Roundheads 22 | 55 Ipswich YM

Here's this weeks report from our roving Roundheads reporter, Neil "Ginger Twin" Williams: A different and very depleted Roundheads team travelled to Ipswich YM for a clash between teams in fourth and eighth place respectively. A lack of numbers saw both teams kick off with players missing, the Roundheads having 11 and Ipswich having 12. The first 10 minutes saw penalties awarded to both sides before Ipswich capitalised on a kick following a line out. Like many others playing out of position, scrum-half, Will Disney was beaten by the bounce of the ball, as Ipswich crossed for their first try, during which Will received a boot to the head. Despite attempting to play on, it was soon apparent that the blow to the head was causing Will trouble, and with only 11 minutes played, he departed the field. In a show of true sportsmanship, Ipswich YM offered up a player, to even the teams out at 11 players each. In what was at times reminiscent of a 7s game, the ball changed hands frequently, before Ipswich ran in try number 2. Despite the lack of size in comparison to their opponents, the Roundheads scrum, consisting of props Alan Goggin and Alex Pink, the versatile Austen King at hooker, Damon McMahon and senior player of the month, Gareth Frensham at second row, with Ian Parkes at No8, the Roundheads dominated the scrums. This was used to great effect with Ian ‘Bart’ Wilkinson at scrum-half being able to release Henri Clements, who powered through from the 22, to score. With less than 10 minutes of the half remaining, Ipswich were awarded another penalty, from which they were able to cross the line, for a third unconverted try. With the ball back in play, yet again the Roundheads pack proved too strong, and with Ipswich being pushed backwards, Bart was able to break through to score and convert his own try. The first half ended with Ipswich YM leading by 15 points to 12.

The second half got off to a promising start for the Roundheads, who following yet another line out were able to gain ground through the centre partnership of Henri Clements and Rhydian Coleman. Another penalty awarded to the hosts saw a breakaway try being scored. Having conceded points, the Roundheads went straight back at Ipswich and following a dominant passage of play by the visitors, Gareth Frensham crossed for the Roundheads third try. A break by Jake Frensham, playing on the wing, in only his third senior game, was prevented by the Ipswich backs, who won another penalty. Despite the tackles of Austen King and Henri Clements, another break by the hosts resulted in another try. During a passage of play in which the Roundheads took a number of scrums against the head, the hosts made the age difference and fitness work to their advantage, scoring yet another breakaway try. Some light relief was provided by Alex Pink, who following an Ipswich kick was able to head the ball in a way which would have put any footballer to shame. As the game continued, the hosts were able to steal the ball from a Colchester line out resulting in another breakaway try. This proved to be the way of the afternoon, and despite try number two from Henri Clements, the hosts ran in two more tries, to end the afternoon. The final score of 55-22 to the hosts did not reflect the effort of the Roundheads players, who were beaten purely by breakaway tries scored by a comparatively youthful Ipswich YM.

We came, we played, we came second, we ate lots of pasta. Come see us in action and cheer us on this Friday under lights against Essex University, 7.30 kick off.