Ipswich Rhinos Rugby League Club

...MATCH REPORT...

RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE

JULY 13th 2002
CAMBRIDGE EAGLES 6 - 34 IPSWICH RHINOS

Ipswich secured a place in the top three play-offs which form the second stage of the Rugby League Conference Summer season, with a convincing win away over close rivals Cambridge. With both teams level on points a win would ensure a place in the top half of the draw and both teams started the game tentatively. After 10 minutes good Ipswich pressure saw a gap open and captain Pete LeMarquand went over, converting his own try. 15 minutes of stalemate with both teams making errors was broken by a well-worked Cambridge try for winger Darren Williams and the scores were level. This however was the last score for Cambridge as the Ipswich defence consolidated with full back Paul LeMarquand, the Ipswich man of the match, solid as a rock at the back. Three spectacular tries followed, for Ipswich, two long distance efforts by returning experienced centre Chik Knox-Macauley outpacing the defence and finishing in style. These were followed by a try-saving interception by rookie Adam Cook, who raced 60 metres before being brought down 20 meters short of the line. However, a quick play the ball allowed Mike Reeves to pick up and score.

Half time score Cambridge 6 - Ipswich 22

A determined third quarter by the home side restored a lot of Cambridge pride, and it was 10 minutes before full time before Mike Reeves broke through again from the base of a scrum to score from 40 metres. The final score was another spectacular effort when Kiwi prop Evan Player broke through the line and was undaunted by the 50 metre run to the try line, making it ahead of the closing Cambridge backs. Pete LeMarquand, playing his first game as captain led the team well and kicked five out of six conversions. The squad now has a useful balance of youth with players such as James Gregory, the Cook brothers and Tom Aylott, and the experience of Adrian Evans, Vaughan Evans and Chik Knox-Macauley. This win takes Ipswich on the crest of a wave into the top three playoffs, having won five of their last six matches. This will provide attractive high quality fixtures against Coventry, St Albans and Luton, with the winners of this phase going on to the national semi-finals.

Next home game is against Coventry on August 3rd at Humber Doucy Lane, 2.30 kick-off. All welcome.

Ipswich Team: Paul LeMarquand, Chik Knox-Macauley, Mike Reeves, Tom Kelling, Peter LeMarquand(c) Lee Clasby, Evan Player, Vaughan Evans, Lee Haylock, Andy Windridge, James Gregory, Steve Gleeson, Tom Aylott, Adam Cook, Andrew Wilson, Adrian Evans, Lee Cooper.


	...MATCH REPORT... RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE JULY 13th 2002 CAMBRIDGE EAGLES 6 - 34 IPSWICH RHINOS Ipswich secured a place in the top three play-offs which form the second stage of the Rugby League Conference Summer season, with a convincing win away over close rivals Cambridge. With both teams level on points a win would ensure a place in the top half of the draw and both teams started the game tentatively. After 10 minutes good Ipswich pressure saw a gap open and captain Pete LeMarquand went over, converting his own try. 15 minutes of stalemate with both teams making errors was broken by a well-worked Cambridge try for winger Darren Williams and the scores were level. This however was the last score for Cambridge as the Ipswich defence consolidated with full back Paul LeMarquand, the Ipswich man of the match, solid as a rock at the back. Three spectacular tries followed, for Ipswich, two long distance efforts by returning experienced centre Chik Knox-Macauley outpacing the defence and finishing in style. These were followed by a try-saving interception by rookie Adam Cook, who raced 60 metres before being brought down 20 meters short of the line. However, a quick play the ball allowed Mike Reeves to pick up and score. Half time score Cambridge 6 - Ipswich 22 A determined third quarter by the home side restored a lot of Cambridge pride, and it was 10 minutes before full time before Mike Reeves broke through again from the base of a scrum to score from 40 metres. The final score was another spectacular effort when Kiwi prop Evan Player broke through the line and was undaunted by the 50 metre run to the try line, making it ahead of the closing Cambridge backs. Pete LeMarquand, playing his first game as captain led the team well and kicked five out of six conversions. The squad now has a useful balance of youth with players such as James Gregory, the Cook brothers and Tom Aylott, and the experience of Adrian Evans, Vaughan Evans and Chik Knox-Macauley. This win takes Ipswich on the crest of a wave into the top three playoffs, having won five of their last six matches. This will provide attractive high quality fixtures against Coventry, St Albans and Luton, with the winners of this phase going on to the national semi-finals. Next home game is against Coventry on August 3rd at Humber Doucy Lane, 2.30 kick-off. All welcome. Ipswich Team: Paul LeMarquand, Chik Knox-Macauley, Mike Reeves, Tom Kelling, Peter LeMarquand(c) Lee Clasby, Evan Player, Vaughan Evans, Lee Haylock, Andy Windridge, James Gregory, Steve Gleeson, Tom Aylott, Adam Cook, Andrew Wilson, Adrian Evans, Lee Cooper.