IPSWICH RFC at Saffron Walden RFC:

PSWICH RFC were once again forced to make changes for the trip to Henham because of injury and unavailability whilst other positional changes saw some playing out of position in this the latest important match for the Black & Golds as they continue to battle for their survival in London 2NE.

The game started as badly as it could for Ipswich with Saffron Walden breaking the gain line in the first minute as fly-half Dewi Llewelyn missed his tackle and Walden scored a simple try under the posts after 90 secs (7-0). Five minutes later and again the green shirts of the Walden midfield found acres of space behind the Ipswich midfield and another try under the posts followed (14-0). Ipswich then seemed to awaken and played with some purpose and pace for much of the next 20 minutes or so.

The first response was from Jake Steward on 13 minutes who crossed close to the posts after 8 phases of Ipswich forward play saw the Black & Golds gain important territory. Hayward converted (14-7).

Young Elliot Siddle was high tackled just 5 minutes later when it looked like he may score (only a yellow card). Ipswich moved quickly but the ball was cleared in to touch. Another of the emerging stars at the club, Fraser Goldie took a difficult line-out and loose head prop Ali Downing crashed forward on a short pass that took him into the Walden ‘22’. A smart offload and Carlton Littlechild was at hand to score under the posts for Ipswich (14-14).

Speedy right winger Tawanda Kandemwa made a break down his flank rounding his opposite number and as the cover closed in he kicked in to the centre of the field, the ball bouncing just inside the Walden ‘22’. Centre Ben Grimwood followed up and took the bouncing ball in his stride and scored under the posts and Ipswich had grabbed a deserved lead (14-21).

Saffron Walden were stunned momentarily but attacked up the Ipswich left and after a series of fluffed tackles, scored in the corner (19-21).

On 36 minutes, Kandemwa was penalised for going off his feet at a ruck and Walden hit a penalty from the ‘22’ to take the lead (22-21).

The last play of the half saw Ipswich attacking once again, the Walden centre Price deliberately knocked the ball forward on his own ‘22’ to break up the attack. Only a penalty awarded and Hayward was just wide with his kick as the half time whistle went.

Into the second half and all to play for. Ipswich were gradually getting on top – showing more energy, more pace and more ambition than the home side who appeared to be flagging. Blom & Downing were immense and prompted by Siddle and Grimwood the Ipswich lads looked like they may grab a much needed win. However, whilst stringing together many multi-phase plays, Ipswich were unable to retain the ball and Saffron Walden were able to steal possession and mount their own attacks.

The green shirted home side then scored the try of the match with yet another break in midfield. A well-placed, long kick behind Kandemwa bounced up nicely for the Walden left winger to gather and dive over to score at the corner flag (27-21) – against the run of play.

Ipswich completely dominated the final quarter of the match but failed to convert their possession in to points – whilst Walden’s centre Price was allowed to clear his lines on three or four occasions - forcing Ipswich to start again and again, from deep in their own half of the field.

Forty three points in the first half, but with no further score in this second half Ipswich reluctantly accepted a bonus point loss and left for home.