Ipswich 9   Brentwood 59

Ipswich were within a point of Brentwood minutes before halftime in this London Three North East fixture when the game changed for the worst.

Ipswich were within a point of Brentwood minutes before halftime in this London Three North East fixture when the game changed for the worst.

The referee sinbinned Ipswich lock Jez Hannon when he was adjudged to have come offside during a Brentwood maul and the home side scored a converted try to give themselves a 17-9 halftime advantage.

Ipswich number eight James Blythe was then sent off for stamping within three minutes of the restart and Brentwood scored another converted try from the resulting lineout, while Ipswich were down to 13 men.

Ipswich defended bravely but with injuries to Tom Aylott, Darrell Burchnall and hardworking flanker Seb Woods, the Suffolk visitors finished with 13 men and conceded five tries in the last 20 minutes to gift Brentwood a flattering 59-9 victory.

Ipswich’s points were all scored from the boot of centre Peter LeMarquand but the home kicker Whitehead boosted Brentwood’s figures with a precision placekicking display, showing why he was the league’s highest scoring kicker last season.

The larger home pack made the difference after Ipswich’s forwards were reduced through injury and ill-discipline but the team will brush aside the two opening defeats of this campaign as the many summer injury worries return to action in the games ahead.

Ipswich captain Ollie Johnson was naturally disappointed with the result but pleased with the character shown as the team numbers dwindled and affected morale against a strong home pack.

Ipswich Magpies narrowly lost to an experienced Diss 2nd XV at Humber Doucy Lane 13-8, with both teams scoring a try apiece in the preseason friendly.

Captain Ben Goodall was awarded man-of-the-match after a typically gutsy display and the Magpies entertain Colchester in their first league match of the season at Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday.

Coach Johnny Breedt has called for more numbers at trainings and manager Ollie Hall has scheduled a series of player meetings before each match to coordinate the complex team selection, with many old faces returning for a final season at the club.

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