After the disappointment of losing their last home game against Old Priorians 25-21, and losing their proud undefeated home record that stretched over more than a season, it was vital Ipswich bounced back.
The game started off at a relentless pace with Ruislip doing most of the attacking, opting to go wide most of the time. Within the first five minutes they breached the defence to score a converted try.
The Ipswich pack has had a horrid time in the last three games, losing many of their own set-pieces, so it was a great relief seeing them dominate against the Ruislip pack.
The Ipswich first try, scored by Carlton Littlechild, came off a scrum inside the visitors’ 22. Alan Barker converted, making the score 7-7.
Ruislip used their backs well and another of their tries came from wide. This made the score 14-7 to the visitors.
The Ipswich pack dominated the set pieces and, from a scrum, influential captain, number 8 Chris Blom, scored his side’s second try, which was converted by Alan Barker and tied the game.
The Ipswich pack provided their backs with good quality ball and this allowed them to apply some pressure.
This resulted in two more converted tries, one from Craig Wilson and one from Sam Goodwin, to make it 28-14.
Ruislip showed their experience in this league, by not panicking and playing clever rugby, kicking for position and putting pressure on the home side with some great defence.
Their patience paid off and they scored a unconverted try to take the score to 26-21.
With 15 minutes to go, the home crowd had visions of Ipswich throwing another win away.
Fortunately nerves were settled when winger Chris Kolapa-Ajala scored a converted try to make the score 33-21.
Ruislip were not going to go down without a fight though and managed to make the final score 33-31.
Credit must go to the Ipswich pack, who, after a tough few games where they were dominated, stepped up to the plate on Saturday and showed that if they put their minds to it they can stand their ground.
Fireworks & Halloween Party this Friday at Ipswich Rugby Club, Humber Doucy Lane ground. Gates open at 6pm. Open to All - Family Friendly event. Parking on site available. Advance prices: Adults £4 Children 5-16 £1 under 5s go free (£1 more on each ticket price on the gate on night) Tickets available from the club 7-8:30pm Tuesday & Thursday evening and from 8:30am- 5pm on Friday. BBQ, bar and face painting from 6pm.
PHOTOS: RAINYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here