Ipswich Gold 25 v 40 Woodbridge (Mo, Seth, Ted, Sam W, Max) (Fin Collins also scored a try for Woodbridge)

Woodbridge turned up with 11 players so that in itself shows us all again how buoyant rugby is in our age group at the Lane. We had had a couple of cry offs ourself over the weekend so took 15 into the game and gave them a centre and a winger, which we swopped each half. Every boy therefore played every minute of the game.

We started very well. Good lines, good aggression, good line speed and organisation. All a real step up again from last week. It shows that the boys individually and as a group are listening. As a group we need to press more and are still inviting runners, but there is some clear improvement. We still need to nail the tackles earlier across the team, although the forwards acquitted themselves well, the backs need to work harder on their defence now that attacking is coming together.

We are very pleased with how our Gold pack is coming along. There is a work ethic building and they work well as a unit. When we think that we have others to come back in it really is not a bad little set up. Bill was intelligent and made some great tackles. Rowan was honest and strong, Leo was superb and shows signs that his confidence is building. Robert was strong and dependable and made some very effective runs.

Our backs are getting there in attack but we are still a little lacking in defence. We will continue to work hard on both aspects. We still have a tendency to run across the line and sometimes a failure to pass early enough. Ball in hand we could run a little lower and with more force.

Mo was effective at 9 as were Seth at 10 and Sam W at 12. That trinity is beginning to blossom. Fin Collins and AJ had good games as wingers for both sides. AJ popped up a great ball in the tackle for Seth to score and Fin made the most of some poor defending when playing for Woodbridge to wrestle through our defence.

Things to work on

All of the above really. It is certainly coming and the belief is getting better. Nailing it all together is the key and that will be worked on in the coming sessions. It’s exciting times for this group of players. I feel sure we are approaching a tipping point and when that happens we will move into a different league. The key for me though is getting to training and actually wanting to play. You need to show that in your work rate boys.

Thank you's

To all the parents and relatives who turned out to watch. Thank you, it makes a huge difference.

Star Men

All those who got a mention in the report. Getting into these sides is tough. Work hard boys, get your rewards. Jim and Alex agreed unanimously that the MoM today was Leo. Well done young man. Now lets build on that.

Next weekend

Colchester (Away). They are a good side. Get to training.