YM Hawks Lose in a Game of Two Halves

Ipswich YM Hawks traveled to Colchester with a degree of uncertainty of how the game would unfold.

On the positive side, they had managed to assemble a team of sixteen players but on the negative side, this would be their first game together this season.

However, any concerns were soon quashed as YM quickly gelled and then found that they were able to repeatedly break Colchester's defensive line.

The lion's share of possession and territory resulted in three unanswered tries in the first period from Eric Ransome, Luke Williamson and Liam Lacey.
Half time: 0-17

However, at half time it was noted that YM would have to battle against a strong wind and that they would also be without one of their try scorers and key players, Liam Lacey. In fairness, he had been feeling unwell for a number of days and couldn't continue.

Colchester's game plan for the second half soon became clear; ship the ball to the 10 who then kicked over the YM defence for the backs to run onto. Initially this was causing YM problems and Colchester scored two tries in quick succession.

YM rearranged their defence and managed to blunt the effectiveness of Colchester's attack. Colchester were still able to take full advantage of the wind and scored two more tries and kicked a penalty.

Despite the heavy going against the wind, YM still had chances to reply but a lack of training together meant that a try didn't materialise.

At the final whistle, YM had lost 29-17 which on balance wasn't a bad result and bodes well for the future.

A special note for the players that had re-arranged their work commitments to make themselves available: Marcus Lockwood{/b] and [b]Liam Lacey.

Also also to the players making their first appearance for YM: Romanian John, Connor and Jesse Barker