U10 Prima Cup

The last day of September saw a squad of 10 Ipswich under-10s head up the A140 for a Leicester Tigers Prima Cup qualifying tournament. Conditions at host club Diss were perfect for rugby, with the bright sunshine burning off the early morning dew.

Players, parents and coaches alike had a degree of anxiety as the team headed into their first ever competitive games involving rucks, mauls and scrums. Being drawn in a group with a number of unfamiliar opponents did not help ease the uncertainty.

First up saw a clash of the black and golds with Ipswich lining up against Southwold. Ipswich hit the ground running with some strong defensive work both in the tackle and at the counter ruck making life difficult for their opponents. With some dangerous running and good quick passing in attack the signs appeared promising for a successful day. Tries from Isaac & Arthur gave Ipswich a 2-0 victory.

However intensity levels dropped in the second game as Ipswich came up against a strong Oundle team. Ipswich’s first up tackling was not firm enough, hindered by a lack of team line speed in defence. Whilst Oundle ran out 2-0 winners, Ipswich showed good spirit in the second half to keep the game tight and were unlucky not to gain a try.

Wymondham were up next and the intensity improved both with and without the ball. Tommy was growing into the tournament and beginning to stretch his long legs giving the team some well needed go forward. Another two tries followed, with Seb crossing for his first of the day and an excellent pick up and off-load by Bryn setting Arthur up to stretch over for his second. A strong Wymondham would not lie down though and squared the match, ending 2-2.

Matches were coming fast and furious and another new opponent, Beccles, were up next. In a see-saw match, some great rucking helped Ipswich get on the front foot, but as Beccles came back into it Ipswich showed their strength in defence with some excellent tackling and cover play. What would have been try of the tournament from Cameron, capping off an excellent passing move, was pulled back for a forward pass that a TMO would have surely overturned. However the move showed Ipswich that playing as a team and getting the ball to do the work will be the key to continued success as the season goes forward. But Ipswich were not to be denied, with Kamron being rewarded for some elusive running all day with the winning try at the end of the second half.

North Walsham were the last opponents of the day and as the players tired, some errors crept in to the Ipswich game. Several penalties were conceded as tackles moved up from the legs onto the shirt. Ipswich will need to be more disciplined in this important area of the game. As the clock ran down, and facing a 2-0 deficit Ipswich refused to go quietly and a great break by Jamie set up the position for Seb to touch down in the corner for the last try of the game, his second of the day.

All the team contributed throughout the day, with Freddie his usual strong presence in attack and defence. Special mention also to Riley who turned out for his first ever game for Ipswich. Overall a great first run out of the season, with plenty of good play with and without the ball, and also plenty to work on as the season develops. Thanks to Diss and Leicester Tigers for hosting us and well done to the team and parents for enjoying the day in the spirit of rugby.