Ipswich travelled to Colchester low on numbers due to injuries and illness, but this did not stop the boys putting in a magnificent display, especially in defence, as they kept the hosts scoreless, what a brilliant squad we have.

The game was spilt into quarters and Colchester came out of the traps fast using their sizeable forwards to try to make inroads into our defence, however, they were met with stern defence from our pack. The game was an end-to-end affair in the first quarter, but a bit of quality play from Frank going blind from a ruck, drawing their winger and popping to Noah to score was the standout moment and Ipswich led 7 – 0.

The second quarter began with both teams fully committed and not giving an inch. Ipswich began to look the more likely to score as the quarter progressed, our handling and offloading across the team was starting to drag Colchester out of position and create space.

The half ended when after a bit of pressure on our line resulted in Jake, in a seated position holding up the ball over the line, with our forwards propping him up to deny the hosts a try.

Half time: Colchester 0 – Ipswich 7

In the third quarter, the possession started to swing in our favour, our forwards were starting to break their line with strong runs and the ball was being recycled quickly.

This provided the platform for the backs to start to enjoy themselves and throw the ball around with a bit more freedom. Tom then pinged a lovely miss pass to Noah in the outside channel to scamper in on the right wing to lead 12 – 0.

The remainder of the quarter was scoreless when the whistle was blown when one of the Colchester boys went down with what looked like a serious knee injury. Fortunately, we have been informed that he has a minor knee ligament injury and should be back on the pitch soon.

After a pitch change whilst the lad was being treated, quarter 4 proved to be a one-sided affair as the quality of the Ipswich display started to open up a tiring Colchester team.

The game was being played mainly in their half and a great bit of Jackalling by Gethin resulted in him being driven over with the help from his forwards from 15 meters out to make the score 19 – 0.

The final try was a brilliant bit of vision and individual skill by Tom who dummied and hit the gap between their 10 and 12 to sprint under the posts from 40 metres out.

Final score: Colchester 0 – Ipswich 26

The Colchester coaches were full of praise regarding the standard of our handling and passing skills which is testament to the hours put in on the L drill!

We as coaches were more impressed with the defensive display and never say die attitude of all who played, defences win matches and ours is superb.

Well done to Noah who was voted Man of the Match by the Colchester players.

Brothers