Old Cooperians 15 - 18 Ipswich

IPSWICH completed their first double of the season with a fine victory over bottom-of-the-table side Old Cooperians in difficult, wet conditions on a sticky, sodden pitch in Upminster.

A much changed & young Ipswich side - with six Under 20-year olds in their line-up - started well against the home side with some controlled play. However, it was the Essex side that were first to score following a smart, well-placed kick to the corner as the Ipswich rush defence came up. Stand-in full back Josh Hayward was slightly out of position as the Coopers centre raced through to score in the corner (5-0)

Ipswich came roaring back and following a period of sustained pressure a half-break from fly-half Corey Button allowed Carlton Littlechild to take the visitors to within 5 metres. The ball was slipped to Jake Steward who in turn found prop Jake Goodwin with a neat pass who crashed over to score close to the posts. A short delay as the talented Button received treatment for an injury although the young number 10 got to his feet to make the conversion (5-7).

Another Ipswich attack led by left winger Charlie Dower with Cris Blom and Mike Graham carrying well took Ipswich up to the Coopers ‘22’. Following a penalty award to Ipswich, Button again came forward to hit another 3 points (5-10).

The Coopers hit back almost immediately as Ipswich tried to run out of defence following a long restart. Button was impatient and, in attempting a rather ambitious chip and chase on his own ‘22’, the Coopers midfield gobbled up possession. In their efforts to retrieve the ball, Ipswich went off their feet at the tackle, conceding a penalty in front of the posts with the Coopers making an easy three points (8-10).

Yet more pressure as Coopers went to the Ipswich corner where they were awarded a scrum 15 metres out from the Ipswich line. The ball went to the short side and Luke Uru was outmuscled as Coopers crossed for their second try which was well converted to allow a 15-10 lead.

As the half moved to a close, the Ipswich defence was once again tested as the Coopers battered away at close range as they pressed for a third try. Several thumping tackles made by Graham, Honeywood, Thomas & Blom were significant – although to a man the Ipswich defence marshalled by Adam Pickering and Jake Steward was resolute.

In the dying moments of the half, Ipswich centre Ben Grimwood was warned for offside before then infringing again and receiving a yellow card. Ipswich did exceptionally well to hold firm and the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

The third quarter was dominated by Ipswich who patiently went through their phases pushing the Coopers to the left and right and penetrating through the middle as Ipswich mounted a series of attacks. The Coopers defence held firm and Ipswich were repeatedly frustrated by some frantic cover tackles. Ipswich did cross the line but were held up – unable to ground the ball.

On 60 mins Ipswich number 8, Cris Blom, received a yellow card for what seemed to be a rather innocuous coming together in midfield with his opposite number.

However, the Coopers side were clearly tiring and their indiscipline gradually became a significant feature as the game moved in to the final quarter.

A series of penalties went the way of Ipswich as the Coopers tried to slow down the game and knock Ipswich out of their stride. Gradually, the Ipswich energy and pressure started to take effect as the Coopers found themselves camped in their own ‘22’.

Refreshed after his enforced break, Blom returned to the affray and, following a series of bullocking drives deep inside the Coopers ‘22’, the powerful Ipswich number 8 forced himself through the home defence with half of Upminster on his back to score a try that levelled the scores on 72 minutes (15-15). Button was unable to convert as the conditions deteriorated.

Into the final minutes of the game and a rejuvenated Ipswich who had introduced three youngsters George Ainge, Josh Wright and Tawanda Kandemwa, flew at the home team in an effort to secure the victory. Kandemwa went close for Ipswich up the right flank before making a fine cover tackle on his own ‘22’ as the Coopers managed to break out.

In the 78th minute and following further repeat infringements by the home side, the referee awarded Ipswich yet another penalty 35 metres out. On this occasion and, despite the conditions, Button struck a fine kick earning Ipswich a thoroughly well-deserved, away win and four league points.