MORGANIANS won the fixture between these teams at Chedzoy Lane earlier this season, but in this return fixture Ivel were a much sterner test.

The battle up front in the forwards was fairly even but Ivel's young backs had the edge.

The first half started badly for Morganians with Ivel scoring a try in the first ten minutes after their No 8 broke through several tackles before scoring.

Second row player Craig Weber was forced off the pitch midway through the first half with an ankle injury. This was a blow as he was playing well, making several good tackles.

In the set scrums, Morganians were pushing the Ivel forwards off their own ball and gained several turn overs in this area throughout the game, while allowing no 8 Ryan Clarke and scrum half Matt Bell to make quick breaks from the scrum to gain ground.

Paul Grimstead was playing well in the first half, making several breaks.

The backs with Ewan Hyde and Nigel Smith in the centre had some good moves but were unable to take their chances.

Morganians got on the scoresheet towards the first half with a penalty scored by Steph Pierce to make the half time score 5-3 to Ivel.

Morganians made several changes during half time with Roy Grimstead, Jeff Thompson and Dan Thorne coming on to strengthen the forwards.

Morganians had their share of the ball in this half but were unable to find gaps or make breaks.

There was good running with ball in hand from Jason Richards and Jeff Thompson.

Despite good tacking from many of the Morganians players, in particular Shayne Andrews, there were few missed tackles but Ivel were able to score with three tries towards the end of the match as Morganians tired and Ivel took their chances well.

Morganians play Tor II at home on Saturday.

Team: Paul Grimstead, Simon Faber, Barry John, Craig Weber, Jason Richards, Drew Pierce, Shayne Andrews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bell, Steph Pierce, Dave Mills, Ewan Hyde, Nigel Smith (capt), Alex Brown, John Winter. Subs: Jeff Thompson, Dan Thorne, Roy Grimstead.