U16s Start the new season in some style!

Ipswich opened the 22/23 season on the beautiful first team pitch against Colchester. Ipswich handed debuts to, George H, Nathan, Jack S and Ollie W who all played superbly and are a valuable addition to the Ipswich squad. Also, to Cameron who was playing his first ever game of rugby, which he did himself proud in after only a few training sessions.

The game started in a hectic fashion, with both teams flying in to tackles, obviously relishing the competition after the summer lay-off. Ipswich were camped in the Colchester half for the majority of the first half, but it took until the 23rd minute for the first points to be scored.

After a charging down a kick near the Colchester line, good work on the ground by the forwards, turning the ball over allowed Ethan to plunge over from short range. Gethin converted. 7 - 0.

Directly from the restart, after a strong carry from Ben N and a great break from Joe, the ball was shipped to Conner on the right wing and with plenty to do he sprinted from just inside our half evading 3 defenders to score. 12 – 0.

A few minutes later Josh picked from the base of a ruck 22 meters out and showing a great turn of pace and footwork, burst through to score. 17 – 0.

Colchester were always in the game and their big athletic forwards caused us problems at times. Colchester scored on the half-hour, collecting a 5-metre lineout and mauling over.

Half time: Ipswich 17 – Colchester 7

The second half started with Colchester having all the possession and territory. They changed tactics and were using their big forwards constantly to crash into our defence. The boys were showing great defensive commitment and technique holding out for 10 minutes until their No 8 picked from a 5-metre scrum to score. 17 – 14.

The game then evened out and there was a good tempo to the game. Our forwards were matching theirs for aggression and we started to get some front foot ball for the backs. After pressurising their 10 near their line we recovered a straight kick 30 metres out moved the ball well through the hands and Ollie W drew their covering defenders popping the ball to Kyle who finished strongly in the right corner. 22 – 14.

The score remained the same until the last play of the game, Josh again seeing a gap in the tiring Colchester defence 40 metres out to sprint under the posts. Gethin converted. The score line slightly flattered us, in a keenly contested match.

Well done to Gethin who was voted man of the match by the Colchetser players.

Final score: Ipswich 29 – Colchester 14

Great start to the season, well done again to all of the debutants, and to all of squad who played with great spirit and commitment.

Brothers