Walden extend their winning run.

In contrast to Walden’s recent games this was a tight attritional affair as both teams struggled to come to terms with the soft conditions and getting back up to speed after the 3 week Xmas break.
The recent rain and occasional shower during the match meant the Ipswich ground was very soft in places which made Walden's normal running game difficult.
However Walden started off brightly and for the first 20 minutes the play was mostly in the Ipswich half but despite some good runs the gaps just weren't opening up and the visitors were kept out. A couple of quickly taken penalties made no difference as the Ipswich defence held firm.
Although Walden looked most likely to score the final pass did not quite go to hand, an occasional dropped ball or a good Ipswich tackle meant there was no score for the first 25 mins.
Finally the Walden pressure told as Ipswich passed the ball down the line only 30 metres out from their own try line, centre Matt Dawson intercepted and headed towards the line with the full back to beat he timed his pass perfectly to fellow centre Mark Kimberley who out paced the cover to go under the posts. Tom Price playing at fly half converted 7 – 0 27 mins.
Walden remained in control for the rest of the half but there was no further scores.
After the half time break Ipswich now with the elements in their favour came out strongly and Walden having had a couple of injuries were now playing with Flankers on both wing and to their credit both Andrew Lancaster and Matt Howe did not look out of place.
Both teams had good phases of play and on two occasions the home side looked likely to score but some superb last ditch defence kept them out when firstly a tackle knocked the ball out of the attackers hand and a few minutes later the covering defence scrambled back stopping a good break with both the ball and player were held up just before the try line. Both resulted in Walden scrums. The visitors much improved scrum safely secured the ball enabling Walden to clear their lines.
It was during the last 10 mins that Walden looked most likely to add to their lead but by then thoughts of the bonus point win had faded and they were happy to play out the time deep inside the Ipswich half.
Man of the match went to hooker Sam Eardley for his good work in the scrum, line out and tirelessly getting round the park putting in some great hits in defence. Mentions also went to the rest of the front row Josh Harris, Harry Stocking and Richard Suckling and Scrum Half Paul Marshall controlling things at the back supporting the fine work by all the pack.
A hard fought win against a much improved Ipswich team sets up next weeks top of the table clash when Walden entertain leaders Diss.
All support welcomed 2pm kick off.