Blue skies and beautiful sunshine welcomed West Norfolk U13s to Ipswich RUFC to compete in a friendly match ahead of the West Norfolk first-team fixture.
West’s continuing run of success was backed by a keen and early arrival which soon passed helped along by a gentle to moderate breeze, steadying the anticipation of the battle against a formidable Ipswich.
After a powerful start from both sides, West’s front row, lead by Harry Carman and Flynn Jackson-Hopps, were tested with a commanding Charlie Cooper coaching his team from the sideline.
While the forwards fought for superiority, Theo Hobbs and Archie Thomson relished in their positions carrying the ball spreading West’s attacking line instrumental in exposing channels for the backs to plot their attack.
Five minutes of intense pressure, fortified by Jackson-Hopps and Ruauri Fitzgerald’s efforts, ensured West Norfolk stayed in Ipswich’s 22.
This saw an impressive flurry of fast passes from William Lloyd finding Kiyan Medina breaking free with blistering pace to score first .
The hosts, unsettled by West’s grittiness and flare, lost shape and left avenues for Medina and Ethan Kilian to exploit backed up by the impressive vision and drive from Ben Taylor-Bunting allowing the wingers to succeed with a first-half hat-trick for both Medina and Kilian.
Any response from Ipswich was gathered quickly by Carman rallying his forwards to keep a high line which a grateful Jack Godfrey-Leggett grabbed himself two tries to end the first half.
After the restart, Freddie Farr was quick to claim the ball at every opportunity to spearhead his team’s attack.
West Norfolk proudly showcased strength and depth in their squad with Dexter Anderson, Charlie Cooper, Lincoln Flannigan-Auker and Harry Martyn carrying the team to a clear and impressive victory.
Recognition to the West players who put on an Ipswich shirt to help level up the contest, especially forward Charlie Cook.
Forward of the match: Theo Hobbs; Back of the match Finley Smith-Parry; Coaches player of the match Harry Martyn
