Enfield Igns
Ipswich competed well in the first half running up hill against the strong breeze, Ipswich received the ball and ran out of their own 22 metre area, however within 3 minutes of play Ipswich were penalised for setting up a ruck and clearing the opposition out, although clearly acceptable in the laws of the game but not so in the referee’s eyes. Enfield kicker made good use of the strong wind to put the home side ahead. (3-0).
Again Ipswich received the ball and were comfortable running against the much larger Enfield forwards making good ground and retaining the ball well, but yet again the match official refused to allow players to be cleared from the ruck and again penalised the Ipswich forwards just inside their own half. Enfield kicked for touch but failed, allowing fullback Potkins to run out of the 22 before passing to the forwards to continue the moment. A ruck was formed and despite the ball being in the ruck, an Enfield flank forward went into the side picked up the ball and charged across the tryline. The referee positioned on the opposite side of the ruck could not see anything wrong and awarded the try which went unconverted. (8-0).
Ipswich continued to push forward enjoying much of the possession of ball and came close on several occasions in scoring only to be thwarted by some fiercely high tackles and deliberate slowing down of the ball, most of which went unpunished.
Halftime: Enfield Ignations 8 Ipswich 0.
The second half kicked off with Ipswich in positive mood using the elements and deciding to use quick hands to eradicate the referees interpretation of the ruck situation.
The first 10 minutes of the half Ipswich were camped on the Enfield tryline, having 4 attempts to maul the ball over the line and on each occasion the referee penalised Enfield for pulling down the maul or being offside. In most games this deliberate infringement would have been rewarded with a penalty try and Ipswich having the upper hand in this conflict were definitely playing for this but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Eventually Ipswich made the error of knocking on and Enfield cleared their line.
Enfield then managed to secure a lineout inside the Ipswich 22 which was mauled over the tryline for the heavy forwards to touch down and increase their lead. The try was converted for the extra 2 points. (15 – 0).
Again from the restart Ipswich pushed forwards looking for the break after playing the much better structured rugby, however this seemed to be one of those days when whatever they tried it was never going to be enough to be rewarded with points.
Frustration was starting to tell with some retribution following more unsavoury tackles, and again the penalty went against Ipswich allowing the home side to increase the lead with a 25 metre kick. (18 – 0).
On the stroke of fulltime Ipswich managed to secure the ball deep inside the Enfield 22, the ball was popped up to Joseland on the charge for 5 metres out to crash over the line for a consolation try. Sam Corston failed to convert. (18 -5)
Fulltime: Enfield Ignations 18 Ipswich 5
After the game the Ipswich Head Coach Aaron Brown and the Ipswich officials praised the team for persevering in what was a very difficult and frustrating afternoon. We accept that you make your own luck in rugby, but on the day the challenge was always going to be too high get what we probably deserved.
Next week (Saturday 5th Dec 09) Ipswich entertain Saffron Walden RFC at Humber Doucy Lane, Kick off 2.15pm
The rest of the weekend's results were :
COLCHESTER 23 - 13 CHELMSFORD
HARLOW 12 - 25 BRAINTREE
ROMFORD & GP 27 - 17 MERSEA ISLAND
SAFFRON WALDEN 31 - 29 NORWICH
SUDBURY 28 - 23 THURROCK