Ivel travelled to Bradford-On-Avon in a bottom of the table clash with high hopes of victory with a good mixture of youth and experience in the team. Ivel started well and dominated from the start and put the home side under pressure but could not convert the pressure into points. However, after some great work by the forwards in the middle of the park centre Joe Donnelly powered over for Ivel’s first try which fly half Max Harvey converted.

Ivel still dominated especially up front but a loose kick allowed Bradford-On-Avon back in the game with a converted try. But heads didn’t drop and after some powerful runs from Ed Mason and Martin Jakes, winger Joe Covo skipped and danced his way around the defence and scored in the corner.

Half-time
Bradford-On-Avon       7
Ivel Barbarians 1XV  12

The second half saw Bradford-On-Avon apply the pressure but Ivel stood firm and with some great tackles by Ritchie Metcalf and Lee Jones kept them at bay. Ivel upped their game and were rewarded with a try by the “leaping salmon”, Steve Blight. The rest of the match saw the hosts trying to get back into a winning frame of mind, but they couldn’t match Ivel’s competitive streak and solid defence.

Full-time
Bradford on Avon        7
Ivel Barbarians 1XV  17

Ivel’s Head Coach Steve Berryman said: “We can take this performance into next week’s game against Corsham and hopefully build a winning momentum. The lads played well and it all looks positive.”