Sat 12 Mar 2022, 15:00
Ipswich II vs Cambridge Exiles
By Shuda Beenpicked
The Exiles were excited to visit Ipswich not only because it was finally a warm dry spring afternoon, so they could play a bit more of an expansive game compared to recent weeks, but also because they have a bus trip for the first time this season.
The Exiles made several changes in the match day squad from the team that comfortably beat North Walsham in the wind and rain last weekend. Archie starting in the Front row, Gareth and Declan starting in the 2nd row, replacing Banksie & Jules who were “rested”, and Will who became unavailable late in the week. Jamari and Elie we selected at loose and tight head props respectfully. Ace joined Alex Chumbawumba and Tall Guy into the back row with the versatile Joe Johnson moving to centre to partner Rijk (Matt Damon) Diepeveen in the absence of Jaco. Kieran moved from 15 to 10 replacing the injured Bren. Coops completed the starting team at full back with Alex Howard and Max continuing on the wings.
The expansive game plan was clear from the kick off receipt as the rangy Tall Guy took the kick off and ran through the defensive line, taking the Exiles to just outside the Ipswich 22. After several phases where Stef was fizzing the ball from the base of the rucks so fast (as he did all match) that the Ipswich defence couldn’t get organised, and they were penalised for trying to slow the ball down illegally.
The penalty was kicked to the corner for an Exiles lineout 5m out. Surely for the first lineout of the match the Exiles wouldn’t try one of the new options worked on at training? Oh yes they would! – a good lift at the front by Elie and Gareth allowed Tall Guy to take it cleanly, he popped to the looping Archie who gave the delicate pass to “scrum half” Rijk cutting the angle who uncharacteristically used his twinkle-toes to go over untouched. 0-5 Exiles. Max unusually missed the conversion.
Ipswich seemed to have very short memories and kick the ball off straight to Tall Guy again. This time he passed the ball out to the backs, and following good ground being made by Joe and Rijk, Kieran released Alex Howard down the wing, a covering tackle stopped Alex, the ball was recycled and Coops showed his pace for try number two. Max converted, 0-12.
The Exiles continued to play at an intense pace, with great tight runs from Chumbawumba, Jamari and Gareth. Kieran’s sharpness working the ball up the pitch found the gap for Joe Johnson to go through to score. Conversion was good, 0-19.
The next score came after a strong break from Chumbawumba, good fast hands from Kieran and Joe, for Rijk to go back to what he knows best by smashing through the defence, off loading to Max to score. The difficult conversion slid wide. Half time, 0-24.
The second half saw the introduction of Stan Meadhurst at tighthead and Matt Waring at 2nd row giving Elie and Gareth a deserved rest. Max and Alex H, who had also performed very well, were replaced by Asbo and the crowd favourite Cesar on the wings.
Kieran continued to steer the team as he did in the first half and the Exiles made their way into the Ipswich 22 once again with penetrating runs from the back row and centres, Ipswich managed to steal and cleared their lines, only for it to be caught and ran back by Coops. His pace beat three defenders, and some good quick passing found Archie, who read the game well by waiting for the ball to advance to his position, to score. Stef’s first kick narrowly missed, 0-29.
Ipswich having struggled all match to get any continuity in attack due to the fast and organised Exiles defensive press, managed to get some possession, aided by some Exile infringements in the ruck and their strong scrummaging, Ipswich made their way into the 22 and a cut inside from the 9 gave Ipswich a little hope. 7-29.
This hope was short lived as following a penalty infringement by Cambridge, the referee got fed up on being advised how to do the job and sent the Ipswich second row to the bin.
Next came a moment that every front row player should never agree to. When Ipswich threw not straight in the lineout, the Exiles chose the “line again” rather than a scrum.
The entertainment continued from a turnover on their own 22, Cesar was released and powered his way to the Ipswich 22, the support was good and Kieran spotted the gap and aided by Rijk put Joe Johnson in, in the corner. Stef slotted the difficult conversion from the touchline, 7-36.
On came the finishers – Sam Heenan for Chumbawuma, with Archie moving into the back row, Kiwi Stan for Ace and then Rijk in the centre with Joe Roberts on at flanker.
There were then concerns when there was a cut to Stef’s head as he was taken out late by Ipswich’s tall number 3. Yellow card. The cut looked worse than it was as there wasn’t much hair protecting his noggin. The Exiles quickly worked the ball wide to the lingering Tall Guy, the scrambled Ipswich defence did their best, but some good off loading from the Exiles pack and a couple of phases later finisher Matt Waring crashed over. Missed conversion, 7-41.
Coops then showed he is more than just gas, as he ripped the ball out of the Ipswich’s 10’s arms, the ball got to Tall Guy for him to stretch the defence and Matt Waring in support scores again. Stef conversion, 7-48
From the restart Tall Guy again gathered and put Stef through a gap. With half the pitch in front of him, Stef was grateful for the pass to be deemed forward.
An unfortunate incident gave the referee no option in the modern game, as Jamari’s secondary tackle was too high and was given his marching orders for shoulder contact with the head.
The Exiles were under pressure, but phase after phase their defence was up to the task, lead by some superb tackling from Joe Roberts, the Exiles repelled the Ipswich attack.
The Match ended with the same pace as it began from the Exiles. A powerful run by Joe Roberts, with quick recycling ball, a quick penalty and Cesar went over in the corner. Full time 7-53.
It wasn’t just the result, the way the Exiles played showed that they can play multiple styles, to suit the weather and pitch conditions they face each match.
Although happy with the victory, the experienced (in age) coaches reiterated that the job was not done yet. The Exiles have 4 games left against tough opposition to try and reach their goal and top the table at the end of the season. Next match is hosting Ipswich on the 26th March.
Scorers:
Tries: Diepeveen, Cooper, Johnson 2, Burton, Davison, Warring 2, Belloso.
Cons: Burton 2, Liebenberg 2.
Team:
Jamari Dowdie, Archie Davison, Elie Hammou, Gareth Edwards, Declan Sully, Alex Chabala, Isa Sloot, Jacob Prier, Stefan Liebenberg, Kieran Shave, Max Burton, Joe Johnson, Rijk Diepeveen, Alex Howard, Sean Cooper
Replacements: Sam Heenan, Stan Meadhurst, Matt Waring, Joe Roberts, Stan Stanley, Cesar Belloso, Asbel Rodriguez Huergo
