Under 21 's win first festive fixture - Report by Paul Mullen

Wold travelled down the A 12 for their first under 21 game, with a good squad of returning players from university etc. Ipswich had good numbers too and were well into their warm up when our squad arrived.

From the kick off it was clear that both teams were going to play strong attacking rugby, both using their forwards well to gain clean possession and then using the backs to penetrate defensive lines. Wold were the first to work their way down the flank with nice inter passing between Jon and Will. Following some excellent phases of play from the pack, along wth some quick tap penalties, it was Will who scored the first try. Josh converted well from the right and wold were 7-0 up.

Ipswich came back strongly and created a great attack but this was soon thwarted by a crunching tackle from Sherard. A short injury time break allowed Seb to make some changes on the pitch. With plenty of rolling subs available, using the players wisely was paramount. Jobe was soon on after his latest injury and putting in his trade mark tackles. The black and gold of Wold were soon on the attack again wth a neat kick through by Callum. Darius chased well and despite being pulled back he got his hand to the ball to score a unconverted try.

A period of forward play then entertained the large crowd as both teams made forays into each others half. Both defences were superb throughout and it took some lovely play in the backs to create the next score as Olly broke through the tackle to touchdown. Josh again converted to see the lead at 19-O. Ipswich fought back and created a clean break, but a solid tackle from James at full back halted progress. Both teams in attack were showing some great hand skills and off loading techniques, but the score remained at 19-O at halftime.

The second half started as the first had finished with some lovely skills on show by both teams. Jonny at 8 was making some storming runs, supported by Alex and Cairns. At the breakdown, Tom was doing what he does best and creating turnover ball. Josh kept the backs busy with clean ball and momentum was maintained. Olly and Will in the centres were using the ball well, and powering through tackles to allow the next attacks. More changes to the team as James, Jake and Jack all joined the back line and were soon tackling hard and attacking with pace. Ipswich then gained good field position and their No. 8 picked up from a ruck and used quick feet to break through and score a well deserved try, but unfortunately he missed the conversion. The game was swinging both ways as both teams mounted attacks against 2 strong defensive lines.

The hosts then used their possession creatively and after some fine backs play, scored their second try. The conversion was excellently stuck to bring the hosts to within 7 points of Wold. Phill and Lewis entered the game after both being away for more than 12 months, and Phil was soon stealing ball & making ground. Ipswich put in some hard defensive tackles as the game moved towards their try line, and then mounted attacks of their own only to be repelled by great covering tackles.

As the crowd watched this enthralling battle unfold, wth the prospect of a drawn game if Ipswich were to score a converted try in the last minutes, it was Wold who made sure of the win after a period on pressure on the try line. The forwards worked the possession well with mounted phases of attacks, but it was Will who broke through the tackle and went under the posts to score his second. Again converted and the score was now 24-12. There were now a few players starting to feel the pace and as they say "blowing out of their a@!*" and no doubt were happy that Wold then saw out the last few minutes to secure a good win against a batting Ipswich team.

Special mention needs to go to Roger and Ipswich's Mike Hancock for organising the fixture, to the referee for covering the fixture and all at Ipswich RUFC for being exceptional hosts, as always. Hope all is well with the injured player and he makes a speedy recovery.

Thanks to all the support form the travelling Wold seniors and club members and to all players for wanting to be part of this fixture. It was a good to see the players playing like they used to as Colts a couple of years ago. Also good to see some of the long term injured players there giving good support and still looking to play for their parent club Southwold.

Forwards MoM - Jonny, who damaged his baubles and will be spectating for a few weeks!
Backs MoM - Callum, but a let down in the drinking race!!

Southwold U21s went on to play Woodbridge RFC the following week (see photo) and once again put in a massive performance - this time with just 15 players in the squad!