Ipswich win the derby

A brilliant sunny day at Humber Doucy Lane as the two sides took to the field for this ‘derby’ match in front of a large & noisy crowd of 350 spectators with Ipswich still smarting from the hammering they suffered at Beeston Hyrne back in October. The dry, still conditions and, an improving pitch surface following a couple of days of spring sunshine certainly helped the high-tempo Ipswich style but in truth, in what was a determined and well-executed & thrilling game, this was by far and away the Black & Golds best performance of the season.

The early signs were ominous with Norwich appearing as a slick, fast-moving outfit that executed the basics very well & a side possessing a dominant front-five. The flat offensive line of the ‘Lions’ caused the Ipswich defence some early problems. As Ipswich tried to accustom themselves to the brisk pace of their opponents, the visitors were faster to react at the tackle and secured a couple of early turnovers. It was Norwich that took an early lead following some early pressure. A neat chip over the Ipswich rush defence and with teenager Kandemwa slow to turn, Lawton (the fastest man on the field) raced through to ground the ball in the corner (0-5).

Ipswich came back at the visitors with great purpose and determination and despite losing out in the early scrummage battles the home side started to string together some fast, high tempo play which allowed them to enter the visitors ‘22’. Following some great driving play from centre Grimwood and Blom, the ball was handed back to Grimwood who crossed close to the posts to score a fine try. Button struck a good conversion & Ipswich had nudged ahead (7-5).

The next score was also to go the way of the Black & Golds following several drives to the line in which Graham, Thomas and Beaton all featured. Scrum-half Jake Steward tossed a smart reverse pass to the powerful Blom who just three metres out, reached down to his bootlaces to grab the ball and dive over in a single movement. Button scuffed his kick but Ipswich had moved further ahead (12-5).

A Button penalty pushed Ipswich further ahead (15-5)

A breakdown on the Ipswich ‘22’ following another powerful Norwich scrum and back rower Pickering was at fault failing to tackle his opposite number and an easy seven points were taken by the visitors (15-12).

HALF TIME: IPSWICH RFC …15 v Norwich RFC…12

The first points of the second half came again from Buttons boot as Norwich picked up a yellow card for repeat infringements at the breakdown as Ipswich went for the jugular (18-12). The temperature was starting to fall as the sun sank but mighty Ipswich continued at full-steam and, as the game moved into its third quarter, the home side had started to dominate this evenly fought encounter .

Norwich are a fine side and sit fourth in the table, so no surprises that on the hour mark they started to put Ipswich under a sustained and intense period of pressure. Only a resolute Ipswich defence kept the Norfolk men out. Lawton appeared to go clear up the Ipswich left and looked certain to score but a cover tackle from right-winger Kandemwa stopped the Norwich speedster 5-metres out. Still the ‘Lions’ pressed for the advantage and following a couple of clumsy off-sides deep in the Ipswich ‘22’, Parrott kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to bring Norwich closer (18-15).

The game entered the final 15 minutes of the match with Ipswich desperate to improve their position whilst holding on to a slender lead.

Following good play in midfield, fly-half Button – having his best game of the season for Ipswich – burst through a couple of tackles to score wide out from 30 metres at last allowing some breathing space for the home side (23-15).

Despite a determined effort from Norwich in the closing minutes, Ipswich – with an error-free display - had held on and secured a fine victory much to the appreciation of a noisy home crowd.