Ely Development 15 - 14 St Ives 2nd XV

After a 93-11 pasting at the Chicken Shack last year, St Ives 2s showed just how far they've come in a thrilling encounter against Ely Development on Saturday 3rd September for the two clubs' traditional curtain-raiser.

Despite the persistent rain the ground was dry and provided a very good playing surface.

The 2s travelled with a healthy squad, with an embarrassment of riches including youth, experience, age, but no beauty gracing the pitch (speak for yourself, Gunnell - Skip). As the game was a friendly, the 80 minutes were split into quarters giving both sides the opportunity to rotate players....and catch their breath (some more than others).

From the off, Ely sent a message of intent and camped themselves inside the St Ives 22. The Ives' rebuttal was flawless, with a gritty, thorough and powerful defence. Ely could not get through. The Ives pack was steady at the scrum (with a special mention for Jacko Tate, taking advantage of turning 18 to contest admirably on the front row) providing a solid base for the backs, marshalled by Jim Robinson, to run the ball, pass the ball and gain ground - simples. Breaks were made by Adam Smith and Luke 'Slaggy' Slade, but alas no points at the end of the first quarter.

Second quarter - Ely kept coming but still couldn't find a way through. The Ives pressure and communication in defence locked the Ely attack out. Then, from nowhere, a passage of play down the right side of the pitch saw Jim Robinson break through and score, with Ed Quare taking the conversion. 0-7 the 2s. End of 2nd quarter, 40min left.

As the game progressed, the wind and fitness levels began to have an effect on both sides. The game slowed but the passion and enthusiasm of both sides didn't wain in the slightest, in what turned out to be a classic game of rugby that far outweighed it's pre-season friendly billing. St Ives were applying more and more pressure down the right flank, a quick penalty and a kick through saw Jim Robinson chase and be deliberately blocked by an Ely player - penalty try. 0 - 14.

The physical nature of the game began to take its toll, but thanks to the strength in depth, St Ives managed to man the fort throughout. Some desperate defence saw Ross Meagher's ankle stay still but his body move. A very benevolent Ely medic tended to him and concluded that his ankle was indeed knackered and would swell to the size of Susan Boyle's head (get well soon mate, we're still waiting to see the X-Ray pics). Some solid defending of a maul resulted in a St Ives put in the 22. Some dubious early running by the Ely centre resulted in a try between the St Ives sticks. Missed conversion. 5 -14. End of the third quarter.

The St Ives casualty list mounted with Jim Robinson, Chris Morton and Patrick Grant succumbing to injuries. Some swift reorganising was needed and was executed by Skipper Craig Cheetham. Ely continued pressuring and the 2s defence held out until a move down the left flank resulted in Ely scoring and converting. 12-14. Ives were soaking up the pressure confidently, with no man shying away from tackles or lacking in commitment. Unfortunately a tackle by Adam Smith in front of the posts was deemed late by the ref and Ives were penalised. Passions flared and were bought swiftly under control. But the end result was a an easy penalty for Ely. 15-14. Final whistle.

A bloody good show from the 2s. A solid squad, fantastic levels of commitment in the attack and defence and a good attitude by all. A well done to the youth club (all those under 19) and speedy recoveries to Ross Meagher and Chris Morton. It was enjoyable to watch and play. If the 2s can keep this squad and standard for the coming season (Ely Development play in the division above), the season is looking good for the 2s in Eastern Counties 3 West, and even more promising for the club as a whole, as competition for starting positions hots up across both teams.

The Squad

Pete Wood-Eeles
Craig Cheetham
Jacko Tate
Patrick Grant
Jim Cooper
Ross Meagher
Tom Evans
Slag
Nick Gunnell
Jim Robinson
George Peacock
Rob Olivier
Adam Smith
Tom Riches
Ed Quare
Mat Johnson
Matt Cowx
Chris Morton
Charlie Mandley
Ryan Stearn