Ipswich U15 v South Woodham Ferrers U15 4 November 2007

After last week’s memorable win against Diss, the next match, even in deepest Essex, was likely to be well supported, and became even more palatable when the opposition lost the use of their pitch midway through the week.

The game was re-arranged with a late kick off at 12.30 at Ipswich – and thanks are due to the Club for being able to do this at short notice.

With a canary yellow referee in the shape of Mr Spencer Smith, perhaps the omens on a Town/Norwich Derby Day were not good, when the ref failed to spot a SWF knock-on just 5 minutes into the game, and SWF were allowed to continue with a run down the right touchline that was held up on the Ipswich line.

From the 5m scrum, their No.7 James Moore, took the ball over.
The conversion was missed. 0 - 5.

Ipswich kicked off, and could not gain any sequence of possession. SWF moved the ball right again, and a kick to touch led to the loss of an Ipswich line out 10m out.

The ball was taken on by the SWF No.3, the bulky David Langley, who motored easily over.

Eight minutes gone, and we were 0-10 down, with the conversion chance missed.

The story continued of SWF dominance and pressure in our own 22. On eighteen minutes, an Ipswich scrum 10m from our try line saw good ball won, but the pass to stand off Ben Grimwood, standing in for George Solomon on Spanish duty, was telegraphed, and his clearance kick charged down by the SWF flanker.

Unfortunately their fast left winger Curtis Cook beat our defenders to the touch down. Again, the conversion was missed from a relatively easy position, but we were now down 0-15.

It was apparent though, that the Ipswich team had by no means lost heart. There was plenty of will and desire to find a way through this game, and some brave runs by Tom Clift, suffering from a knee niggle, then Tom Rice playing a whole game at full back for the first time and Trung with some skilled kick and runs, inspired others to tough it out.

SWF were being kept in their own territory for most of the remainder of the half. The Ipswich pressure told, and with a minute left on the clock a penalty was awarded to Ipswich five yards out down the left hand channel. Jorge Pashler sought the opportunity of a quick tap and go, but couldn’t get over by himself and didn’t have the necessary support for an off load.

SWF recovered ground and swiftly got up the field, with their free passing backs given too much room, as our defence struggled to keep up with them. Only a try saving tackle by Ben Grimwood by his right hand corner flag prevented a further score.

Half Time 0-15

The second half saw further continued progress by Ipswich, now becoming more confident with the ball. However, despite two successive penalties awarded only 10m out, Ipswich came up short, SWF held out, and scored another unconverted try on the 38th minute, following several phases of well recycled possession.

Ipswich were showing some dominance in the forwards, with secure ball at the scrum and a noticeable progression in the mauls, but our runners too often found themselves outnumbered at the breakdown.

Two minutes later, breakthrough, with a kick through the line by Trung, who is then deliberately obstructed. Ben G taps, (did he?) and goes from the SWF 22m line, supported by debut making 2nd Row Tom O’Reilly, at his shoulder. Ben is tackled just short, but Tom, showing a cool head, is able to beat the defence to the ball, and score under the posts. Trung converts with a casual drop kick. 7- 20.

The Ipswich team, spurred on by a good crowd, and now on the scoreboard, look for more.

Just seven minutes later, and we score under the posts. An Ipswich throw in, and prop Henry Lane has the ball on half way, holding out against two SWF forwards, and is setting up the maul.

Before it can assemble, the ball is released to Harry Greenall, our hard charging flanker, who takes his opportunity of being in the back line to put in a storming 40 yard run. He is pursued to the line, nearly caught, but his motor holds out, and he’s over, to considerable delight of those watching.

Now, where’s that tee Ferdous? Never mind, his drop kick conversion missed, we are catching up fast. 12-20

Greatness awaits.

But substitutions appear thick and fast, as SWF start to wind down the clock with time wasting changes, and then start to lose discipline. The frequent penalties give us more hope, but a turnover, a penalty to SWF in the middle of the pitch, and a killer blow is delivered, in the 53rd minute, as the SWF backs again show their good handling skills, turning defence into attack, and their centre Jethro Willet going over the line. Try not converted. 12-25

Some Ipswich substitutions are made to bring on fresh legs, and a flattening tackle of a SWF centre in full flight by Ipswich No.8 Alex HS, lifts the gloom. The poor centre is winded, carried off, but none the worse. However, SWF again begin to dominate in the loose.

A great chance for SWF in the corner, is again saved by another brave tackle by Ben Grimwood, who is clearly on top of his game in this department.

With only a minute to go to be able to say, we won this half, our defence is bamboozled by a SWF switch move in the centre, and honours for the half are even, as they finally convert a breakaway try.

We look forward to the return fixture in the New Year when our developing squad will have had more matchplay opportunity to hone their skills. Meanwhile bring on Colchester next week!

Final score Ipswich 12 South Woodham Ferrers 32