There was an unmistakable edge in the air as ICENI arrived at Ipswich for what was, by all accounts, a long-awaited rematch. The last time these two sides met, Ipswich had claimed victory and earned promotion, leaving ICENI with unfinished business. Now reunited in NC1 after Ipswich’s season in the league, this fixture was more than just another Sunday—it was a score to settle.

ICENI entered the day with four wins from four, determined to extend their perfect start to five from five. And from the moment the warm-up began, it was clear they meant business.

Two focused training sessions leading into the game had been dedicated to sharpening support lines, winning rucks, and asserting dominance. That work was immediately evident: the rhythm, the intensity, the unity—ICENI were raring to go.

As they stepped onto the pitch, waiting for the referee’s whistle, the message was simple: show Ipswich exactly how rugby is played in NC1.

Ipswich kicked off, and ICENI instantly took the game to them.
Within three minutes, a beautifully constructed team effort sliced through the home side’s defence, finished clinically by Jade Baker for a 5–0 lead.

Confidence surged, phases flowed, and ten minutes later Ellie Woodward finished another sweeping sequence to push the lead to 10–0.

But Ipswich are never a side to roll over. A penalty awarded to them three minutes later gave the hosts a rare foothold, and after a brief period of pressure they crossed for their first and only try of the game, narrowing the score to 10–5.

That moment was enough to spark ICENI back into full gear.
Spotting that the Ipswich defence wasn’t back the required 10 metres, Jess Brennan reacted instantly with a quick penalty. With the backs flooding through in support, a smart offload sent Zoe Goate under the posts.

Katie Gemal slotted the conversion: 17–5.

And ICENI weren’t done.

Slick hands, fast support, and relentless momentum opened space again just two minutes later, allowing Kaitlyn Dell to stretch the score to 22–5 by half-time.

As the sun dipped and the floodlights flickered on, the pitch took on the feel of a battlefield. ICENI hammered away at the Ipswich defensive line, probing for openings.

Eventually, persistence paid off—Zoe Goate burst through with pace and precision to extend the lead to 27–5.

Ipswich, tiring and struggling to regain structure, attempted to claw their way back, but mounting frustration got the better of them. Repeated backchat resulted in a yellow card, fracturing their defence even further. With penalties stacking up, Gemal pounced again—this time tapping quickly from five metres out to score, making it 34–5.

In the closing stages Ipswich saw another yellow card, this time for a series of high tackles.

Fortunately, ICENI’s players—tough as they come—shrugged off the contact and got straight back to work, finishing the match exactly as they had started it: on their terms, playing the ICENI way.

It was a brilliant spectacle of rugby. Each week ICENI look sharper, stronger, and more united. As Lucy Philpott summed up perfectly the other week:
“We are gelling and know where each other are on the pitch.”

Watching them, it’s hard to disagree.

? Player of the Game: Anaseini Seruisavou

? Under the Radar: Ellie Woodward

⭐ Special Mention: Amber Cornick– first NC1 match and at prop, though winger may still be calling!

Next Up: The Big One
Two weeks from now, ICENI face Bedford Blues—also sitting on 5 wins from 5.
A home fixture. Top spot on the line. Everything to play for. Will the home crowd tip the scales?
Who knows…
But one thing is certain:
You need to be there or, be square!