Aldeburgh v Ipswich YM Hawks - 28th January

A Close Encounter

Another Saturday when both teams’ league opponents cried off, unable to field a side. By a strange quirk of the league organisation, these two teams were not scheduled to play each other despite being in the same league. Although it was a shame that cancellations were needed to bring the fixture about and that the uncertainties during the preceding week led to several players pulling out, nevertheless it was great to see these old rivals have another close fought, competitive, highly entertaining encounter which was thoroughly enjoyed by the enthusiastic band of supporters.

For the first 20 minutes, the play was confined to the middle third of the pitch. Both sides played in a hard running style, held in check by strong tackling. The only early difference was an Aldeburgh penalty after 3 minutes, given centrally on the 10 metre line, which they surprisingly opted to kick at goal. Ed Robson put it right between the posts for an early 3 point lead. We did not realise then how significant those points would be.

After 20 minutes, YM made ground into the Aldeburgh 22 for the first time and, from a messy line out, their No 8 strolled through a huge gap. The try was converted. Play continued in a similar fashion. The scrums were competitive with each team winning reasonably controlled ball. The line outs were much messier but YM definitely had the edge, winning clean ball from many of their throws while Aldeburgh hardly won a line out all afternoon.

Coming up to half an hour, Ed Robson launched a huge penalty down field. Aldeburgh turned to a tactic which has paid dividends this season, the short ball to prop, James Ledger, at the front of the line. He made good progress but when he was checked YM gave away another penalty just 10 metres from the try line. The forwards took it on again. Quick ball from the ruck came to Ed who fired out one of his signature long passes, missing out both centres and giving winger, Angus Mann, just enough space to take his tackler over the line with him. Ed converted from the touch line. 10-7.

YM began to build up the pressure. Aldeburgh tackled well with Adam Hateley at full back leading the way. His finest was a try-saving tackle when a powerful YM runner was clean through with only Adam to beat. Adam nailed him. As half time approached, Aldeburgh gave away a series of penalties for high tackles, enabling YM to get closer and closer to the line. Eventually, their big No 5 simply used his weight and power to grind his way over. The conversion gave YM a lead at half time of 14-10.

The second half continued the pattern of the first for 15 minutes until Ed Robson received the ball from a scrum on the YM 22 and simply knifed through their defence to score under the posts. He converted his own try to take Aldeburgh back into the lead, 17-14.

Some of Aldeburgh’s younger players then had an attacking impact. An incisive run by centre, Antonio Monteiro, followed by an aggressive drive by flanker, Aonghus Anderson, led to a ruck from which the ball was recycled to Freddie Burgess who linked with Ed. There was still a lot to do but Ed went wide then came back inside to again cut through the YM defence for his second try. With the conversion, 24-14.

Despite Aldeburgh’s lead, YM began to have the upper hand, having most of the possession and territory. Another forwards try took them to within 3 points with at least 10 minutes left. For a moment it wasn’t looking good but the restart was knocked on and from the subsequent scrum the ball came out to Ed who scythed through the YM defence for a third magnificent try. The game was still not finished. YM came back for yet another try and conversion to take the score to a nail-biting 31-28 to Aldeburgh, just the 3rd minute penalty between the teams. That was how it ended.

Compliments to Ed Robson for his match winning performance. Three tries, a try making pass, a penalty and three conversions plus superb tactical kicking throughout the game and his usual determined tackling. It is rumoured that he has been following a healthy regime in January. If this is the result, we should all encourage him to continue.

There were more new players this week, some of whom had played for Aldeburgh previously and after a few weeks training were ready for a run out, others introduced by current players. While it is difficult to field a settled team, there is increasingly a depth to the squad which enables the coach to field a good quality team most weeks.

Ipswich 3 v Aldeburgh - 14th January

Ipswich 0 Aldeburgh 17 A big win (Many thanks to Derek Wyatt for providing the notes for this report)

An away match against the team placed second in the league, one place above Aldeburgh, on the first Saturday back after a long mid-winter break was a difficult challenge. Aldeburgh met it with a deserved win.

A half time score of 0-0 tells of a closely fought contest. Ipswich had an advantage in the scrum, pushing Aldeburgh off a couple and they stole a lineout. Ipswich shaded the first half but despite the fact that they had the benefit of the slight slope and wind they did not manage to convert their edge into points.

Elliott Clarke-Gifford, hooker, was unable to play the second half after a knock on the head so, without a front row replacement, scrums were uncontested for the whole of the second half. Although unfortunate, it was to Aldeburgh's advantage. Nevertheless, Aldeburgh were good for their second half lead with tries from backs Antonio Monteiro and Adam Hateley and two conversions and a penalty by Ed Robson. Another clear try scoring opportunity was just overrun. They were a consistent threat throughout and good value for their win.

The win takes Aldeburgh to be level on points with Ipswich 3 who remain in second place through a slightly larger points difference.

Woodbridge 2s v Aldeburgh - 10th December

Woodbridge 10 Aldeburgh 7

Rugby for the sake of it

A fixture hastily arranged when both teams’ league opponents cried off. As it was an away friendly rather than a home league fixture, some players chose to nurse injuries (or relationships) rather than play so it was something of a scratch team with visitors from Colchester and Ipswich YM plus various mates who were roped in.

What emerged was a game of rugby played by a bunch of people who simply wanted a game. It proved that there is no such thing as a friendly when two sides want to win. There was guts and commitment galore.

Sadly, the game began with an injury to a Woodbridge player from the kick off which appeared to be a broken ankle. A high price to pay for your Saturday afternoon’s entertainment. Both sides wish the injured player well.

Overall the game was rather scrappy. Woodbridge looked much bigger than the Aldeburgh players but were unable to string any passes together. Aldeburgh had Freddie Burgess at fly half. Having played hooker, prop, second row and No 8 in recent times, this was a new departure. It has to be said that Freddie is not a fly half but his readiness to put his hand up to take on roles that the team needs is outstanding.

Although Woodbridge managed to get an unconverted try, Aldeburgh, despite the mix of players in their team, maintained the pressure for most of the first half resulting in a try by Lewis Wardell Bird which he nonchalantly followed up by drop kicking the conversion.

Just before half time, James Ledger led the way by turning over a ball at a ruck then driving straight ahead gaining twenty metres. Unfortunately, he took a bang on the head in doing so, causing him to have to retire injured.

As a result, Aldeburgh played the whole of the second half a player short. Their commitment and tackling was magnificent. Woodbridge did throw away many positions by indiscipline and back chat to the referee which resulted in penalties and in ten metre advances. In a league fixture we would have seen a yellow card.

There was only one occasion when Woodbridge managed to get their act together, giving their big No 10 the opportunity to barge his way over.

Coach Paddy Allen was proud of the team which had given its all.

Having taken the points from Mistley’s cancellation, Aldeburgh consolidated its well-deserved third place in the league and has a strong points difference.