London 2NE: Ipswich 71, Beccles 14

Alan Cooper
Monday, January 16, 2012
11:17 AM

Following a good performance last week, which produced a first league win of the season, Beccles went into Saturday’s London 2NE fixture against Ipswich with an air of quiet optimism – but they left a well beaten side.

The weather was perfect for running rugby and the game started with clear intent on the part of the visitors to move the ball through structured phases and play territory.

The Bulls pack was rampant in the first 10 minutes and the home team had no answers to the power or precision of set pieces. Backed up by some deft touches and direct running from the backs, the Bulls were camped on the home side’s try line and twice were held up. Credit to the Ipswich defence for holding firm and eventually causing a knock on which led to them eventually clearing their lines.

Given the opening period of play the travelling Bulls supporters certainly had cause to be positive.How wrong that outlook was.

The next 70 minutes was an exhibition of how to play raw power and precise open rugby from the home side, who were clearly busy over the festive period recruiting some well scouted foreign additions to their squad.

Regardless of where the Ipswich players hail from the rugby was simply awesome and belied their mid-table league position.

While returning back-rower Wilson did power over for a well taken Bulls try the hosts ran in six text book scores before the break, most from their own half, to move 36-7 ahead. The mobility of the Ipswich pack created endless overlaps out wide and simple handling had the Bulls scrambling in defence.

The second half was a mirror of the first. While the Bulls did score an interception try through Wade the home side were irresistible and the showpiece continued relentlessly.

While trounced on the scorecard, the Bull pack did edge their opposition in both scrums and lineouts. Another positive was the performance of B&B Skip Hire man of the match Starks who was most impressive on his debut. He has now set new standards of commitment that all Bulls must strive for.

Beccles now have a weekend off before taking on Woodford in a must win home fixture on January 28.