Another Saturday, another scratch side for Ivel’s 2XV. A large number of withdrawals and promotions to the 1XV left Manager Simon Chubb struggling to field a side. By kick-off he had secured enough, including a large number of veteran players who had come to the club to watch the matches.

The first ten minutes were going to be tough for Ivel against a side flying high in the league, and so it proved. On eleven minutes the visitors scored a try and converted. Ivel didn’t have time to compose themselves as within three minutes they were twelve points down. Then the home side started to knuckle down and compete. They gave away a penalty and then, within 5 minutes, another converted try. Then the visitors had to work hard as Ivel stiffened up their defence. Things were looking positive for Ivel until Cary secured another converted try right on half time.

Half time
Ivel 2XV               0
Castle Cary 1XV   29

Following a rousing half-time talk from their manager Ivel began the second-half in a very positive frame of mind. Half-time changes came into effect and, despite losing Troy Fowler to the 1XV during the break; Ivel began to play to their strengths. Securing line-outs, winning ruck ball and passing to hand allowed Ivel to dominate the second half. Try as they might though they just couldn’t breach the visitor’s defence. Then, with three minutes to go, Ivel secured ball from a ruck and it was passed out via scrum half Luke Nesbitt to Paul Moretensen who touched down in the corner. Unfortunately the conversion was missed. Ivel then kept up the pressure right to the end but it wasn’t to be.

Full-time
Ivel 2XV              5
Castle Cary 1XV  29

Man of the match – Paul Mortensen