Ipswich travelled to West Norfolk on a perfect day for running rugby and the boys did not disappoint. With only 17 in the squad and after a long journey we lost Theo to injury before kick off and then Gethin after only a few minutes, who was injured in the lead up to the opening try. So, after a few positional switches it was up to the 15 on the pitch to get on with it.

We asked the boys to start the game with more intensity as we can be slow starters and they flew at West Norfolk. Our forwards were aggressive and smart in the ruck biding their time to turnover ball. It was clear that our backs would cause their defence all sorts of problems and after a few warning shots, Olly scored on the left wing.

Two further tries in the left corner followed quite quickly, scored by Harry F and Kyle, both finished excellently after great flowing moves including backs and forwards. The handling skills from all of the players was superb. 0 – 15.

West Norfolk are a good side and they showed this by responding straight away, with their centre evading a few tackles and scoring under the posts to reduce the deficit to 7 – 15.

Our forwards were playing brilliantly and moving their large pack around using great use of the tip pass we have worked on in training. This got us well over the gain line time and again. This front foot ball allowed Josh to blast over using great strength, in the right corner this time to make the score 7 – 20 just before half time.

West Norfolk again rallied and had us in our own 22 for a few minutes and a defensive lapse in concentration allowed them to score under the posts again to make the score 14 – 20 at half time.

Half time: West Norfolk 14 – Ipswich 20

Their score before half time had clearly given West Norfolk renewed belief and the first 5 minutes of the second half was a keenly contested affair mainly played in the middle third of the pitch.

The next score would be crucial and fortunately it came for Ipswich, George exploiting a hole in their defensive line to race clear and beat their full back from 55 metres out. 14 – 27.

From then on Ipswich played probably the best 20 minutes of rugby we have played all season. Again, forwards and backs combined with great skill and handling speed to create so many overlaps that the tries started to flow. Next to score was Harry F rounding their scramble defence out wide on the left to score his second under the posts, created by Toms excellent quick hands in midfield.

Next to get a brace was Kyle who after again getting set free on the left wing cut inside and showed great strength to break the final tackle to score near the posts. The score was up to 14 – 41 in a flash.

Not to be outdone, Olly then got his second try of the match much in the same way as the previous 2, going around their tiring defence on the left flank and scoring near the posts. 14 – 48. It would be nice to score on the right a little more often, something to work on!

Our final try was well worked, George kicking over their defence with their full back out of position to allow Olly to win the footrace and dot down near the left post for his hat-trick. 14 – 55.

West Norfolk showed great spirit and scored the final points of the match with the last play of the game, finally pushing over from a short distance out after the Ipswich 15 had run out of steam.

Congratulations to Olly who was voted man of the match by the opposition.

Final score: West Norfolk 19 – Ipswich 55

This game, especially the second half was a joy to watch. All of the players, some in unfamiliar positions were exceptional. Their coaching team and players stating that we were by far the best team they have played.

Over the course of the season all of the squad have improved no end and they should be very proud of their achievements. They have now beaten the best from Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

More hard work to be done ahead of next season as we will be the team everyone will want to beat!

Brothers