It was, in truth, a grey weekend for some of our teams. The Women’s 3rd XI scrapped valiantly for a solitary point—the only return for the women’s section this time out—while the Men’s 1st XI continued their imperious start, staying top of East Premier with a fourth consecutive win. Elsewhere, the Men’s 2s and 3s faced off in a fixture that always promised drama, and the Men’s 5s, even with Pete Glading marshalling the defence from full back, secured three hard-earned points.

For the women’s section, the early signs suggest a season of transition. Last year, 2 of the teams clung on limpet like to their league status, and the 3s earned promotion. This time around, it may be harder; the 2s, 3s and 4s find themselves up against it. Yet, there is light: the Women’s 5th and 6th XIs continue to impress, powered by a blend of enthusiastic juniors and committed adults who are nurturing the next generation. It’s a reminder that all clubs go through cycles, and while youth is blossoming, there’s no denying we could do with a few more adults in that elusive 18–35 bracket.

Speaking of brackets, I recently found myself ticking the 45–55 box on a form—an unsettling moment, softened only by being asked for ID at the supermarket on the way back from an U12s tournament in Hertford yesterday. Small mercies. My absence in Hertford meant I missed the Men’s Over 45s begin their vets campaign with a thumping 7–0 win over Magpies. Another deep run beckons, one hopes. Sunday was a hive of junior activity: U12 boys and girls matches, U14 girls 1st and 2nd XI fixtures, and training for the U8s, U10s and U12s. A special thank you to the Women’s 4s who stepped in to help with junior training—proof, if any were needed, that a club is the sum of its parts.

My travels to Cambridge and Hertford reminded me of the importance of hospitality. Not every club has the luxury of a clubhouse beside the pitch, and we should cherish ours. Work continues to ensure the bar is well-stocked and reasonably priced. I await the return of ale on tap with quiet anticipation, and I’m delighted to report the ‘teapot for all’ is back—a cornerstone of any decent clubhouse.

A word too for the humble potato: affordable, versatile, and a reminder that our match fees are low and our budget modest. We rely on a small band of volunteers, and I must commend Harley and Coral upstairs—please do take a moment to thank them, and others who keep the club ticking.

As for Saturday, I’ve yet to see photographic evidence of the ‘Minute to Win It’ social, but I’m told it was a lively affair. Tuddenham certainly was: the Women’s 4s kicked off at 10am, followed by the Men’s 2s vs 3s—Foxy, inevitably, found himself having a sit-down, which always keeps the irony levels high as he is of course our disciplinary officer. Then came the 1st XI fixtures: the Men’s 1s dispatched Bishop’s Stortford 4–1 to stay top, though Bedford away this weekend will be no walkover. The Women’s 1s fell 1–2 to Cambridge City, a slow start proving costly. Still, it’s a year of rebuilding, and credit to Marc and Donna for steering the ship. Youth is making its mark— a very youndg Annabelle Bryce among those catching the eye.

The support from the sidelines has been superb. I suspect the Men’s 1s vs Blueharts in two weeks could be quite the occasion.

Results below, with match reports from the Men’s 1s, Women’s 5s and Women’s 6s. Thank you to all who contributed. Have a good week—and best of blue on Saturday.
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M1 W4-1
M2 W5-0
M3 L0-5
M4 L0-2
M5 W3-1
M6 W1-3
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W1 L1-2
W2 L0-7
W3 D2-2
W4 L1-4
W5 L0-5
W6 L0-7
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Men’s 5th XI
Ipswich 5 were looking for their first win of the season after 2 narrow defeats. With several regulars unavailable we were able to draft in a few youngsters. Captain for the day set the team up to attack, keep the ball and deny visitors Bury the chance to counter. In the first 15 minutes this worked like a dream, Griff and Otto causing problems down the right and from such an attack a cross found Alex in front of goal, he slammed home on debut.
Gradually Bury came into the game and began to look dangerous, but mostly our veteran defence held firm, Stephen in particular had a great game, his distribution from the back setting up numerous counter attacks. However , Bury were very much in the game, and a pass into the circle was turned into the goal. Ipswich lost a bit of direction and we're glad to hear the half time whistle.

Half time talk concentrated on the need to retain possession, and this was very much achieved as Jon, Griff, Henry and Alex dominated possession. So much so that Owen in goal was enjoying spectating.

In 40th minute the home team regained the lead when a lovely move was finished off by Toby. We should have had more goals but we had to wait for the 55th minute when Toby smashed an unstoppable shot passed the Bury keeper.

Bury were not finished and fought to the end, William who had good game at the back, had a minor injury and replaced by Peter to play in that unfamiliar role, he was lucky not to receive a green card, when committing a forward playing in defence type tackle. What an excellent game, both teams agreed and very well umpired.

Women’s 6th XI
The 6’s crossed Ipswich to play Castaways at the Gainsborough pitch. Castaways are currently sitting top of the league, and yo-yo between Div 4NE (South) and Div 3NE (South) from season to season.

Castaways took the lead after 2 minutes, and then scored another 2 before half time.
In the second half, Castaways removed their GK and played with 11 outfield players against the young Ipswich side. Castaways went onto score another 4 goals in the second half.
Ipswich GK ,Isla Gillingwater, was voted player of the match by both teams, making save after save. Ipswich’s lively young midfield players did penetrate the Castaways D from time to time. All the team gave 100% effort and the game was played with good spirits.

Men’s 1st XI
After a fantastic win away from home last week against a strong Cambridge City team, Ipswich Men’s 1s were full of confidence and keen to keep the momentum going. Next up were Bishops Stortford, who arrived at Tuddenham Road to a great crowd who were anticipating another classic.

The game started with some excellent build up play from Ipswich; keeping possession, controlling the tempo and cutting through Stortford with numerous scintillating attacks. Cutting, Cook, Ward, Lyne & King linking up beautifully. Ipswich kept knocking on the door, but the goal wouldn’t come. With the first half coming to a close new summer signing Myles King decided to take matters into his own hands, went on another dazzling run, toying with defenders and ended up winning a short corner that Wiid calmly dispatched. Ipswich finally had the lead they deserved.

Second half came and a Hail Mary pass from Stortford defence made it all the way through to their forward line, who then managed to anti skill past Collins and lift over Cherry to level the game against the run of play. Ipswich kept the heads and stuck to the game plan. After a bad 10 minute patch began to dominate again, this time the goals came more freely. King scored from the top, poacher Ward added to his goal tally for the season and Cook added the final touches with a lovely deflected effort.

It took a while but Ipswich’s quality told in the end, final result Ipswich 4 - 1 Bishops Stortford. Crowd left happy. Next week Ipswich travel to Bedford to keep this winning streak going!