Ted Brown Trophy Charity Rugby Match
Stevens XV 24 v 21 Carbis Bay All Stars
Last Saturday at Alexandra Road a sizeable crowd gathered to witness the latest encounter between a team of players all with the name Stevens in common against a select St Ives XV, ‘The Carbis Bay All Stars’. This was the first playing of this famous fixture for many years and the first since the passing of Denis Stevens himself, the member of the Stevens family responsible for originally organising the fixture.
The game was to commemorate the late Denis Stevens and it was a game of rugby he would have approved of, my ‘ansum. From the first whistle it was clear it was going to be a competitive and entertaining game of rugby, played at break neck pace until replacements and fitness ran out!
The All Stars threatened to spoil the party early on with a try and conversion from Niall Prisk, chasing a kick ahead, strangely left by covering Stevens on the wing. It was fitting that it was a (young) Prisk, who was later to feel the effects of a bold tackle attempt on Special Stevens, as there was a minute’s silence for his Grandfather, Brian Prisk, who sadly passed away within the last few days before the game. Brain was closely associated with the St Ives club, an ex-chairman, no less. The silence also allowed family and friends to reflect on Denis Stevens, the man who began it all many years ago and passed away last year.
The Stevens XV replied within a few minutes with two tries. The first came through Luke Stevens from a flowing movement of ball handling front left to right. Footballer, Simon, sold an elaborate dummy to the unsuspecting Ian Veal, before shunting the ball to the right wing. The second came through Denis Stevens’ nephew, David Stevens. Both conversions were missed to leave the score at half time Stevens XV 10, All Stars 7.
The second half was just as entertaining as the first, but the Stevens XV had the edge, first with a try for Jonny (Stewart) Stevens which was converted by Ross Stevens. This was cancelled out by a try for the All Stars for Archie Mackay converted by Jamie Prisk.
It was the Stevens XV who scored next. This time through Ben (Taylor) Stevens, scrum half, Matthew (Thomas) Stevens giving the pass that allowed the former to cross over and touch down. It was converted by Ross Stevens. This was cancelled out with another try for the All Stars by Peter Skeggs, who, on several occasions showed exceptional pace. Jamie Prisk again converted to make the final score 24 points to 21 in favour of the Stevens XV.
Many might think that this happy band of Stevenses might struggle to produce any kind of quality in their rugby. Wrong! This was a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, played hard and in a fine spirit. There were many knocks and even more bruises, but, thankfully, no serious injuries. Joff Rowe was splendid in his officiating, with time and breath to coach and give the odd pass. All four touch judges were resplendent in their ‘de rigueur’ from yester year.
Following the game a large crowd, oh that we had this many for a league match, gathered in the club house for the presentations, which were followed by a charity auction where more than £6000 was raised in aid of the Parkinson’s UK Charity. Everybody was entertained until late in the evening by the band the Sandy Acre 7.
Stevens XV: Tony Stevens, Special Stevens, Louis Stevens (Captain), Darren Stevens, David Stevens, Joel Stevens, Sean Stevens, Joshua Stevens, Mark Stevens, Ross Stevens, Luke Stevens, Patrick Stevens, Simon Stevens, David Stevens, Antony Stevens.
Replacements: Aaron, Tom (Webster) Stevens, Keith (Andrews) Stevens, Nigel (Laity) Stevens, Sam (Stack) Stevens, Ben (Taylor) Stevens, Ian (Sanders) Stevens, Matthew (Thomas) Stevens.
Carbis Bay All Stars : Brett Rouncefield, David Bramwell, Callum Thornton, Zac Cashmore, Matthew Pascoe, Paul Prisk, Joel Ninnes, Jamie Prisk (Captain), Charlie Cannon, Niall Prisk, Dillon Loake, Joe Rouncefield, Tom Murray, Tobi Carver, Peter Skeggs.
Replacements : Barney Carver, Jake Clemson, Taff Roberts, Jack Hill, Dillon Hart, Sam Bassett, Daniel Bassett, John Paul Bassett.
