Hakes Draw a Blank at Keynsham
Keynsham 17 v 0 St Ives
Last Saturday the St Ives 1st team squad made the long trip to Keynsham, just east of Bristol, for their latest South West One West league fixture. The teams have not met in the leagues in the last twenty years. It has proven inconclusive that the sides have ever played each other before. League history online goes back only as far as 1996-97.
Head Coach Rob Elloway named a familiar looking side for the trip. With Grant Thirlby unavailable this week Rhys Brownfield moved to fly half and Jack Kessell came in to the centre to partner team captain Tom Nicholas. Joe Parma moved to full back with James Wilson starting on the wing. Ben Watson came in to the second row with Jamie Hoskin moving to the flank.
The day didn’t start well for the Hakes as the long trip to Keynsham was plagued with traffic congestion that resulted in the team coach arriving at 2:30 just 30 minutes ahead of kick off.
The match kicked off on time and despite the late arrival the Hakes gave a good account of themselves with a start to the game that saw them push in to the Keynsham 22.
Despite their early promise St Ives never converted any of their territory into points largely due to handling errors not helped by the wet conditions that lasted throughout the game.
The first half ended with the home side 14 points to nil up with two converted tries to show for their efforts.
The second half began again with St Ives having good territory but once again they failed to convert any of the territory into points.
Travelling player coach Chris Fuca made several changes including Chris Quick for Connor Bick, Ben Jenkins for Leigh Hocking and finally bringing himself on for his debut in place of Ben Watson.
As the half wore on the home side kicked a penalty to fix the final score at 17 points to nil leaving the Hakes to face the long trip home having not scored a point. They are currently sixth in the table.
St Ives are back in league action this coming Saturday with a game at home to the Cornish All Blacks Launceston. This will be the highest ranked game at St Ives for a number of years. There is a pre match buffet (book a place for £5.00) and a hog roast afterwards, together with entertainmnet. Don't miss out on this great rugby afternoon / evening. Kick off at Alexandra Road is scheduled for 3:00pm.
St Ives : Ben Taylor, Sam Bartle, Leigh Hocking, Jamie Prisk, Ben Watson, Jamie Hoskin, Connor Bick, Martyn Lawrance, Liam Jolly, Rhys Brownfield, Peter Mabbott, Tom Nicholas, Jack Kessell, James Wilson, Joe Parma.
Replacements: Chris Quick, Ben Jenkins, Chris Fuca (All Used).
