Ipswich travelled to Woodbridge on a beautiful morning for rugby, for a friendly match which was played in quarters to enable both teams to rotate players at will.

Ipswich started the first quarter on the front foot and were camped in the Woodbridge half for the opening 5 minutes, until against the run of play, we conceded a cheap counter attack try to go 5-0 behind. The lads responded well and after some good defensive pressure in their 22, Gethin scooped up a loose ball to score under the posts and put Ipswich in front 5-7.

The game was tight, but Woodbridge were committing more to the ruck and winning more ball and this pressure saw them score a converted try to make it 12-7 at the end of quarter 1.

The second quarter was a close affair with both teams not giving an inch and there was a lot of good running rugby being played by both sides. Woodbridge just edged this period and scored another 7 pointer, the only points of the quarter.

Half time: Woodbridge 19 – Ipswich 7

The third quarter followed the same pattern as the second, a very close fought contest. Ipswich were now more competitive in the ruck and seemed defensively sound, we just needed to be a bit sharper going forward. Step forward Joseph who received the ball in our 22 and stepped past the initial defensive line, jinked past another and then won a foot race with their covering fullback to score a try of the season contender. Brilliant effort!

This was the only score of this quarter, mainly due to a fantastic 2 to 3 minute period of defence on our line which showed great determination. Harrison Mann making 3 massive hits in 30 seconds to set a fine example. The score was 19-14 going in to the last 15 minutes.

Ipswich emptied the bench and the fresh legs proved the difference. Two quick tries, similar in their construction from Theo and Gethin finally broke Woodbridge. These tries were scored with great passing, players hitting gaps and supporting the ball carrier.

The final try was again well worked with the forwards winning the ball and the backs freeing Kyle to score in the right corner, something we don’t do too often passing off the left hand, so that was pleasing. The last 15 minute blitz saw Ipswich score 17 unanswered points.

Final score: Woodbridge 19 – Ipswich 31

There is still a lot to improve on, but the standard across the whole squad has improved no end in the last few months.

Keep working hard and looking after each other and there are only good times ahead.

Brothers