First XV

Match Report

Ipswich travelled to Canvey for their eighth league match of the season. Their first setback came even before the kick off when their outside centre Josh James hurt his ham string during the warm up and could not take part in the game. The backs had to be reshuffled with fullback Ryan Potkins moving into centre and debutant Iwandre Spangenberg coming in of the bench to take the fullback position.

Ipswich started the game in the worst possible way by conceding a try within the first minute. Canvey Island received they kick off, set up a driving maul up the pitch released the ball to their fly half who ran untouched straight through the Ipswich backs. The try was unconverted.

Canvey Island’s “tails” were up and they attacked with pace and confidence. From within their own 22 they stole the ball from the Ipswich side with some forceful counter rucking and spread the ball wide to their wing who scored their second try within the forth minute. Their fly half failed to convert the try.

Ipswich was in disarray and struggled to put any patterns together. They struggled in the scrums and had little ball the first twenty minutes of the game. Canvey Island played with confidence and looked the better side. Canvey Scored their third try from a strong scrum in the Ipswich 22. This try was also unconverted.

This try seemed to have woken up the Ipswich side. They started to apply pressure on the Canvey Island side. Their first try came from a lineout just outside the home sides try line, with Brad James bursting over the line for a well worked try. The try was converted and Ipswich was in the game for the first time.

Canvey Island came back almost immediately to scored their forth try just before half time. This try was converted. Ipswich went into halftime 22 – 7 down.

The Ipswich coaching staff Johnny Breedt and Colin Barker had a stern word with the players at half time. They felt that although Canvey Island was leading the game the Ipswich side made them look good with poor defence and decision making. They felt that if their side looked after the ball better and started to apply pressure the game could be won by them.

The second half started much more positive for them when18 year old Namibian Iwandre Spangenberg scored a brilliant individualistic try from a poor kick from the home side. The try was converted by Craig Burrows.

It was clear that the much fitter Ipswich side was starting to dominate. They looked after the ball and applied much more pressure than the first side. Carlton Littlechild scored their third try under the posts from a well worked back move. Craig Burrows had the easy task of converting the try. The score was now 22 – 21 to the home side.

With 35 minutes to go it was clear that the home side was flagging and that the Ipswich side found another gear. Ipswich winger Ipswich fly half Craig Burrows miss passed both his centres to get the ball straight to their flyer Tim Hopkins who ran in a 60 meter try under the posts. Burrows was on target once again. Score 22 – 28 to Ipswich

Canvey did not give up this try seemed to have given them their second breath. They attacked with some strong running and only strong defence from the visiting side kept them from scoring.

With 15 minutes to go the Ipswich side started to throw the ball around. The home team struggled to keep up and with some skilful offloading and good support play between backs and forwards Carlton Littlechild scored his second try of the game. This try was converted and made the score 22 – 35 to Ipswich.

The home side was now clearly struggling, with their players going down with cramp at regular intervals. Ipswich captain Ryan Potkins sealed the victory by scoring a try under the posts from broken play just outside the Ipswich 22. Craig Burrows ended the game and a 100% kicking record by converting the try. The final score 22 – 42 to Ipswich.

Although the Ipswich side was pleased with the win, they were disappointed with the slow start and know that they cannot afford to start games like they did. The score did flatter them and it does not reflect how good the Canvey Island side played. The Ipswich side have a lot of work to do this week to prepare for their home game against Old Streetonians this weekend.