Biggest Fixture at St Ives for Years

St Ives players, coaches, committee and supporters all waited expectantly for the draw of the quarter finals of the Papa Johns Community Cup. Every level below national league status had the opportunity to participate after their league season was completed. The possibility was there for 500 grass root clubs in 24 competitions, including Cup, Shield, Plate and Bowl. Initially there was much scepticism and this was justified to a degree by the large number of clubs who decided to opt out after they saw the calibre of their oppostion or the cost of an away tie. However, for those, like St Ives, who were champions of their league this is an opportunity to compare the quality of rugby at each level across the country.

Once news of the Papa Johns Cup emerged the players were very keen to see waht they could achieve. Just how good is the Cornwall Counties 2 compared to the same level in Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire or Midlands East (North)? Could they reach the final for a potential game at Twickenham on May Bank Holiday Monday?

After a walk over against Devon rivals Withycombe who finished 4th in Devon Counties 2, The Hakes anticipated a draw to a side from 'up country'. But instead they found themselves having to visit Saltash, where they produced a terrific last minute try to draw 10:10 in the league earlier in the season. Saltash had pronounced great intent in the cup competition with an away win at Imperial 12:27, who were 4th in the Counties 2 Somerset league. Last Saturday's game produced another cliff hanger with St Ives going into the 1/4 final draw with victory by a single point 26:27.

Yesterday's draw brought much discussion about who would be drawn agaisnt who. By mid afternoon the news was a home fixture against Gordon League, who finished 2nd in the Gloucestershire North league. In the 1st round they defeated Oxford (runners up in Berks/Bucks & Oxon North) away 15:37 and made their way into the 1/4 final stage with a home win over Dursley (3rd in Gloucestershire South) 37:7.

The Hakes will obviously hope for a big ocassion with plenty of support for what is the biggest fixture at St Ives for a number of seasons. Indeed, this is the first home game for seven weeks. The committee and players would really appreciate your presence.

If you wish to support the reserves they have their own final against Saltash IIs at Falmouth this Saturday 22nd April with a KO at 11:00am. This will enable you to get back to St Ives for the match against Gordon League. If you have not yet done so, you can book your place for the 3-course meal and rewards evening at the club. See Nicola Prisk with £30.00 for a ticket.