IPSWICH WIN CLOSE FOUGHT CONTEST
Match report by Malcolm Lane.
All was well as we set off from HQ HDL, but under the guidance of the latest satellite navigation gizmo we carried out a survey of the new Haughley esses by pass construction, and came in under the Stowmartian radar from the north. Luckily, it was a slightly later kick off at 11.30 this week!
Upon arrival, the going was classified as soft to heavy underfoot with the occasional appearance of light precipitation.
After the warm up and the starting line up decided, the tighthead prop posed a small amount of concern as we did not have one, but Harry Greenall stepped into the breech and joined the front row union, where he acquitted himself to the high standards we have come to expect.
From the kick off the lads were ready for action, and were straight into the game. Our usual slow start was thankfully not on show.
The pressure for 2/3 of the half was in the Stowmarket 22 with the ball being rucked and mauled and possession being gained but due to climatic conditions (cold and wet), sharp crisp handling was proving difficult.
There were several kicks through, which were chased up valiantly, but we could not capitalise on our possession. This was further hindered by an off-side line which appeared at times to be of no fixed abode, and an opposition that were more interested in being physical than playing entertaining rugby.
That said, their defence held firm. Stowmarket when on the attack, were usually led forward by their fast and strong full back, the famous Denzil, returning kicks or coming into the line.
I was very pleased with the way our midfield dealt with this and there was some good solid defensive play in evidence.
Overall, a tense first half, with the lads being highly motivated to win when they came off for the half time break. The message from the coaching staff being to focus on our game and play our own emerging style of rugby.
Half time score, despite all the pressure 0-0.
Stowmarket rallied at the start of the second half, and we came under some pressure but our defences held and we managed to keep out the opposition for the remainder of the game.
Our scrum halves were having a tough time all day with their nomadic offside line, allowing their back row quick access to spoil base of the scrum operations.
Our stronger scrum was also nullified in the second half, as Stowmarket took off a prop and went for uncontested scrums.
The Ipswich team spirit remained high, and was demonstrated by the virtually indestructible Josh Cowey. Having taken a knee to the head, was asked by self if he would like to come off and answered in his usual positive way, that he would not like to do so, and carried on.
All of the team without exception, gave everything to the game, and as a coach, you can ask no more. We started to move back into the ascendency - playing down the hill was certainly an advantage to legs tired by the heavy going. At times the half was a little fractious, with several potential flash points, but praise to the lads who maintained discipline throughout the playing period.
The first try was scored by our rampaging No8 Tom Clift who was using his strength to move us forward from the base of rucks and mauls.
This was shortly followed by a second from the ever improving Aiden Tynan, who despite the cold and not too much ball in hand activity for the greater part of the game, chased up a kick through as a winger should and put another 5 points on the board.
Kicking conversions was never going to be easy with poor footing. Rain and wind added to the distance and angular difficulty. George Solomon made 2 good attempts in thes conditions but no points were forthcoming.
All played well this week but just to mention a few:- I picked out Tom Rice who is developing into a good full back. His positioning and handling in the bad conditions were very sound, plus Alex Hitter and Sam Tipping, who came on for the final 1/3 of the game in the pack. Despite being cold and wet having been stood around, they got straight on with the task.
Kicking from hand was good this week, and despite the conditions, George S made good touch kicks when required.
Finally I would like to thank our supporters who follow us around through ups and downs and all kinds of weather. We appreciate the fact that you are there.
Final Score: Ipswich 10 Stowmarket 0
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