Ipswich IV 3 Norwich Union 2

NE14HOCKEY East League

Division 4NE

Ipswich IV 3 Norwich Union 2

Ipswich started as if they were asleep and Norwich Union took full advantage to score two excellent goals.

By half time Ipswich had managed to grab a goal back when the pressure Ipswich built up eventually told and Reed somehow forced the ball past the keeper from a narrow angle at his near post.

Then, from a short corner, Glassford smashed a shot well wide only for Scarff to deflect it in from behind his back.

After last week's epic goal, Scarff managed to score an even more crucial one. With Ben Underwood and Cook providing young legs to support the old salts at the back, Ipswich endeavoured to play out the last five minutes.

Then, with just over minutes to go, the Norwich Union goal dynamo picked up the ball on the half way line and completely skinned Whetton. The centre forward then rounded Kwan with some ease and knocked the ball towards the empty goal, however Whetton then managed to deflect it wide with a despairing full stretch reverse stick lunge.

As a result Ipswich held on to win and record their 25th straight league victory to preserve Godbold's 100% record as captain.

Man of the match would under different circumstances have been Ben Underwood, who played his best game for the 4th XI, however Whetton's one moment of brilliance, which typified the complete commitment he has given to the club and the 4th XI in particular over many years, sealed it for him.

Next week the team face the dynamic Cranes attacking line and an imposing defensive line.