Ipswich remain unbeaten in top of the table clash

Ipswich remained unbeaten in London 2 North East after beating 3rd placed Chelmsford in an enthralling albeit fragmented game, in which neither side could build momentum in a game containing 25 penalties and 13 handling errors.

Chelmsford started the better side, and it is patently obvious that they will feature high up in the table this season playing skilful high tempo rugby. They opened the scoring on 17 minutes following a succession of phases which was duly converted to give the away side a 7pts to nil lead.

The home side then stopped the handling errors and asserted pressure themselves which resulted in the away team giving away a succession of penalties which led to 2 well taken tries by stand-off Tim Mann and lock Mike Graham on the 24th and 30th minute respectively both converted by skipper Corey Button playing at Inside Centre, to give the home side a 14pts to 7 lead at half time.

The second half first quarter was a replication of the first half with Chelmsford dominating possession and territory, and they were rewarded by electing to kick 2 penalties in the 58th and 61st minutes to close the score to within a point of the home side.

Chelmsford went further ahead in the 63rd minute with a well executed converted try to extend the lead and score to 20pts to 14.

Rather than go from bread to crumbs the home side again started to assert pressure and territory and it was the away side now that was tested in defence, and eventually following a Line Out from a penalty, a strong driving maul resulted in skipper Button, who had added himself to the maul, scoring with the assistance of the tight forwards.

The skipper then expertly directed the angled conversion kick from the right hand side between the uprights to complete a 100% success rate on the day.

The last 7 minutes both teams largely negated each other by solid defence with the home team taking the 4 pts win and Chelmsford obtaining a losing bonus point.

Head Coach Jim Clark had a challenging week with the injury list mounting, and therefore had to be creative in selection both in terms of personnel and positions, the players coming in to squad deserve great credit performing well against strong opposition.

Final Score: Ipswich 21pts Chelmsford 20
Scorers: Mann, Graham, Button Tries. Button 3 conversions.

The Magpies had a great away win in Eastern Counties 2 South away at Colchester III winning by 46pts to 7, bouncing back from their first loss of the season the previous week to Sudbury II.

League Action returns on Saturday November 27th with the First Team way at Diss, the Magpies at HDL v Stowmarket II, and the Mighty Thirds at HDL v Thurston II.

The Tankards are due to run out away at Clacton II.