Ipswich YM 59 - 0 Fakenham 19.02.22 London 3 Eastern Counties

The sixteenth round of London 3 Eastern Counties fixtures saw Fakenham take the long journey to face Ipswich YM. Last time they met Ipswich YM ran out 33 – 10 winners at the Stringer Ground and have been having a good season.

The game was played in the aftermath of Storm Eunice and there were still some remnants of the weather. Difficult conditions, with swirling wind and driving rain, as well as the low temperature meant that it was not a day for free flowing rugby.

Whilst the conditions were the same for both teams, it was Ipswich YM that took to their task much better. After an even start to the game, with knock-ons ending attacks for both sides, YM scored their first try. Strong running, combined with Fakenham players falling off tackles, led to a try under the posts. Another try soon followed in similar circumstances, with both converted.

A good line cutting back against the grain after a scrum saw the YM fly half go over untouched, and two more scores, with only one conversion missed, left the half time score at 33 – 0. The final act of the half saw the YM outside centre sent off for recklessly sliding into a challenge on Fakenham full back Matt Warman, ending both of their afternoons.

Fakenham could not make the numerical advantage count in the second half. Although the sun made an appearance and the rain stopped, water remained on the pitch and the ball stayed greasy. Knock-ons ended many attacks and so there was a high number of scrums, where YM had dominance. However, Fakenham number eight Rob Ward did well throughout the game to retrieve the ball from the back of a scrum that was going backwards, and provide his team with some impetus going forwards.

Nonetheless, Ipswich YM continued to run strongly, scoring four more tries in the second half despite being a man down, missing only one of the conversions. This took the final score to 59 – 0, a chastening result for Fakenham as YM maintained their push for third place.

There were a couple of positives to take away from the game, as Fakenham had the better of the lineout. Flanker Joe Airey once again made himself a nuisance at the front, stealing a couple of YM throw ins as the conditions made it very difficult to throw a lineout beyond the front man.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match was winger Josh Gee, who battled hard throughout the game, carrying the ball hard and putting in some good hits in defence.

The next 1st XV fixture is at home to Woodbridge on 5th March 2022. There will be a pre match luncheon sponsored by AOT Engineering. If you want to book a place please get in touch. Come down and support the boys for what promises to be a good game.