....MATCH REPORT....
26th May 2001
Ipswich Rhinos 22 West London Sharks 41

Ipswich faced a strong challenge in this Rugby League Summer Conference fixture against potential national champions West London. The Rhinos can take enormous credit for holding on to the game until the final quarter when fitness and ability to cope with the heat and pressure told.

Ipswich took the lead within 60 seconds when a West London infringement and a quick tap penalty allowed experienced no9 Paul Roberts to charge over from close in. West London then replied with two tries, one a spectacular run-in from winger Dan Coffey.

Just as it looked as if London would gain the advantage Ipswich struck back with tries from outstanding loose forward Andy Windridge and a repeat effort by Paul Roberts, both tries converted by Pete LeMarquand. A further try by West London made the half-time score Rhinos 16, West London 19.

The first ten minutes of the second half was the Ipswich team's best spell as Mike Reeves, making a welcome return for Ipswich, burst through from 50 metres for Ipswich to take the lead. After that the power and experience of the London team told and powerful substitute George Donie scored twice and the game was over.

Ipswich tackled well throughout and will have learnt a lot from the encounter. Next Saturday sees the East Anglian Derby against South Norfolk kick off at 2.30 pm at the Rhinos new home at Ipswich Rugby Club, Humber Doucy Lane.

IPSWICH TEAM:Paul Le Marquand, James Debenham, Mike Reeves, Pete Le Marquand, Adam Butterworth, Richard Pollard, James Goodall, Vaughan Evans, Paul Roberts, Andy Wilson, Evan Player, Lee Haylock, Andy Windridge, Steve Gleeson, Ed Jones, Lee Birch, Olly Barclay.