After being held to a draw last week, Ivel faced an even tougher test against sherborne, which would see them lose their first game of the season. In what was a close game of rugby Ivel got off to the better start with the first try of the game after a good break by the Ivel backs allowed the home side’s winger to cross the line. Sherborne then started pushing forward and were able to make their way to the Ivel try line for a converted try to give them a 2 point lead. Straight from the re-start Sherborne gave a silly penalty away in front of their posts, successfully kicked by Lee Jones. Ivel now held a 1 point lead. Ivel then extended their lead when centre Aaron Hunt was able to get on the end of a loose ball for an unconverted try. Sherborne were forcing Ivel back and with Ivel giving away penalties and several handling errors, this allowed Sherborne to score a converted try to put them in front at the break

HT Ivel 13 – Sherborne 2XV 14

The second half started with Sherborne the stronger side, they were pushing Ivel back and testing their defence and were soon rewarded with an unconverted try for a 6 point lead. Ivel were still in the game and were playing some good rugby but handling errors and turnovers would let the home side down. With the game going from end to end Ivel captain Paul ‘Stan’ Mortenson was able to drive his way over the line but with the conversion missed Ivel were still 1 point behind to set up a tense last 10 mins. Ivel were still pushing for another score and would force Sherborne to give away 2 penalties in their half but both were missed and it did not look to be Ivel’s day. Ivel now with one last attack, broke through the middle of the pitch but only meters short another handling error would prevent the home side getting the score they needed to win the game. After the game Ivel Coach Martin Cole said “we created several try scoring chances but did not take them, and with missing so many points at the posts and Sherborne taking their opportunities, that was the difference today. We will continue to build our senior squad and use todays game as a reminder of what happens when you don’t take your chances”. Ivel are next away to Warminster.

FT Ivel 18 – Sherborne 2XV 19