Ipswich preserved their unbeaten record with a fifth win from five matches against a strong and previously unbeaten Stowmarket side in this early season top of the league encounter at Humber Doucy Lane.

The first half was an even contest with Stowmarket utilising a strong set piece, and putting the home side under pressure on regular occasions, with Ipswich repelling the attacks with solid defensive efforts.

Ipswich edged the first half by three tries to two leading by 17 points to 14 with tries by wingers Adam Clark, Chris Kolapo and centre Ben Grimwood, of which one was converted by Clark.

Stowmarket started the second half at an increased intensity and were rewarded with a further two converted tries in quick succession giving them an eleven point lead of 17 points to 28.

The home side showed strong mental resilience by sticking to their game plan of spreading the ball wide where possible, and momentum was shifted by an outstanding line break by full back Carlton Littlechild retrieving a Stowmarket clearing kick, beating 4 defenders, and forcing the away side into conceding a breakdown penalty.

From that point Ipswich and particularly Chris Kolapo was in unstoppable form - with the winger scoring two tries from the ball being spread, and one from a quick tap penalty, therefore taking his try scoring total to four on the day.

Adam Clark continued his strong transition from colts to senior rugby by scoring a second try and all four second half tries were converted by scrum half Jake Steward who took over the goal kicking responsibilities.

The final score stood 45pts to 28 in the home sides favour having been adrift by eleven points at one stage in the second half.

Jim Clark and the coaching team will be satisfied with the steady progress and development of the team in attack in which six line breaks and twelve offloads were made, backed up by some stronger defensive efforts in the last quarter.

Ipswich host Norfolk’s Wymondham on Saturday 30th October with a 3pm kick off in which promises to be an entertaining encounter in London 2 NE.