FULL-TIME | Newmarket 33 - 12 Ipswich YM
On a special day for Ipswich YM as they marked their centenary year with the unveiling of a new pitch, Newmarket produced a confident display to start their league season with a bonus-point victory.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with both sides trading blows in the opening quarter and defences holding firm. It was Newmarket who broke the deadlock, a well-executed lineout move sending the ball wide to centre Nick Brown, who powered through the Ipswich defence for the team’s first try of the season. Tom Clifton added the extras, 7–0.
Ipswich YM responded swiftly with a forwards’ drive over the line to close the gap to 7–5. With parity at the scrum, Newmarket found a solid platform to build from, and debutant Ed Spetch made his mark with a try in the corner, sending the visitors into the break with a 12–5 lead.
The second half started in perfect fashion as Spetch struck again, this time finishing off a clever support line after Brown turned provider. Clifton converted to extend the lead to 19–5.
Moments later came a special highlight: a quick tap penalty from Dom Hoey released young prop Liam Wakes, who bulldozed his way through the Ipswich defence to claim his first senior try for the club. Clifton once more added the extras, 26–5.
As the game entered a scrappier phase, Newmarket capitalised again through their forwards’ dominance. Slick handling in the backs set up field position before Jack Morris spotted space at the base of a ruck and sniped over for the fifth try, with Clifton making it four conversions from five, 33–5.
Ipswich YM refused to roll over and were rewarded late on, a turnover creating a five-on-two overlap which they finished clinically and converted to make the final score 33–12.
A strong showing across the squad was capped with two impressive 1st XV debuts for Dan Gilbert and Ed Spetch, the latter crossing twice in a memorable bow.
This bonus-point win away to a newly promoted and highly motivated side provides an excellent platform for Newmarket to build on, with positives evident in both forward intensity and the sharpness of the backline in attack.
Final Score: Ipswich YM 12 – 33 Newmarket Tries: Brown, Spetch (2), Wakes, Morris Conversions: Clifton (4)
