ON A day that saw England battle through to a second consecutive World Cup final, Ipswich Rugby Club were enjoying a massive occasion themselves.Although soundly beaten 66-5 in the first round of the EDF Energy National Trophy by the strong semi-professionals from London Scottish, Ipswich can hold their heads high for what was a brave effort against a side playing four divisions up in National League three.

ON A day that saw England battle through to a second consecutive World Cup final, Ipswich Rugby Club were enjoying a massive occasion themselves.

Although soundly beaten 66-5 in the first round of the EDF Energy National Trophy by the strong semi-professionals from London Scottish, Ipswich can hold their heads high for what was a brave effort against a side playing four divisions up in National League three.

Indeed right from the whistle the considerably larger Scottish gave chase to the high ball on the left wing. London Scottish winger Martin Lacey latched onto the ball and scored in the left-hand corner.

With only eight minutes of play Scottish went further ahead when some slick backline passing allowed No12 Duncan Hayward to cut in on an angled run to score under the posts as Lee Cholewa kicked his side 12-0 ahead.

Scottish went further ahead when full back Anton Petzer joined the backline on the angle again after so slick quick ball through the hands finished to the right of the posts with Cholewa again converting.

Despite all the points going to one team the Ipswich defence picked up realising that they were giving their opponents far too much respect and space on the field.

Things started to pick up with Ipswich trying to establish some attacks and forcing the Scottish into desperate tackling themselves.

Scottish managed to thwart another Ipswich attack inside their own 22 metre area and cleared with a thumping long kick.

From the resulting line-out Scottish managed to collect the loose ball and counter attacked.

The ball was passed from the left touchline over to the far right, stretching the Ipswich defence, where centre Rory Greenslade-Jones was waiting to receive and run home an easy try.

Ipswich lost Geoff Searle with injury as he went to the hospital to receive stitches to a head wound. But they continued to push and enjoyed some possession. There was huge celebration when the ball was quickly floated out to the left for Ipswich winger Shaun Elbrow to sprint 30 metres to score in the left corner, much to the delight of the home crowd. Although Mark Broughton was just wide with his kick, it was no more than Ipswich deserved.

Two minutes into the second half, Scottish prop forward Raynn Bruce crashed through a pick and drive from ruck in the left corner with Duncan Hayward taking over the kicking duties to calmly stroke home.

While Ipswich continued to attack, winning their own lineout and scrum ball and certainly upsetting the London Scottish play, it was the shear size and fitness that told in the end with London Scottish running in a five more tries, four of which were converted, to leave the visitors 66-5 victors.

It was close to the final whistle when Ipswich came close to scoring another try, when Elbrow received the ball and sprinted to the line. However, his foot was pushed over the touchline and held-up.

Despite the result, coach Aaron Brown and the whole management team were extremely proud of the way the team performed.

Ipswich have a home league game this Saturday against Romford & Gidea Park. Kick-off is at 3pm.