First XV

Ipswich got off to a flying start with a 29 points to 13 win over Saffron Walden RFC at Humber Doucy Lane.

Ipswich Fly-half Craig Burrows opened the scoring by converting a 30 metre penalty after penalising Saffron for hands in the ruck. (3-0)

However Saffron were back on equal terms when Ipswich were penalised for straying offside just outside the 22. (3-3)

With only 12 minutes on the clock Ipswich scored the first try of the game with Burrows passing out to Lloyd on to Broughton who created the opening for 1st XV debutant, 17 year old Josh James to cross left of the posts. Burrows converted. (10-3).
Both teams were trying to play open running rugby and on 19 minutes Saffron had reduced the deficit with a well worked try, miss-passing the centres, allowing winger Ollie Lockyear to charge in on the left corner for an unconverted try. (8)
No further scores before halftime.

Halftime: Ipswich 10 Saffron Walden 8

Ipswich started the second half more up-beat, with the pack securing good ball; the backs enjoying the possession to exploit the Saffron defence. Burrows, Lloyd and Broughton making in-roads into the Saffron half.
After 8 minutes some slick handling in the centre saw Josh James collect and sprint down the left wing for his second try of the game, again Burrows converted. (17 - 8)

Saffron did not give up, but it was Ipswich that created the better chances, and on the 20 minute mark Josh James scored his third try, again it was the quick hands in the centre of the field that allowed the space for James to out-sprint the defence and score left of the posts. Burrows converted. (24 - 8)

Saffron Walden continued to try and get back in the game, and showing they still had the ability to breach the Ipswich defence with some nifty sidestepping and brushing aside slack tackling to cross in the right corner for an unconverted try. (24 - 13)

With only 4 minutes of the game left the final score went to Ipswich with some powerful running with the ball in hand Chris Blom brushed all aside  and dived for the line for an unconverted fourth and bonus point try. (29 - 13)

Final Score: Ipswich 29 Saffron Walden 13 

 Man of the Match - 17 year old 3 try debutant, Josh James