Today was a chance for the re-vitalised Ivel Barbarians to show their league opponents what they could offer this season. A fantastic day’s weather, large crowd and perfect pitch conditions offered all the ingredients for a cracking game of rugby.

Ivel started strongly and, for the first fifteen minutes, looked to take control. However strong defence from Devizes and some errors allowed the visitors back in. They took their opportunities and went into a lead. Ivel battled and got within 10 metres of the opposition line on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately they couldn’t convert their hard work into the points they deserved. There were a number of penalty opportunities but the kicks just managed to go past the uprights.

Whether it was the heat or lack of serious match time together but Ivel didn’t click as much as they wanted. Devizes picked up on this and, before the half was over they had pulled further ahead.

Half time 0-21

What ever happened during the break, and whatever Captain Ed Mason said, Ivel came out for the second half just as fired as they were at the beginning of the match. So much so, in fact, that Ivel managed to put Devizes on the back foot for the majority of the second half. The visitors resorted to spoiling tactics and the penalty count against them increased.  Following another penalty award, Charlie Marr secured three points. Ivel’s endeavours paid off when, after winning a penalty on the right, the ball was moved out to the left and full-back Tom Flynn came into the line and touched down in the corner.  The conversion was missed. Ivel picked up their pace and game levels to keep on driving Devizes back. This had the effect of waking up the visitors and, despite being down to fourteen men they added to their points tally with an unconverted try. They managed to gain territory by finding gaps in Ivel’s defence and missed tackles.

Final score 8-26

Ivel can take heart from their performance, despite the scoreline, as the mixture of youth and experience showed, albeit in brief flashes, what they will be able to do as they grow as a team together. And with the numbers waiting to come back from injury there is strength in depth that can only benefit the team and club as the season progresses.   Ivel’s Man of the Match was Jason Dunn.