The President’s Cup was seen as a fantastic opportunity to see where the 1st XV stand after a hard working
pre season, against some of the biggest rugby schools around the London area with a series of 20 minute
games. We started our President’s Cup campaign with a well earned victory against Newman’s College.
After a slow start out the blocks in the first half, the boys managed to pull together, with a late try by Bobby E C, to seal victory at 10-5. Acknowledging the slow start the key message going into the next game was to come out the
blocks firing, and this was certainly the case against a well organised Tonbridge School side. With immediate dominance and early tries coming from William L and Louie M. The pressure throughout the game was sustained, with Ipswich keeping a clean sheet and taking victory 20-0.
The turnaround was fast going into our last group game in attempt to cement our place in the final. We faced current President’s Cup trophy holders Whitgift School in what seemed to be a battle of the defences, as both sides showed grit and determination to keep one another from getting over the whitewash. However, the balance turned in the favour of Ipswich as late on in the second half, new pupil Billy R crashed over the line to send Ipswich into the final against Hampton School.
Hampton began the final trying to pin us within our own half with a tactical kicking game, proving successful and taking an early lead. Ipswich entered this final with the correct mindset and refused to be beaten, with the charge being led by 1st XV captain Harry S handing off his opposite man to level the scores going into the final few minutes of the game. With pressure being put on the Ipswich try line, they showed immense character within their defence to repel Hampton from turning their pressure into points. With an excellent turnover in the final play the game came to a close with Ipswich coming out as overall winners based on try difference throughout the tournament. Defence was the
main focal point of pre season for the 1st XV, and with Ipswich only conceding two tries within the whole tournament, this proved to be the pivotal aspect that allowed Ipswich to come out as overall winners. Well done all involved.
Mr Reed, Rugby Coach
