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1XV  11  vs Tadley  22 -  Home  Southern Counties South
 
 
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Pictures in section below from Dave Fowler
 
 

Ivel came into this game looking  and feeling positive about winning for the first time this season. The team have been getting stronger and playing with more confidence and teamwork. Despite making seven changes the home side looked and played like a team who had been together from pre-season. This shows the effectiveness of the new coaching regime and the commitment and teamwork the lads can offer.

Ivel took the initiative from the kick-off and Tadley soon discovered this would not be the walk-over previous results might indicate. In fact it took twenty minutes for the first score and this came from a Tadley overlap on Ivel’s wing.  0-5.

Ivel kept to their game plan and made useful breaks and capitalised on turnover ball. Tadley moved further ahead when, after a five minute spell of pressure on Ivel’s five metre line, they managed to score under the posts. 0-12. But then, in front of a bumper crowd, inside centre Sam Armitstead burst through on a break and scored a great individual try. Unfortunately he missed the conversion.

Half-time came with the score 5-12.

The second half started well for Ivel. Pressure on Tadley’s defence created a penalty award.  Sam Armitstead took the opportunity with ease to close the gap to four points. It then took another overlap on the wings for the visitors to respond. 8-17. Ivel replied with another Sam Armitstead penalty resulting from good work in the backs. 11-17.

Emlyn “Zim” Kuhn had stepped in at fly-half for Ivel and with his experience and Sam’s youth the Baa-Baas were exerting strong pressure. Powerful tackles and breaks were being made by all the team but notables were Louis Jones (Man of the Match), Ed Mason and Dave Burton.

Tadley managed to score the final points of the afternoon with less than five minutes to go and the sense of relief from their players and supporters alike was noticeable.

Despite the result Captain Kris Shore, battle worn and scarred, was positive and looking forward to next week’s EDF Vase home game against Keynsham. He would also like to see another large crowd to support the lads, on their first step towards a possible appearance at Twickenham!

Special mention goes to referee Nigel Smith who kept the game flowing and controlled despite the heat and him being assesed (he achieved a mark of 9/10 – well played Nigel). It’s been good to have two strong and effective referees at home games this season – especially with the Experimental Law Variations in effect this season challenging players and officials alike.

 
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Tadley 34  vs  Ivel  7     Saturday 14th February 2009
 
 
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Pictures in section below from Dave Fowler
 

This was to prove to be a tougher away-day for Ivel’s 1XV than was expected.  Tadley are a side looking to move above mid-table and the match was played on a pitch that was definitely the worse for the recent weather.

The start of the match was evenly balanced with both sets of forwards trying to dominate whilst keeping their feet and possession of the ball.  After a series of moves Ivel kicked from defence and the Tadley left winger collected the ball.  From just outside his own 22 metre line he evaded the Ivel tacklers and ran through to score a try.  The conversion was missed. Ivel took the battle to Tadley but a clearing kick from the home defence saw the same winger take the ball and score under the posts. The conversion was scored.

There then followed a sustained period of pressure on the Ivel defence that managed to hold firm. Their line was finally breached when, after 8 phases of play, the Tadley wingers combined, on the right, for another try. Again the try was converted.  The first half finished with Tadley exerting pressure on Ivel’s line.

Half-time 19-0.

Despite Ivel starting the second half in a positive manner they were soon back to watching Tadley’s flying left winger scoring, again from his own 22 metre line, with Ivel tacklers slipping on the surface and grasping thin air. Tadley scored their fifth try after turning the ball over. Again there followed a long period of play with both sides having spells of possession. Eventually the home side took advantage of pressure on the Ivel defence and scored their sixth try.

Finally, with time disappearing, Ivel managed to get some points on the board. Following a quick tap penalty, replacement Mark Laws touched down in the corner. (Obviously the best try of the day...)  From right by the touchline Sam Armitstead converted.

Final score 34-7

Whilst the scoreline does not look good for Ivel there were some strong performances throughout the team with Steve Blight, Martin Jakes and Matt Kitson being fine examples. Ivel need to win their next match, at home to Oakmedians on 21st February. Bottom of the table the only way is up, and with the strength of the players they have, both mentally and physically, they will be going all out for a win.