The league fixture was played at St Neots, where prolonged dry weather forced the match on to a narrow pitch.

The Bulls prevailed seven points to fourteen, with Henri Cole and Ben Peach scoring tries, both converted by Charlie Mandley and Dan Hawkins respectively.

The main pitch had been cordoned off before kick-off, leaving both sides to adapt quickly to unfamiliar surroundings.

The restricted width encouraged a direct contest, with the teams relying heavily on their forwards and struggling to remain inside the touchlines.

St Neots used the wind well during the opening half, with their powerful carriers and midfield runners forcing Ives deep into their own territory.

Josh Meadows produced several important ankle-level tackles, disrupting a number of promising attacks from the home side.

The scoreboard remained blank after half an hour, but Ives then produced a sustained spell of possession lasting at least 25 rucks.

St Neots defended stubbornly, yet their resistance finally ended when Cole stepped between two defenders and crossed beneath the posts.

Ben Peach (Image: Paul Cox)

Charlie Mandley converted to give the visitors a seven-point advantage at the interval.

Ives hoped the wind at their backs would allow them to take control after the restart, although conditions also contributed to several misplaced passes.

The visitors gained increasing authority at the set piece, with Ben Peach particularly effective in the lineout.

Peach won opposition possession as well as securing accurate throws from Ives hooker Sam Marjason-Stamp.

The Bulls’ pack continued to make ground and, late in the third quarter, drove towards the line before Peach forced his way over.

Hawkins added the conversion to put Ives two scores ahead.

St Neots responded by attacking with greater urgency, but the visitors defended resolutely, with replacement Matt Holland making a notable contribution.

The hosts did pull a converted try back after a miskicked ball was carried backwards by the wind and returned unexpectedly to their winger.

He ran in unopposed, but Ives held firm during the closing stages to secure victory.

Director of rugby, Duncan Williams, said: “It was a really close game which we ultimately never looked like losing.

“It was disappointing to only get four points but we are happy with the win and look ahead to playing second-placed Stewarts & Lloyds next week.”