U16s win well against Romford

Ipswich U16s travelled to Romford and Gidea Park expecting a really tough challenge. This was certainly the case, and the notoriously slow starting Ipswich team were penned back in their own half for the opening 10 minutes and eventually Romford scored the try their dominance deserved.

Although we were disjointed at the start the effort and commitment was unbelievable, with players making last ditch covering tackles and standing up to their aggression. The try seemed to kickstart us and the lads started to more than match their physicality. The ruck ball was being secured quickly and a multi-phase move Kyle used his pace to race over in the left corner. 5- 5.

We then began to dominate possession, playing smarter around the breakdown and the boys were moving their big forwards around the pitch which was creating gaps. Towards the end of the half, Ewan sniped through a gap on their 22 and beat 4 defenders with great footwork to score under the posts, George converted.

Half time: Romford 5 – Ipswich 12

We started the second half on the front foot, the lads from the bench providing fresh energy. Romford were defending their own line 5 metres out and great work from the forwards turned over a maul near their line, a couple of patient phases later Harry C scored from short range. 5 – 17.

The game continued at a ferocious pace and was very physical. Romford’s defence was giving up a lot of penalties due to the pressure we were applying. George was able to slot one over to take the lead to over 2 converted scores. 5 – 20.

Virtually straight from the kick off we scored again. Kyle did a great job to retrieve a loose ball and some how ducked under 2 would be tacklers on the halfway line and once he was free no one was getting near him as he sprinted clear and round under the posts to make the conversion simple. 5 – 24.

The lads were now starting to play with more freedom and some of the rugby was a joy to watch, including the final try, which may have been the best we have seen from this group of players. Again, from the kick off, the ball was gathered and moved from right to left with such speed and precision that Romford could not lay a finger on any of the boys. Harry F cut in off the wing well, made good ground and Stan ran a great support line to take the final pass and again go under the posts. George converted. 5 – 34.

The final score belonged to Romford when thy scored a counter attack try which was converted.

Final score: Romford 12 – Ipswich 34

For those that were lucky enough to watch this game would have seen what great team spirit the lads possess. This was a massive test of their physicality, skill and technique and they showed that they will fight for each other when the going gets tough.

It was impossible to single anyone out in this game, each player gave their all for their teammates, and that’s all we can ask of them.

Brothers