Ipswich Magpies 41  Norwich II 14

A blend of youth and experience steadied the ship for the Ipswich Magpies as they dismantled a solid Norwich XV at Humber Doucy Lane.

Evergreen Rob Shurety, longstanding backline tyro Bryn Kerr and the irresistible force of Sean Murphy added to an entertaining match which showcased the arrival of Ipswich’s latest South African acquisition Jan Van Tonder at flyhalf.

Ipswich’s six tries to Norwich’s two earnt a comfortable victory against a strong visiting club whose first team play two leagues higher than Ipswich’s.

Former St Joseph’s College student Afi George delighted supporters with two of the tries, with two for Alistair Leighton-Scott and a try each for captain Nick Holley and the ebullient Kerr.

Van Tonder’s man-of-the-match performance was helped by hard work from the home pack who had to contend with the strong visiting forward contingent.

“We defended well, especially around the fringes,” Holly said after the match. “Our finishing and penetration in the midfield was first-rate. Unfortunately we had players who we were unable to use with the limited number of replacements allowed and had to leave two of the squad without a run-out.”

Ipswich next face a Stowmarket this Saturday at Humber Doucy Lane.

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