Ipswich reaped the rewards and revenge for the earlier in the season defeat, in this Ipswich vs. Norwich derby.

Norwich kicked off with Ipswich receiving and it was Ipswich that had the opportunity to score the first points at the first breakdown when Norwich No5 George Pope was penalised for diving over the ruck. Sam Corston was short with the kick.

The tables were turned when Norwich had the opportunity to take points, when Ipswich were penalised for being offside 40 metres from the posts, No10 A Campbell was well wide with his kick.

Ipswich did most of the attacking in the early stages but unforced errors and the Norwich penalty count escalating brought the game to stop start affair.

However on 16 minutes of play Ipswich got the breakthrough they deserved, Ipswich centre Jono broke through the gain line before passing to Tim Hopkins and fullback Ryan Potkins making many metres before passing back inside for Sam Corston to finish off the move scoring in the top right corner of the pitch.
Corston failed to convert his own try. (5-0)

Norwich pushed hard to get back into the game and took the opportunity of a drop goal when from an attack on the edge of the 22 the ball was passed back for O’Brien to kick through the uprights. (5-3)

In the final minutes of the first half Norwich took the lead after some sustained pressure deep inside the Ipswich 22, from a 5 metre scrum the ball was recycled and driven over the line for a try. No10 Campbell converted for the extra 2 points. (5-10)

Halftime: Ipswich 5 Norwich 10.

Ipswich inspired by the efforts of the first half, raised the tempo showing some fine attacking lines at pace; again only deliberate slow ball at the breakdowns prevented any score.

On 8 minutes of play Ipswich were awarded a penalty in the middle of the field, a quick tap and go at pace broke the gain line and the ball was popped up again for No8 Jono Fell to crash over the line by the right upright for a well deserved try. Sam Corston converted for Ipswich to take the lead. (12 -10)

On 14 minutes of play and another Ipswich attack thwarted by illegal play saw the referee run out of patience and send Norwich No 5 George Pope to the sin bin. From the penalty which Ipswich decided to tap and run, a great break form fullback Ryan Potkins linking with the centres surged deep into the Norwich 22, after 3 quick phases scrumhalf Whanauhou picked up and dived over the line15 metres right of the posts. Corston slipped and missed the conversion. (17 – 10)

From the restart Ipswich again went on the attack, again illegal play saw Ipswich awarded another penalty in the middle of the field, from the 5 metre lineout Ipswich took the driving maul over the tryline before replacement lock Josh Todd touched down for the try. Corston was wide with the conversion. (22 – 10)

With only 10 minutes of play left Norwich launched their final attack, whilst the Ipswich forwards had won the turnover, the backs had strayed offside and Norwich were awarded a penalty just outside the 22, the Norwich goal easily converted for the 3 points. (22 – 13)

The remainder of the game was played out with no further score, although Ipswich missed another penalty kick in the last minute.

Final Score: Ipswich 22 Norwich 13.

The players and officials were delighted with this win especially with the attitude and determination to win when frustration in certain parts of this game could have allowed concentration to drop. Man of the Match was awarded to No11 Tim Hopkins.

Next week Ipswich are at home to Harlow, 2.30pm kick-off.
There is a VP Lunch before the game please book through the club office, if you wish to attend.  

The other result from the weekend was -

MERSEA ISL 10 - 12 CHELMSFORD