It was a perfect match morning for the U16 Eastern Counties tournament at Ipswich, featuring five matches of 15 minutes each. Felixstowe competed in the top-tier trophy pool against Norwich, Shelford, Ipswich, Cambridge, and Bury.
The first match was a bruising encounter against a resolute Norwich Crusaders, last year’s county cup champions for their region. Felixstowe missed a few chances in a game primarily played in Norwich's 22. The game ended 0-0.
In Match 2, Felixstowe faced Shelford. Despite generally outplaying them, with Dylan scoring a good try on the wing in his first match back, a few defensive lapses allowed the opposition, with their strong pack, to pull ahead. Felixstowe trailed 12-7 until the final minute, when a beautiful sweeping move from a turnover saw Benj put Miles away to score the winning try under the posts. Cab converted both tries.
Match 3 was a big local derby against Ipswich, who fielded an enormous pack. The score was tied at 3-3 following two converted penalties. Felixstowe's aggressive and physical defence ultimately paid off as they clinched an 8-3 victory with a brilliantly executed lineout that led to a rolling maul, ending with Cailen diving over in the corner.
In Match 4 against Cambridge, quick tries by Cab and Oli put Felixstowe in control. The game then became stop-start with numerous penalties and scrums. Cambridge managed to score a penalty, but the final score remained 14-3 in Felixstowe's favour.
Match 5 against Bury was, without doubt, Felixstowe's best performance of the day. Playing fast, clinical, and expansive rugby, they frequently got the ball wide. Tries were scored by Cab, Benj, Max, and Oli, with three conversions by Cab. It was a dominant display over 15 minutes.
We are extremely proud of the lads for their brilliant effort, discipline, and teamwork, which led to a well-deserved victory.