Please copy the link below and paste into your browser to go to a new Ipswich U.16 squad website, with updated Tour news, current fixture list, match reports, photos, history, and forum for feedback.
www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipswich
Alternatively, just Google pitchero and search for Ipswich in the Clubs section.
Unfortunately, the fixture list below is edited by the Ipswich RFC youth management, who seem unable to respond to our requests to update it.
Julian HS (signing off after 3 years of reporting)
Monday, 8 December 2008
U.16 Suffolk Cup Pool Match IPSWICH 27 - 5 STOWMARKET Sunday 7th December 2008
Tries from Ben Grimwood (2) and Harry Thorne (3) + 1 Conversion
A bright sunny start, and a bright sunny ending; just what the squad needed to end a bit of a losing streak.
A weakened side from the one that beat Ipswich last month, Stowmarket still had a couple of players that could spell, but right from the kick off, the omens looked good for the home team. A knock on by the receiving Stowmarket forwards, gave Ipswich a secure platform to spin the ball out to the backs, from the set piece scrum just outside their opponents 22. The ball came cleanly down the line and a fine looping pass from Ben Grimwood gave Tom Rice joining the line a great chance for a try in the corner. Instead, he decided to give the conversion kicker some help, and cut inside. Held up just short, the ball was recycled and a couple of phases later, Ben Grimwood saw a gap in the defence and dived over. 5 minutes gone and a try just to the right of the posts. Perfect start.
The conversion attempt was missed, and the restart saw an almost immediate reply by the visitors. They retrieved their own kick off ball in midfield and their large forwards took the ball upfield, releasing the pair of fast running backs, down the right flank, and in the loose, a fly hack into touch by Ipswich gave Stowmarket a throw in 10 metres out. Ipswich managed to get turnover ball, but no clearance kick. Tom Clift helped out, but was left isolated after a strong run and the visitors regained possession. Very quick ball out to their left flank exposed the Ipswich defence and the resulting unconverted try levelled the scores.
At this point your reporter was a bit distracted, but he can recall a period of fairly constant Ipswich pressure, the ball being touched down behind the try line for 5m scrums on more than one occasion by Stow. The territorial advantage finally led to a try by Harry Thorne, playing on the wing, taking his chance well, beating the defence with speed over the sticky ground down the left hand touchline. No conversion, 10 – 5 the scoreline. Ipswich looked more confident from this point, and the pressure on the visitors caused their discipline, particularly in the forwards, to let them down, and a number of penalties against them, gave away territory and possession.
A second try by Ben Grimwood, in similar circumstances to his first, gave Harry Thorne the opportunity to convert from the left of the posts. The crowd couldn’t quite understand why the opportunities to score in the corners were being overlooked, but what do we know?
Half time, 17 – 5.
Stowmarket started the second half strongly and there were some moments of panic induced in the Ipswich defence. The new rule about kicks straight into touch from the 22 caught us out, but not the society referee, who was having a very good game. (if you run back into your own 22 and kick the ball straight out, the line out is taken from where the kick was made). Offiside penalties were needlessly conceded, and an Ipswich front row forward was even seen trying to kick the ball clear, sideways, which caused a stir amongst the parent punditry, but fortunately, nerves were settled after Harry Thorne burst down the line after a decent clearance kick, for a score in the corner which effectively ended the game as a contest. The Ipswich subs were given some time on the pitch, and Harry deservedly got his hat trick, having switched wings. To finish off his Man of the Match performance, he made a flying tackle on a hard running Stowmarket player threatening a last gasp score, taking the man and ball into touch for the final whistle. Fearless stuff. Shame he has to buy a jug of ale for everyone then.
Final Score 27 – 5. Job well done. The next Cup action will be against Colchester on the 18th January Away. Can the boys keep up the good progress on the trips to Shelford & Braintree before the Christmas break? Let’s hope so
PS~ anyone seen a Tour top with the initials MF on it? Mel would be pleased to hear.
