Ipswich RFC 31 - 45 Stowmarket RFC

IPSWICH RFC quite simply, were second best in this ‘derby encounter’ against promoted Stowmarket RFC eventually losing by 8 tries to 5 in what was a ‘stop-start’ game at Phoenix Park. A strong breeze greeted the sides as they took to the field but, on what was a sunny and warm day - the conditions should have suited the Ipswich style of play.

Changes for Ipswich meant opportunities for some of the younger members of the squad with Luke Uru (19 yrs) coming in for Chris Kolapo-Ajala (unavailable) in the centre, Liam Hill (21) a hooker replaced Hampton on the bench, whilst promising youth player (& Ipswich Colt) Elliott Siddle (17) was promoted from the Magpies XV to the bench. Josh Hayward grabbed a start at scrum half for the unavailable Jake Steward.

Kick off & Stowmarket started the brighter of the two sides, their commitment when carrying the ball combined with their determination in the contact areas and breakdowns surprising the Ipswich defence.

The Stowmarket style was quite simple but surprisingly effective largely because Ipswich failed to hit the Stow’ runners on the gain line and this allowed several off-loads. Good support running caused Ipswich a degree of chaos. Throw in to the mix some indifferent tackling and Ipswich were soon in serious trouble. First speedster Ogun seemed to outpace Tawanda Kandemwa on the Ipswich right flank (5-0). Worse still, within 25 minutes of play, the ‘black & golds’ were three tries down. If Stowmarket had got a decent goal-kicker, Ipswich may have found themselves out of this contest (15-0).

Having now given themselves a mountain to climb, Ipswich upped their work rate – mainly through the efforts of Chris Blom who almost single-handedly took the game to Stowmarket with a series of bullocking runs. Others joined in and soon Clark and Pickering were also carrying as the Ipswich intensity was raised. Jake Goodwin made a couple of strong bursts out wide and only fine Stow’ tackling kept Ipswich out.

Ipswich carried on and scrum half Josh Hayward chipped in as he chipped over the Stow’ defence from their ‘22’ and dived in from close range to score following a failed grounding by the Stow’ winger - Alan Barker hit the conversion (15-7).

On the half hour, Ipswich had a series of drives deep in the Stow’ ‘22’ and it was now the home side struggling as the visitors heaped on the pressure. A series of penalties followed and when the Stow’ number 8 Burch was seen to be handling the Ipswich ball in a ruck he received a yellow card.

Hopes of a reprisal though, were soon dashed as Stow’ quickly responded with another breakaway try following a batted down, loose line-out ball (20-7).

In to the final minutes of the half and Ipswich, now with the bit firmly between their teeth and with Blom leading from the front – moved forward. Stow’ were again unable to match this period of Ipswich intensity and it was Blom that scored close to the posts to raise Ipswich hopes. Another Barker conversion. (20-14).

More Ipswich pressure and Stow’ seemed to be hanging on for dear life. The penalties flowed. Ipswich moved toward the home goal line once again in search of an important score. Into injury time and Ipswich at last were recycling possession consistently and able to execute their phases. Goldie, Knowles & Goodwin were getting through some work and up to the Stow’ line they went. It was Hayward again who wriggled through to score Ipswich’s third try. Another Barker conversion and Ipswich had, on the stroke of half-time, got themselves back into contention (20-19).

Injuries to key players was now a factor and with fly-half Grimwood (foot) and Clark (calf) limping off, hooker Ainge received a knock to the head also to be removed. The veteran Clark (now injured), elected to return to the field of play.

The second half got under way and it was Ipswich now enjoying possession. Another couple of penalties to Ipswich and the Stow’ scrum half Fifield was in the bin for repeat offending. The Ipswich scrum looked strong and had started to dominate the set piece. However, Stow’ managed to keep stealing possession in the tackle areas and because of the occasional wayward Ipswich pass. Unfortunately, the Ipswich line-out was misfiring and Stow’ were able to keep in the game as a result – Matt Edison was their accomplished and go-to jumper. Ipswich whilst able to clear their lines when under pressure could not manage to consistently secure their line-outs.

A fifth try soon followed from a line-out on the Ipswich ‘22’ – the Stow’ pack marching over the Ipswich line roared on by an excited home crowd (25-19).

Following an injury delay, Ipswich were awarded a penalty in their own ‘22’. Young Elliott Siddle - on for Grimwood – launched a long clearance kick that drifted back in to play. As Ipswich pressed forward to tackle, a smart chip over the top and the Stow’ full back took a neat catch to score virtually unopposed (30-19).

Ipswich started to look a little flat but when Pickering caught a stray pass on the Stow’ ‘22’, the Ipswich skipper was able to dummy past a defender and win the race for the try-line to bring Ipswich back into the game yet again. In to the wind, Barker again converted (30-26).

If only Ipswich could maintain their efforts, their concentration and execute the basics – this was a game that was there for the winning.

Sadly, just three minutes later and Ipswich conceded yet another Stowmarket try (35-26). Replacement hooker Hill went down (neck) and following a lengthy delay there followed a switch of pitches - as the young Ipswich hooker was carefully stretchered off. [NB. He is OK now – a touch of whiplash diagnosed].

Now, uncontested scrums, and from the first Blom picked up and popped the ball to Uru – who squeezed over in the corner for another Ipswich try on 67 mins with Barker converting (35-31). Ipswich could still do this – surely!

Stowmarket however held their nerve. On the narrower pitch they managed to find space and soon were pouring through and behind what had been a hesitant Ipswich defence - out-pacing the cover defence. The 8th try was scored with some ease and a conversion added (42-31) with just 6 minutes left.

Sadly, Ipswich were unable to find the required fluency and accuracy required to maintain a further attack and it was Stow’ that finished something of a ‘see-saw’ of a game with a well struck penalty from 32 metres out, deservedly securing their first win of the season (45-31).
Having scored five tries, Ipswich secured a solitary league point – certainly no bonus – and some serious soul-searching is set to follow as the side now prepare for their first home league game of the season next week.