting 4 of the tries, the teams ran for brief cover with the score 38-0.
Ives turned to play uphill and against the tide in the second half.
Casuals used the advantages to pin the Bulls in their own 22 for a spell. However, with the Ives pack dominant and supplying the backs with excellent possession all game, they ran from deep and again some great handling saw Ollie Bartlett freed to swerve round the full back and complete a fine score.
The pattern was repeated as Casuals never-say-die attitude saw them apply pressure. Again, Ives broke the shackles with fine passing. Bartlett broke again, kicking through for the supporting Joe Cox to score in the corner for the half century on the hour.
The heavens really opened for the remainder of the game which, despite the valiant efforts of both sides, remained scoreless.
A mention for the other debutant, Mike Sykes. Having hung up his rugby league boots he was heard to comment, “I really enjoyed that, though I really wish I had a clue what was going on.” Nobody noticed Mike.
Following the game, the first team was delighted to learn that the 2nd XV had completed a tremendous victory on the road at Newmarket. Led by Henri Cherrington and following a tight first period, which closed 5-5, the Bulls ran in nearly 50 points in a one-sided second half to end resounding winners, 5-53.