Lakenham Hewitt 22 Ipswich Scorpions 5

An incredible forward performance and relentless tackling were not enough to earn Ipswich a win against Lakenham Hewitt on Sunday.

Limited attacking options in the inexperienced backline restricted the visitors to a solitary first-half try as the powerful home pack dominated possession.

Player-of-the-match Vicky Archer was outstanding in both attack and defence and nullified the Norwich side’s early try when she took a quick tap from a penalty to barge over the line. She failed to convert her try and this proved a decisive miss as Ipswich failed to earn a bonus point for being within 15 points.

The loose trio of captain Mary Hickey at number eight, openside Alice Reidy and Sarah Jay were phenomenal against the National League One South East second-placed team, but the hard work was for nought as Lakenham were too strong at the breakdowns and shut the visiting backline out of the match.

Tries to Lakenham’s scrumhalf Wendy Masters and outside centre Kelly Smith were built on top of the immensely powerful Angela Wadham’s contribution, the blockbusting centre’s two tries a small measure of her huge influence on the side.

Ipswich’s strength in numbers in the forward pack meant that Hickey was able to move into the backline to augment the defence after talented centre Jessica Fletcher was taken off as a precaution following a knock to the head.

Jo Calver slotted into the backline well as the new combinations improved in attack and defence but the size difference gave the home side an advantage as they smashed into the tackle area, stealing ground which Ipswich struggled to regain.

Archer’s tactical kicking gave Ipswich opportunities to force errors but the Lakenham support and strength at the breakdown prevented another score for the Scorpions, who are now halfway through the 2005-2006 campaign with only two wins.

“We are improving with every match but the problem revolves around the large number of changes we are forced to make with every game,” said assistant coach Ben Louisson. “The forwards are a solid unit and will be even stronger with the return of Paula Donnelly-Downs and Priscilla Todd in the front row but we have a new back combination which will improve with every game.”

Centre Louise Brown, who scored 22 tries in 11 matches three seasons ago but has had her return to rugby this season cut short by injury, also returns to the squad in the New Year and the Scorpions have a month-long layoff to train for the next match.

New players Eleri Williams and Cat Ludwig, both doctors, have also joined the Scorpions as the squad continues to grow.

The Ipswich Scorpions: Floodlit 2006 calendar went on sale on Saturday and the much-needed funds will go towards travel and medical expenses, while the Scorpions continue their search for a main sponsor to assist with the purchase of a new away kit

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