Ipswich Rhinos Rugby League Club

Cambridge vs Ipswich 13th May 2000

Rugby - League in particular - can be a cruel game. There is little margin for error and good defence rather than attack wins matches. Seldom again this season will Ipswich enjoy so much possession and still be outpointed. This rookie Ipswich side are on the sharpest of learning curves and with the eagerly awaited local derby with the highflying Saints of Norfolk just ten days away,lessons are being taken in.

After last weeks bruising encounter with Hemel, Rhinos again showed great character to stage a second half fightback to level the scores only for tactical naievity to allow streetwise Cambridge to take the points. Only Stu Bradshaw and Paul Le Marquand were missing from the side and were replaced by brother Pete Le Marquand John Yorke with the plays being marshalled by stand off Richard Pollard direct from new hooker Steve Barrett.

The game started brightly enough for Ipswich who should have taken the lead on six minutes with Lee Birch getting over the tryline only to be unceremoniously bundled out of play. Ipswich`s bright opening was overshadowed by a plethora of spilt ball allowing Cambridge to take the initiative with two midhalf tries to open up a 10-0 lead. Glyn Thomas showed his abilitiy outrunning the defence for his first club try converted by Barrett. Matt Parker came close to his first score when he was stopped just short of the line. The Ipswich tackling around the play the ball area was hard and determined with loose forward Sean Griffin putting in some spectacular hits. Cambridge, traditionally the underdogs in these encounters revelled in their newfound topdog status, increasing their lead to 14-6 on the stroke of halftime.

Coach Steve Sudlow -himself a former Eagle- delivered another rousing halftime talk and the Rhinos again raised their game. Cambridge looked to take control after the break aiming to make the game safe. Barney Harper, Parker and Andy Barnes all fielded good catches from up`n unders as Ipswich continued to compete well. Cambridge`s high ball tactics eventually paid off when they regathered the ball to score to lead comfotably 18-6 with 25 minutes left. The forwards led by Griffin, Adam Welch and Adrian Evans hauled Ipswich back into the game breaking tackle after tackle to set up a dramatic fightback. Two quick tries from Hooker Barrett and Scrum Half Peter Le Marquand led to panic in the Cambridge ranks before Birch crashed over from close range to level the scores at 18-18.

Both teams went flat out to gain control and in the sweltering conditions livewire Barney Harper (shoulder) and the luckless Dave Muff (ankle) were forced to retire. Cambridge`s experience told and their intelligent kicking game yielded them two late matchwinning tries both converted to seal the game in the dying minutes. The twelve point margin flattered the home side but also illustrated the importance of goals, only two points coming from that source for Ipswich. The Rhinos virtually unchanged from the previous week played their part in an entertaining affair. This Saturday`s match at lowly Bedford -beaten 122-10 at South Norfolk on Saturday- should provide an interesting progress guide for the rapidly improving Rhinos.

Ipswich have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday`s trip with the news that Felixstowe Shipping firm Boast International have stepped in to help with the costs of travel. Rugby mad Graeham Boast Managing Director of Boast International and former Felixstowe RUFC Chairman said "The Ipswich Rhinos have been great ambassadors for Suffolk in recent years and deserve more support. They are true amatuers playing in a national competition and travel is a major expense. We are delighted to show our support for the club."

IPSWICH TEAM vs Cambridge: Lee Birch, Matt Parker, Glyn Thomas, Barney Harper, Andy Barnes, Pete Le Marquand, Richard Pollard, Adam Welch, Steve Barrett, Adrian Evans, David Muff, Steve Gleeson, Sean Griffin, Dave Flaherty, John Yorke, Nick Stuart.


	Cambridge vs Ipswich 13th May 2000 Rugby - League in particular - can be a cruel game. There is little margin for error and good defence rather than attack wins matches. Seldom again this season will Ipswich enjoy so much possession and still be outpointed. This rookie Ipswich side are on the sharpest of learning curves and with the eagerly awaited local derby with the highflying Saints of Norfolk just ten days away,lessons are being taken in. After last weeks bruising encounter with Hemel, Rhinos again showed great character to stage a second half fightback to level the scores only for tactical naievity to allow streetwise Cambridge to take the points. Only Stu Bradshaw and Paul Le Marquand were missing from the side and were replaced by brother Pete Le Marquand John Yorke with the plays being marshalled by stand off Richard Pollard direct from new hooker Steve Barrett. The game started brightly enough for Ipswich who should have taken the lead on six minutes with Lee Birch getting over the tryline only to be unceremoniously bundled out of play. Ipswich`s bright opening was overshadowed by a plethora of spilt ball allowing Cambridge to take the initiative with two midhalf tries to open up a 10-0 lead. Glyn Thomas showed his abilitiy outrunning the defence for his first club try converted by Barrett. Matt Parker came close to his first score when he was stopped just short of the line. The Ipswich tackling around the play the ball area was hard and determined with loose forward Sean Griffin putting in some spectacular hits. Cambridge, traditionally the underdogs in these encounters revelled in their newfound topdog status, increasing their lead to 14-6 on the stroke of halftime. Coach Steve Sudlow -himself a former Eagle- delivered another rousing halftime talk and the Rhinos again raised their game. Cambridge looked to take control after the break aiming to make the game safe. Barney Harper, Parker and Andy Barnes all fielded good catches from up`n unders as Ipswich continued to compete well. Cambridge`s high ball tactics eventually paid off when they regathered the ball to score to lead comfotably 18-6 with 25 minutes left. The forwards led by Griffin, Adam Welch and Adrian Evans hauled Ipswich back into the game breaking tackle after tackle to set up a dramatic fightback. Two quick tries from Hooker Barrett and Scrum Half Peter Le Marquand led to panic in the Cambridge ranks before Birch crashed over from close range to level the scores at 18-18. Both teams went flat out to gain control and in the sweltering conditions livewire Barney Harper (shoulder) and the luckless Dave Muff (ankle) were forced to retire. Cambridge`s experience told and their intelligent kicking game yielded them two late matchwinning tries both converted to seal the game in the dying minutes. The twelve point margin flattered the home side but also illustrated the importance of goals, only two points coming from that source for Ipswich. The Rhinos virtually unchanged from the previous week played their part in an entertaining affair. This Saturday`s match at lowly Bedford -beaten 122-10 at South Norfolk on Saturday- should provide an interesting progress guide for the rapidly improving Rhinos. Ipswich have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday`s trip with the news that Felixstowe Shipping firm Boast International have stepped in to help with the costs of travel. Rugby mad Graeham Boast Managing Director of Boast International and former Felixstowe RUFC Chairman said "The Ipswich Rhinos have been great ambassadors for Suffolk in recent years and deserve more support. They are true amatuers playing in a national competition and travel is a major expense. We are delighted to show our support for the club." IPSWICH TEAM vs Cambridge: Lee Birch, Matt Parker, Glyn Thomas, Barney Harper, Andy Barnes, Pete Le Marquand, Richard Pollard, Adam Welch, Steve Barrett, Adrian Evans, David Muff, Steve Gleeson, Sean Griffin, Dave Flaherty, John Yorke, Nick Stuart.