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Ivel played the top of the league in a hard fought game, Ivel were unlucky to come away with a loss after a strong first half performance. Blandford were the firsts to get points on the board, when straight from the kick off the visitors were awarded an early scrum in Ivel’s 22. Setting a solid scrum Blandford were able to get the ball out to their flyhalf who elected to go for a drop goal, successfully converting the kick the visitors took an early lead. Ivel were not going to let this unsettle their game and went straight back at Blandford, winning good ball at the breakdown area Ivel were able to push the Blandford defence back. The home side now a few metres short of the line were again able to create quick ball allowing hooker Joe Stelmaszyk to collect the ball and power over the line for an un-converted try. With both teams on the score sheet the game started to open up end both sets of players were looking to take control of the game. Ivel’s forwards were working hard to keep Blandford’s possession to a minimum with strong tackling and strong competition at the breakdown. After another turned over ball by the Ivel forwards the home teams backs were able to break through the visitors defence with centre Michael Jenks crossing the line for Ivel’s second try of the game, with Alex Mcguinn successfully adding the extras. Ivel controlled the rest of the half showing good signs of team play and a strong defence but a late try at the end of the half allowed Blandford to close the gap at the break.

Ivel kicked off the second half and immediately won the ball back, but an infringement on the ground handed the home side a penalty in front of Blandford’s posts, Alex Mcguinn successfully converted the points to extended his sides lead. This seemed to shake Blandford into life and the away side started to play their way back into the game and show why they are top of the league. After some good forwards play and link up with their backs, Blandford were able to score an unconverted try to put themselves within two points. With the game in the balance both sides knew that the next score could give their side the momentum to go onto win the game. It was the away side that scored next after another good attack through their backs to give Blandford the lead. Ivel’s players were not going to let this effect their spirit and were testing the league leaders defence, but then a breakaway try by Blandford moved them eight points in front with minutes to go. Ivel kept fighting till the end and showed great spirit but a final try by Blanford secured the away team the points and to extend their lead at the top of the table. After the game Ivel manager Ed Mason said “I was very pleased with the first half performance, we played some good attacking rugby and played with heart and character, unfortunately we were not able to maintain this for the full 80 mins which in turn cost us against a very good Blandford side” Ivel will be looking to bounce back from the defeat when they make the journey to Bournemouth next week.

FT Blandford 30 Ivel 15