Hakes all Round on Boxing Day
St Ives XV 7 v 22 St Ives Exiles & Veterans XV
The traditional Boxing Day fixture between St Ives and Hayle was cancelled this year due to Hayle not being able to raise a side. Despite this the St Ives Committee was determined to see a game take place so called upon some stalwarts of the club to raise two sides that could play each other at Alexandra Road.
With 1st team players not available due to league commitments it was down to mainly second team players to represent a St Ives XV and their opponents were named from a squad of ex players, veterans and exiles that are currently away from the town studying at university.
Four fathers with sons
In both sides were a number of father and son combinations including the three Prisk brothers Jamie, Todd and Niall who took to the field with their father, Paul. For the Exiles it saw several family combinations including Robert Baragwanath alongside father, Russell; Joe Rouncefield alongside father, Brett and Neal Perkin alongside father, James. The current Director of Rugby, Joff Rowe, also took to the field alongside his nephew, Josh and a former St Ives captain, Ian Sanders, also did a shift at scrum half.
The game began with the Exiles in control. Two early tries saw them take command of the match; one from an early penalty where the Exiles executed a starburst move Mark (Forrest) Eager went over and only a few minutes later Josh Palmer raced through to add a second try.
The 10 points to nil score line remained until the half time break despite some good pressure from the St Ives XV that was not converted into points. The second half started with the Exiles once again converting pressure into points. Lee Taylor, in his first rugby match in six years, went over for two excellent tries in the 43rd and 55th minutes to secure the victory for the Exiles. The first of these tries was converted by Josh Rowe to see them take a 22 points to nil lead.
The St Ives XV did grab a late consolation try when, after sustained pressure on the Exiles line, Jamie Prisk crossed for a try late in the game. This was converted by Peter Skeggs to make the final score 22 points to 7 in the Exiles favour.
After the match all roads led to the clubhouse where there was a real party atmosphere. The occasion was a great success, clearly demonstrating the enthusiasm within the club. This was a team effort on and off the field.
The St Ives 1st XV is back in action this coming Saturday the 2nd January 2016 with an away trip in the league to Devon side Paignton. Kick off in Devon is scheduled for 3:00pm. Any travelling support would be very welcome.
