Rugby Union: March Bears begin life under new coach with big win over St Ives 2nds
The March Bears squad for the visit of St Ives 2nds. - Credit: Archant
March Bears gave their new coach the best welcome possible by dismantling St Ives 2nds last weekend.
New coach, Tracey Baxter, watched on as his side eased past their Hunts rivals 49-0 in a re-arranged fixture.
Over 30 players from five different clubs were involved in the last-minute clash, including stars from Ely, Wisbech, Thorney as well as March and St Ives.
St Ives began strongly, putting March on the back foot, but the Bears responded well and fired back with the first try of the afternoon from Simon Whittaker.
Powerful running from the Bears’ back line made inroads into St Ives’ defence, allowing Edward Cribb to extend his side’s advantage.
Soon after, a kick and chase was finished off by full back Jack Allison who outpaced the visitors defence to put March 15-0 up.
St Ives began to dominate through rucking and mauling and threatened to breach the Bears defence, only to be denied yards from the try line being knocked back. The ball bobbled through to Stewart Rigby, who picked up the ball and set off on one of his trademark blistering runs through the visitors’ line of defence to touch down an unconverted try.
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The Bears settled down again and worked hard to gain significant yards, keeping possession of the ball for several plays. They were rewarded for their patience when the ball was moved along the back line for Ryan Tate to touch down in the corner to give March a dominant 25-0 lead at half time.
St Ives started the second half in similar style to the first, pushing March backwards and putting them under pressure.
March eventually managed to regain their composure, ending in Rory Willis latching onto a stray pass to dot down another try.
James Knight added to the onslaught when he side-stepped his way over the try line which, quickly followed by a second try, converted by Nick Thompsett, to increase their lead to 44-0.
A successful afternoon for March was rounded off with a try from skipper Simon Altoff, taking the Bears to a 49-0 triumph.
The Bears are also on the hunt for new players. Training takes place at 6.45pm every Wendesday at March Rugby Club, Elm Road.
