Ipswich Gold 30 v 0 Colchester (Matt 2, Sam T, Nick 2, Alex)

Today got off to a very disappointing start for the squad as a whole after a great squad photo when we discovered that Colchester had brought just 20 of a squad totalling 35.

Today was a very good day on the park. Our defence was excellent, line speed good and cover and support without the ball very pleasing. Generally we hit out tackles and controlled the game for long periods. Apart from kicking out of hand and into our half we spent the first half pretty much camped in theirs. The first try took a while to come but we slowly began to take a strangle hold on the game as Matt drove over. Our forwards were immense in the first half and really dominated the Colchester pack. We tried to play phases of rugby and whilst we didn’t always take the better options we pushed and pulled Colchester all over the park grabbing another through Sam T to go in 10-0 up at half time.

We made some changes and our fitness and structure really showed in the second half as we again tried to play with structure as we went for the jugular. We told the boys that the most important thing was that they didn’t score in the second half. We really wanted a clean sheet against this side that perceived themselves to be better than us. Matt got in again with four hanging off him before Nick bagged a brace and Alex stole ball at a ruck and cantered in to round off the win.

Star Men and Learning

Loads of positives today. The fact that we didn’t concede was great as was our physicality from our forwards who also bagged half our tries today. Lots of great running ball in hand and some nice movement of the ball at times.

Individually we were very pleased with the collective as the boys came together and put in a very strong performance. We looked fit and confident and positive at all times during the game.

Sam T, Bill, Joe M, Fred H, Matt and Seth we felt were all excellent in the execution of their roles today and there were strong performances from Harvey, Aston, Charles, Nick, Joe, Ethan and Xavi. Indeed, everyones levels were high, it’s just that we are playing at a much higher level now and the expectation is higher as a result. Man of the match though today went to Captain Bill who was outstanding, leading from the front and ending the game with a huge tackle count.

Ethan has broken his wrist as a result of a mazy run that saw him almost thrown into touch so best of everything from us all to you brother. We wish you all the best and hope to see you watching before the end of the season. Rehab hard and see you over the summer no doubt.

With regard to learning, a few points…

We need to move the ball quicker.

We need to make better decisions ball in hand.

We need to straighten up our lines of running and run at inside shoulders rather than drift.

We need to stop kicking the ball when we can move it through the hands.

Conclusion

All in all though a brilliant day on the pitch and off it. Really proud of all the boys who came up and trained who weren’t picked to play. That is the right spirit and will only aid your learning.

Thank you’s

Parents, siblings, friends and relatives for your brilliant support.

Alex for refereeing.

The Mums for helping with the food.

Next Weekend

A huge weekend for both squads away up at Wymondham where they will both also play Marlow. There will be BBQ and it will be a real celebration of rugby. Get to training on Thursday and put yourself in the frame.