Aldeburgh v Ipswich IV
15th January – at Queen’s Field
Result: Aldeburgh 8 Ipswich IV 15
Great tussle
A hard fought, even match, played in a good spirit, with the result open right to the end. Aldeburgh’s development this season has been tremendous. With a little more composure to finish off try scoring opportunities, we should see a strong finish to the league season.
A well caught kick off led straight into a series of short balls and forward drives which was Aldeburgh’s great strength through the afternoon. Once the ball was released to the backs, their running looked dangerous and quickly led to a penalty which fly half Ed Robson converted safely to give a 3-0 lead after just three minutes.
With Ipswich having such a big, strong team, it was never going to be an easy game. They powered back up the field, having their own penalty attempt which was missed. Despite their size and power, Aldeburgh tackled strongly and bravely all afternoon, preventing any serious line breaks.
The strong running in the backs came from Aldeburgh. After another penalty to Aldeburgh, missed this time, Ipswich launched a penalty kick downfield which failed to find touch. Adam Hateley gathered on the wing, linked well with Ed Robson, gaining 50 metres. Despite the pressure and good running, Aldeburgh failed to add to their points.
Gradually, Ipswich’s power brought them back into the game, spending their first period in Aldeburgh’s half after 25 minutes play. From a line out in the Aldeburgh 22 (Ipswich dominated the line out all afternoon, a cause for concern for Aldeburgh), they moved the ball across the field, threatening the Aldeburgh line. A turnover appeared to relieve the pressure but the ball was given away leading to a penalty close to the line, a forward charge and an Ipswich try. It was not converted.
The try gave Ipswich impetus leading to a repeat performance a few minutes later. This time it was converted, giving a half time score of 3-12. It felt closer.
Early in the second half, James Ledger (prop) had to leave the field after a bang on the head. The team missed his strong running. The powerful running of the forwards, notably Alex Wellum and Tristan Revell from the second row and Freddie Burgess from No. 8, was an asset throughout the game.
The scrum was another area of strength. After being pushed back ominously in the first scrum of the game, the Aldeburgh pack got their act together culminating in a second half scrum in which they destroyed the Ipswich pack, gaining the only scrum penalty of the game. The scrummaging machine has been a good investment.
The forward drives were orchestrated by scrum half, Jed Gallant, who kept them moving before choosing exactly the right moment to spin out his long, accurate pass to Ed Robson to release the backs. Jed was lively and influential throughout the match.
There were further powerful runs by Adam Hateley, who had another splendid attacking game as well as putting in some crunching tackles, and good movement in the backs which created at least one clear try scoring opportunity which simply could not be finished off. After 30 minutes of second half stalemate, Adam made a long clearance kick, which was chased well by him and the other backs. The ball was turned over by Aldeburgh, spun down the line and Stephen Anker (who came on at half time at full back for the injured Robert Poll) made the extra man, beating the cover defence from 30 metres out. As in our last outing, Aldeburgh scored the try of the match. A difficult conversion was missed.
With a few minutes remaining, Aldeburgh opted for another kick at goal from distance which failed. Against the run of play, Ipswich gained territory resulting in a penalty attempt from in front of the posts which they converted. Final score: Aldeburgh 8 Ipswich 15.
Many thanks to referee, Peter Medhurst, who, having stood in at short notice, managed the game with calm authority.
It was great to see so many spectators attending, generating a real buzz around the club.