Ipswich maintained their unbeaten record in London 2 NE with a clinical second half performance against Norfolk rivals Diss at Mackenders in challenging wet and blustery conditions that tested both team’s core skill execution.

Diss took the field with several players returning from injury, and totally dominated the first 15 minutes scoring a well taken opening try after 5 minutes that was duly converted to give to home side a 7pts to nil lead.

At this stage Ipswich inaccuracy at the breakdown subjected to them being on the receiving end of a 6-1 penalty count along with 2 handling errors that negated any opportunity to stage attacks and obtain positive field position.

However after 16 minutes the tide turned, with greater breakdown decision making, it was now the hosts who gave away penalties and had to carry out a majority of the defensive efforts, with the visitors playing at a greater intensity and pace.

This resulted in 3 tries by man of the match back rower Jon Ives, winger Chris Kolapo and Ives again all of which were converted by skipper and stand off Corey Button to give the away side a half time lead of 21pts to 7

With the game in the balance for the initial encounters of the second half, Button and full back Tim Mann (often standing in at first receiver) produced a masterclass in tactical kicking on numerous occasions pinning back the Diss side within 30 metres of their own goal line.
The pressure asserted resulted on the hour mark with scrum half Jake Steward scoring from close range, securing a try bonus point, and experienced interchange back Carlton Littlechild showing good evasion skills to score unopposed in the left corner 7 minutes later, both expertly converted by Button.

In the dying embers of the game centre Adam Clark outpaced the defence to score out wide in the right hand corner to complete the scoring and a 5 point bonus point win winning by 40pts to 7.

Head Coach Jim Clark and Assistant Tim Mann would have been pleased with the defensive effort that saw the visitors keeping their line intact for 75 minutes, and the handling core skills that reflected only 6 handling errors in difficult conditions, against a fiercely committed opponent playing in front of a large vocal crowd.

It was a successful day for the clubs senior sides with the Magpies defeating Stowmarket II at HDL 17pts to 8,and the Thirds defeating Thurston II also at HDL 40pts to 12 scoring 6 tries in the process.

Ipswich first team continue their league campaign with a home match at Humber Doucy Lane next Saturday 4th December against Essex side South Woodham Ferrers, this game has now been reverted to a 2pm kick off.

The Magpies play away at Mistley in Eastern Counties 2 South, the Thirds away at Felixstowe and the Tankards at home to neighbours Ipswich YM II.