Southwold lose to strong Ipswich side

IPSWICH UNDER 15’s vs SOUTHWOLD UNDER 15’s

Not for the first time this season, Southwold had a restricted squad available due to injuries/holidays and needed two under 14’s to step up to ensure that at least had a sub for the game. With some of the players having to play a touring game the day previously, there was no surprising that some boys were carrying knocks and tired legs. With all of this considered, playing a very large strong Ipswich team in a cup fixture who were resolute in their determination to win, was the not the way Southwold liked to prepare for such a fixture.

With a later kick off, Wold had over 90 minutes to plan their game (and to get the 16th player to the venue). But Ipswich had worked out their game plan and started to use their large forwards to run the ball straight from the kick off. Their ability to make good ground and secure the ball was evident to all watching. Link this with some speedy backs and they were soon on the scoreboard.

Southwold battled well and the centre partnership of Jacob and Connor worked tirelessly to tackle their opposition and halt attacks. Considering the pure weight advantage that Ipswich had in the scrum, the pack of Wold (with some playing out of position) held their own for most of the game. U14 Jon tackled hard and fair throughout, along with Ollie and Pablo. Several half breaks were made by Connor, Callum, Jake and Kieran but solid defence from Ipswich ensured their try line was only breached once.

This score was created by good pressure from Innes and Jacob B resulting in a scrum. Hooked well by Cairns, it was then the solid base created by Jens, Sam and Alex that allowed Ben to take the ball at the back of the scrum. With a planned move, he kicked well for Darius to chase down the wing. He collected well and just avoided touch as he dived over in the corner. Ipswich came back at Southwold and the benefit of the amount of subs available resulted in further tries being scored. Callum then had to leave the field after a very late tackle, as the game came to an end.

The Ipswich squad deserve credit for the way they approached the game, and after being run close in the Shield Final they are aware that a full and fit Wold squad would have no doubt run them closer.

Boys, remember you have played some exceptional rugby this season so far and there are same games that are just out of reach (at the moment). You all played your hearts out in a difficult game, which I’m sure anyone watching could see. Work together even when the chips are down and the results will follow. A big “Thank You” to Jon and Ben who gave up their Sunday to play, it was appreciated. As Seb said before the game “We are where we are”, but we are a squad that we deserve to be here. Lets get back to winning ways next week, keep your heads up.