They then went out into the sunshine to join the many parents and supporters pitch side who had turned out in force to watch Ipswich School 1st XV take on Sedbergh School. The visitors have been at the forefront of schoolboy rugby over the last ten years, constantly competing at the top level.

In 2022 Ipswich School made the trip to Sedbergh and on Saturday it was the turn of the 'team from the north' to make their first vist to Notcutts. Saturday's game was a School's Championship exhibition match. Sedbergh and Ipswich are in different pools, however this game was to provide a showcase for the new tournament.

The match was exciting and got off to a great start, three tries up at the break and 32-10 to Ipswich. Maybe Ipswich began to tire as with the game drawing to a close Sedbergh got back into the match and made up for lost time. The home crowd watched the nail biting last few minutes of the match before letting out a massive celebratory roar when the final whistle blew and Ipswich were the victors over Sedbergh with the final score of 32-29. 

Just a mention for the Ipswich School Under 16's who played Sedbergh before lunch, they lost 52-0 but we are sure they were given hope for the future as they grow stronger and reach the level of the Ipswich first XV team.

A special mention for John Graham (OI 1947-54) who appears in our feature picture. Over 70 years ago John led out and captained the Ipswich School first team. 

Both matches are available to watch at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRi9LeUd4KM