Felixstowe Rugby Club produced a superb second-half performance under the Friday night lights at the Infinity Rugby Ground, Mill Lane, running in five tries to secure an emphatic 33–7 victory over Ipswich II, along with a valuable bonus point.

Following the previous week's high-scoring defeat to Colchester, the Badgers were determined to put things right in front of their home supporters. What followed was a fiercely contested first half and an outstanding display of attacking rugby after the break.

A First-Half Arm Wrestle

The opening 40 minutes were a proper old-fashioned rugby battle, with neither side willing to give an inch.

Both teams defended resolutely, with Felixstowe showing a much-improved defensive structure and determination to keep Ipswich at bay.

The Felixstowe forwards were laying the foundations, with Alex Allen particularly impressive in the lineout, producing some superb jumping and securing vital possession for the Badgers throughout the contest.

Despite opportunities at both ends, neither side could break the deadlock, and the teams went into half-time locked at 0–0.

The Badgers Come Alive

The breakthrough finally arrived after 50 minutes, and it was worth the wait.

A well-executed lineout on the right-hand side provided the platform as Felixstowe moved the ball beautifully through the hands. Sid Mirams broke through the Ipswich defensive line before producing a superb offload to Caleb, who thundered over the try line with real intent.

Nat Adams stepped up to add the conversion, as he so often does, giving Felixstowe a deserved 7–0 lead.

However, the Badgers soon found themselves temporarily down to 14 men when Alex Allen, who had been having an outstanding game, suffered a momentary rush of blood and received a yellow card, earning himself ten minutes in the sin bin.

It was an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise excellent individual performance, and Ipswich took advantage of the extra man to cross for a converted try, levelling the scores at 7–7.

But Felixstowe were in no mood to let the game slip away.

A quickly taken penalty just five metres from the Ipswich line saw Freddie Brewster power his way over, restoring Felixstowe's lead at 12–7.

And Freddie wasn't finished.

With Ipswich awarded a scrum just five metres from their own line, the Felixstowe pack produced a tremendous effort, overpowering their opponents and creating the opportunity for Brewster to bulldoze his way over from close range.

Two tries in quick succession for Freddie, and with Adams adding the conversion, Felixstowe had opened up a 19–7 advantage.

The home crowd were now in full voice, and the Badgers were playing with confidence.

Forwards Lay the Platform, Backs Finish the Job

Felixstowe's lineout was becoming a real weapon, with Alex Allen's excellent work in the air helping the Badgers dominate this area of the game.

It was another excellent piece of forward play that produced the fourth try.

Fred Brewster stole an Ipswich lineout before showing excellent awareness to offload to Alex Allen, who finished superbly in the corner.

Having already made his mark in the lineout and experienced ten minutes in the sin bin, Allen made amends in the best possible fashion, getting himself on the scoresheet.

It was a fantastic example of forwards and backs combining, and with the conversion coming from near the touchline, there was still work to do.

Up stepped Nat Adams, who calmly slotted the difficult kick to make it 26–7, securing the all-important try bonus point.

Keanan Has the Final Say

With the clock running down, Felixstowe still had one final statement to make.

On the last play of the match, the Badgers secured another strong lineout and set up a driving maul. Ipswich desperately tried to bring it down, but Felixstowe maintained possession.

The ball eventually found Keanan, who picked and drove his way over the line to put the finishing touches on an outstanding second-half performance.

And, almost inevitably, Nat Adams added another conversion.

Final score: Felixstowe 33–7 Ipswich II.

Man of the Match – Freddie Brewster

There were plenty of contenders following such an impressive team performance, but Freddie Brewster deservedly took the Man of the Match honours.

His two powerful tries were crucial in turning a tightly contested game in Felixstowe's favour, while his contribution in the forwards, particularly around the set piece and close-quarter exchanges, helped establish the platform for the Badgers' second-half dominance.

A tremendous performance and a well-earned award.

A Performance to Build On

After a scoreless opening half, Felixstowe produced 33 second-half points, five tries and four conversions in a display that combined powerful forward play with some excellent attacking rugby.

There were standout performances throughout the side.

Freddie Brewster's brace was a reward for his powerful contribution, while Alex Allen was superb in the lineout, adding a well-taken try to an eventful afternoon that also included ten minutes in the sin bin.

Sid Mirams' line break and offload for Caleb's opening try was a particular highlight, while Keanan rounded off the scoring with a determined finish from the driving maul.

Nat Adams was outstanding from the kicking tee, converting four of Felixstowe's five tries, including a superb effort from near the touchline.

But perhaps the biggest positive was the collective response following the previous week's defeat. The Badgers showed patience, discipline and determination throughout a difficult first half before producing an explosive attacking display in the second.

The result leaves Felixstowe fourth in Eastern Counties Division One South, with 11 points from three matches, having recorded two wins and one defeat.

With the Badgers level on points with third-placed Colchester III, there is plenty to be excited about as the season gathers momentum.

A fantastic Friday night for Felixstowe Rugby Club, its players and supporters.

Five tries. A bonus-point victory. And a Man of the Match performance from Freddie Brewster.

Up the Badgers! ?

Felixstowe Try Scorers

Freddie Brewster × 2

Caleb Woodard × 1

Alex Allen × 1

Keanan Mouton × 1

Conversions: Nat Adams × 4
Yellow card: Alex Allen
Man of the Match: Freddie Brewster

Half-time: Felixstowe 0–0 Ipswich II
Full-time: Felixstowe 33–7 Ipswich II

Photo credit: Mike Bowden