CRUSADERS v IPSWICH U13s

After a long journey to Crusaders and a 30 minute delay to kick-off an Ipswich side with many players experimenting in new positions were asked to concentrate on tackling technique, winning rucks and to support the ball carrier, areas which needed to be improved from the Woodbridge game. The lads took this on board and dominated the early exchanges, tackling hard against some big ball carriers and winning all of the rucks. Ipswich soon took a deserved lead and doubled it soon after, all due to the forwards tenacious rucking, releasing quick ball for the backs to break the Crusaders defensive line. Crusaders were using the wind at their backs and the boot to push Ipswich deep in their own half and replied just before half time to reduce the deficit.

The coaches were delighted with the attitude and ability of the players in the first half, achieving all of the goals set them.

Half time Crusaders 5 – 10 Ipswich

The half time talk was to play a bit smarter by using the forwards in 2 or 3 phases and then to try to move the ball wide to stretch the crusaders defence. This again was achieved almost instantly and as a result of some powerful, direct forward play the ball was released to the backs and after 5 or 6 crisp passes a try was scored on the opposite flank. Probably the best team try of the season so far. Crusaders never gave up and scored a good try of their own before the Ipswich forwards ignored their coaches’ pleas to move the ball wide after 4 failed attempts to score from penalties on the Crusaders line, to increase the lead again. Ipswich seemed comfortable at 20-10, heading into the last 10 minutes, however, Crusaders capitalised on some loose ball to score 2 quick tries to level the scores with minutes left. To their credit Ipswich went straight back up the other end and bulldozed over for what turned out to be the winning score.

Ipswich still had to battle for what seemed to be 3 hours of injury time to repel a determined onslaught from Crusaders.

Final score Crusaders 20 – 25 Ipswich

What a great game of rugby from 2 well matched teams, Ipswich deserving the victory in the end. The coaches were very proud of the efforts of all who played, and they should be too.

Brothers