A bright sunny start, and a bright sunny ending; just what the squad needed to end a bit of a losing streak.
A weakened side from the one that beat Ipswich last month, Stowmarket still had a couple of players that could spell, but right from the kick off, the omens looked good for the home team. A knock on by the receiving Stowmarket forwards, gave Ipswich a secure platform to spin the ball out to the backs, from the set piece scrum just outside their opponents 22. The ball came cleanly down the line and a fine looping pass from Ben Grimwood gave Tom Rice joining the line a great chance for a try in the corner. Instead, he decided to give the conversion kicker some help, and cut inside. Held up just short, the ball was recycled and a couple of phases later, Ben Grimwood saw a gap in the defence and dived over. 5 minutes gone and a try just to the right of the posts. Perfect start.
The conversion attempt was missed, and the restart saw an almost immediate reply by the visitors. They retrieved their own kick off ball in midfield and their large forwards took the ball upfield, releasing the pair of fast running backs, down the right flank, and in the loose, a fly hack into touch by Ipswich gave Stowmarket a throw in 10 metres out. Ipswich managed to get turnover ball, but no clearance kick. Tom Clift helped out, but was left isolated after a strong run and the visitors regained possession. Very quick ball out to their left flank exposed the Ipswich defence and the resulting unconverted try levelled the scores.
At this point your reporter was a bit distracted, but he can recall a period of fairly constant Ipswich pressure, the ball being touched down behind the try line for 5m scrums on more than one occasion by Stow. The territorial advantage finally led to a try by Harry Thorne, playing on the wing, taking his chance well, beating the defence with speed over the sticky ground down the left hand touchline. No conversion, 10 – 5 the scoreline. Ipswich looked more confident from this point, and the pressure on the visitors caused their discipline, particularly in the forwards, to let them down, and a number of penalties against them, gave away territory and possession.
A second try by Ben Grimwood, in similar circumstances to his first, gave Harry Thorne the opportunity to convert from the left of the posts. The crowd couldn’t quite understand why the opportunities to score in the corners were being overlooked, but what do we know?
Half time, 17 – 5.
Stowmarket started the second half strongly and there were some moments of panic induced in the Ipswich defence. The new rule about kicks straight into touch from the 22 caught us out, but not the society referee, who was having a very good game. (if you run back into your own 22 and kick the ball straight out, the line out is taken from where the kick was made). Offiside penalties were needlessly conceded, and an Ipswich front row forward was even seen trying to kick the ball clear, sideways, which caused a stir amongst the parent punditry, but fortunately, nerves were settled after Harry Thorne burst down the line after a decent clearance kick, for a score in the corner which effectively ended the game as a contest. The Ipswich subs were given some time on the pitch, and Harry deservedly got his hat trick, having switched wings. To finish off his Man of the Match performance, he made a flying tackle on a hard running Stowmarket player threatening a last gasp score, taking the man and ball into touch for the final whistle. Fearless stuff. Shame he has to buy a jug of ale for everyone then.
Final Score 27 – 5. Job well done. The next Cup action will be against Colchester on the 18th January Away. Can the boys keep up the good progress on the trips to Shelford & Braintree before the Christmas break? Let’s hope so
PS~ anyone seen a Tour top with the initials MF on it? Mel would be pleased to hear.
Monday, 1 December 2008
U16 WOODBRIDGE 14 : 5 IPSWICH November 30 2008
Ipswich Try Scorer: James Milbourne.
Despite another defeat and a score-line of 14-5, we actually performed better today than possibly at all, thus far this season. Don't forget that Woodbridge have beaten two of the sides that we have already lost to, so they were never going to be easy and today, we were the better side for large portions of the match. Our back line operated better than usual and given that lots of players were out of position in the forwards, or playing as relatively new members in the pack, the forwards were very impressive too. James Milbourne scored our only points with a fine piece of play by him in the first half.
We remain optimistic then, ahead of the all important match next Sunday.
