Bury have been Ipswich’s Nemesis for many years in this age group, but today Ipswich won well in a match where the lead changed hands no fewer than 6 times, the final score of 46-36 flattered Ipswich in a match which was in the balance until the final minute. All credit to Ipswich for holding their nerve and focus to close out a game against very strong opposition.

Bury started aggressively, gaining territory deep in the Ipswich half and it was inevitable that they should score after 5 minutes and several phases of tight play. It was a gusty day making kicking difficult so their lead was limited to 5.

Ipswich came straight back with some slick wide passing in the backs which culminated in a classic winger’s try posted by Lyssandro Ximenes wide and to the left. In a gusty day the conversion was missed so scores were levelled.

Bury came straight back with a speedy retort claiming a try after a kick through exposed the Ipswich defence, once again the wind made the conversion too difficult but Bury’s lead was restored.

As the game move to the end of the first quarter Ipswich pressed again and nearly levelled as Sam Donnelly kicked wide right and inch perfect to Jake Hosking who very nearly caught to score.

But Ipswich were not to be denied for long as Oli Garnham drove over from Ipswich to level the scores and that try was duly converted by Sam Donnelly to give Ipswich a marginal lead for the first time.

Bury pushed forward into the Ipswich half gaining a lineout a few metres out, and a breenging run (an old border term) from a sturdy forward rolled through tackles from the front of the lineout to score again for Bury to reinstate their lead.

The next few minutes from Ipswich before half time were hugely impressive, Ipswich attacked through multiple phases before Adam Clark picked up from a breakdown close in to score and reinstate the Ipswich lead, which was re-enforced with a Sam Donnelly conversion.

Then a great take and run from Max Clark found him tackled close to the line and a great offload, a pop, to Lyssandro Ximenes added to the Ipswich tally and a 24-15 lead at half-time.

At half time in a tight game Ipswich were playing well but the gusty wind would favour Bury in the second half and it was still anybody’s game.

Bury scored first, a few Ipswich handling errors led to good position for Bury who attacked strongly through many phases before finally scoring close to posts despite stout defence, when converted the Ipswich lead was down to 2 points.

Ipswich attacked again with ball in hand but Ipswich showed too much of the ball to Bury with a long loopy pass and an interception by Bury led to a clear long run in for a converted try, Bury were ahead again.

With a strengthening wind in Ipswich faces the home side drove well through forwards for territory leading to a good try by Oli Garnham under the posts giving a straightforward conversion to Max Clark. Ipswich had a 2 point advantage again as the match moved into the final quarter.

The match was still finely in the balance with a gusting wind Felix Peterson scored first for Ipswich to extend their lead. Then Ayrton Seabrook intercepted to run 50 metres clear and touched down only to find that there had been an offside so try disallowed. Ipswich attacked again wide right with Lyssandro just tackled short of the line. Finally Ipswich scored passing the ball wide left to Adam Rudolf to post a great team try on the touchline, Ipswich were ahead 41-29 with a few minutes to go.

But Bury were far from finished scoring another strong try after many phases and a strong defensive set from Ipswich, under the posts it was an easy conversion so the Ipswich lead was cut to 5.

There were two minutes remaining and Ipswich gained territory to limit Bury’s options, Bury chased the win spinning wide left in their own 22 leaving too much of an opportunity for Ayrton Seabrook who intercepted and scored to seal what had been a pulsating match Ipswich 46 Bury 36.

This was a great win for Ipswich who showed great heart, no mean skill and some tight game management in the closing minutes to defeat a very good Bury side in a tough match.