Training this week coming will be usual time but on Thursday rather than Tuesday. This is to accommodate the Kesgrave Sixth form open evening and a committment at Ipswich School also. We would also like a bit longer with the lads, ahead of Sunday so will be winding up for 7.45.
In line with our usual Cup match policy, we will not be playing all of the lads next Sunday but would like to see all turn up and support the others, even if not in the squad. At your earliest opportunity, please let me know of anyone who can't make it Sunday.
Regards
Dave Solomon
Despite another defeat and a score-line of 14-5, we actually performed better today than possibly at all, thus far this season. Don't forget that Woodbridge have beaten two of the sides that we have already lost to, so they were never going to be easy and today, we were the better side for large portions of the match. Our back line operated better than usual and given that lots of players were out of position in the forwards, or playing as relatively new members in the pack, the forwards were very impressive too. James Milbourne scored our only points with a fine piece of play by him in the first half.
We remain optimistic then, ahead of the all important match next Sunday.
Training this week coming will be usual time but on Thursday rather than Tuesday. This is to accommodate the Kesgrave Sixth form open evening and a committment at Ipswich School also. We would also like a bit longer with the lads, ahead of Sunday so will be winding up for 7.45.
In line with our usual Cup match policy, we will not be playing all of the lads next Sunday but would like to see all turn up and support the others, even if not in the squad. At your earliest opportunity, please let me know of anyone who can't make it Sunday.
Regards
Dave Solomon
U16 IPSWICH 5 : 17 SUDBURY November 23 2008
Ipswich Try Scorer: Sam Goodwin
Snow, wind, rain, sleet - despite the appalling weather, the visitors and home side agreed to play in very slippery and cold conditions. A try on his debut from Sam Goodwin, a new recruit from Westbourne College warmed the cockles of the spectators. Not much else did.
Snow, wind, rain, sleet - despite the appalling weather, the visitors and home side agreed to play in very slippery and cold conditions. A try on his debut from Sam Goodwin, a new recruit from Westbourne College warmed the cockles of the spectators. Not much else did.
Monday, 17 November 2008
U16 IPSWICH 5 : 19 DISS Sunday 16th November 2008
Dave Solomon writes:
A reasonable performance today. A hard fought match where the eventual score perhaps didn't reflect the actual encounter. Ipswich 5 Diss 19. A fine try by Aidan ending a period where we had been camped on The Diss try line was our only entry on the score board.
Scrum five yards out from Diss line just before Aidan's try. Harry Thorne directing operations. Referee, Mr Ed Williamson.
Tuesday training will be back in the usual location after last week's hiccup.
Next Sunday is a tough encounter against Sudbury at home.
The big breaking news though, is that we have just received word from Asda that we will be able to do fund raising bag packing for our tour. We have not been able to gather as many (started to look like none at all) opportunities as last year to do this, hence likely higher costs for all as a result. Therefore, Asda coming through represents an opportunity to make a real dent in our required funding.
The single weekend we have been allocated is Friday evening and Saturday, 28th and 29th November. Chris Meggs will have finer details on the subject, but for now, make sure the above dates go in the diaries.
A reasonable performance today. A hard fought match where the eventual score perhaps didn't reflect the actual encounter. Ipswich 5 Diss 19. A fine try by Aidan ending a period where we had been camped on The Diss try line was our only entry on the score board.
Scrum five yards out from Diss line just before Aidan's try. Harry Thorne directing operations. Referee, Mr Ed Williamson.
Tuesday training will be back in the usual location after last week's hiccup.
Next Sunday is a tough encounter against Sudbury at home.
The big breaking news though, is that we have just received word from Asda that we will be able to do fund raising bag packing for our tour. We have not been able to gather as many (started to look like none at all) opportunities as last year to do this, hence likely higher costs for all as a result. Therefore, Asda coming through represents an opportunity to make a real dent in our required funding.
The single weekend we have been allocated is Friday evening and Saturday, 28th and 29th November. Chris Meggs will have finer details on the subject, but for now, make sure the above dates go in the diaries.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
U16 Bury St Edmunds 12 - 12 Ipswich Sunday 9th November 2008
Ipswich Try Scorers: Harry Greenall (2). 1 conversion by George Solomon.
Match Report by Tom O'Reilly
Today was a fine day for rugby. The sky was clear and the sun was not too bright, and the breeze was reasonably gentle, but most importantly consistent. It rained last night, leaving the pitch soft, if a little slippery underfoot.
We arrived at the club in high spirits, anticipating a good clean game of rugby against a side that have previously been very equal opposition for us. We fancied our chances and were looking forward to dishing out some "agony gateau".
The first half started well for us, with us running back their kick after a nice take by Vik S, before a series of well kicked penalties from George S found ourselves in the Bury 22 for the first time in the game. We spent a while camped down in the 22 with our forwards proving dominant in the loose as well as in the lineouts, and our backs running well when given the space (and the ball). It was only some stalwart defending from Bury and a few slip ups from the Ipswich players that prevented us from going over sooner. However, eventually the pressure told and Harry crashed the ball over the line after a lineout. A well kicked conversion from George S left the score at 7:0 to Ipswich.
Unfortunately Bury picked themselves up after this and came back at us strongly. After a long period of play where both sides had the ball in roughly equal measures Bury eventually got a try. Their kicker missed the conversion however, leaving the score at 7:5 to Ipswich where it remained as we went in for half time.
After a half time team talk we went back out reinvigorated and ready to score some more. Bury had the best of the early second half though, pinning us back inside our own half. Despite some excellent defending that included a Bury player driven off the try line and into touch as well as a try held up by two hands and a boot, something eventually broke in our defence and Bury scored their second try of the match. This time their kicker had his eye in and didn't miss. 7:12 to Bury.
Thankfully we soon found our rhythm again and began to win some more ball. Our forwards were again stronger in the loose and some changes included us dropping a pod in order to apply more pressure to the Bury line. The backs were looking in fine form once again, stepping round (or breaking through) tackles and exploiting space to make tens of meters with each play. After some back and forth our backs finally got clear through decisively, with Harry G running in the try, his second today. George S came extremely close with a difficult penalty from out wide, unluckily just missing. This left the scores at 12 all with not long to play.
The deadlock was not to be broken for the remaining minutes, despite good play from both sides and a daring kick and chase from the final play by Ipswich which almost resulted in a further try. The ref spotted a knock on however, and it was not to be.
Final score Ipswich 12 Bury 12.
PS
Overall today was a good day, with some of the best rugby we have produced so far this season and several players trying new positions most notably Josh C at scrum half. A welcome return from injury/vacation for George M and Harry G along with no new injuries today makes it look like our luck is beginning to turn. Hopefully next week we might even win. Well done everyone.
U16 Stowmarket 31 - 5 Ipswich November 2nd 2008
Ipswich Try scorer: Tom Clift
Bit of a dismal day at Stowmarket and no match report received either, so just the bare facts:
Stowmarket made fewer errors, kicked better, ran faster and harder, and wanted a win, something they haven't achieved for as long as your writer can remember.
Tom's try came from a ruck and drive from 5 yards out and gave a brief moment of hope at the end of the first half, with Stowmarket leading by 12-5, but Ipswich failed to improve in the second half and were dominated by the opposition runners and excellent full back kicking. Stowmarket deserved their 3 further tries, to leave the scoreline 31-5 in their favour.
Bit of a dismal day at Stowmarket and no match report received either, so just the bare facts:
Stowmarket made fewer errors, kicked better, ran faster and harder, and wanted a win, something they haven't achieved for as long as your writer can remember.
Tom's try came from a ruck and drive from 5 yards out and gave a brief moment of hope at the end of the first half, with Stowmarket leading by 12-5, but Ipswich failed to improve in the second half and were dominated by the opposition runners and excellent full back kicking. Stowmarket deserved their 3 further tries, to leave the scoreline 31-5 in their favour.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)