Bury made the trip along the A14 to Ipswich YM for their first game of 2022 and returned victorious after a solid performance built on strong, committed defence and lit up by moments of individual brilliance. Injuries to both sides and limited squad numbers for Ipswich YM resulted in an at times disjointed affair but Bury stuck to their game plan and came away with a well-deserved win.

Ipswich YM kicked off, but as soon as Charlie Feehan received the drop-out he was off like lightning down the left-hand side of the pitch before cutting back inside and stepping the covering defence to score under the posts. Todd Hutchinson added the conversion for the earliest of leads. Strong Bury defence maintained the advantage, but Ipswich YM came close to scoring when a cross-field kick just ran dead and then captain Thomas Treneman produced a great covering tackle to prevent their winger from reaching the corner. Bury slowly reasserted control with a strong lineout and some determined rucking up the middle of the pitch, before a nicely timed pass from Henry Cain released Callum Wilson to sidestep two defenders and sprint in 30 metres to double Bury’s lead with Hutchinson adding the extras.

Ipswich YM fought back well for the next quarter of an hour but more strong defence (alongside a solid set piece) from Bury kept them at bay. Some good breaks from Callum Wilson and Reuben Sorooshian relieved the pressure, before Charlie Feehan swiftly completed an excellent and well-deserved hat trick. Firstly, he wriggled out of two tackles before somehow evading three more defenders to score under the posts and, five minutes later, some great handling and rucking work from Ali Evans and Mason Easton created space for him to sprint in from the 22-metre line, side-stepping the full back on his way. Todd Hutchinson converted both to give Bury a half-time lead of 28-7 after a late pick and drive try from the home side.

Bury started the second half as they did the first, with an early score before Ipswich YM had settled. Charlie Feehan turned provider with a lovely chip through and collect before Tudor Weyers was on hand to drive over and score. Todd Hutchinson maintained his perfect kicking record with a great conversion from near the touchline. Shortly afterwards the result was put beyond any doubt with two well worked Bury tries. Both came from solid offensive platforms; the first scored by Charlie Burrows after a nicely timed pass from Callum Wilson (converted by Feehan) and then the second a great run from inside his own half by Wilson to score under the posts. Reuben Sorooshian converted to give Bury an unassailable 49-7 lead.

Ipswich YM continued to threaten when allowed space and time, but great defensive effort from Toby Coogan and Reuben Sorooshian in particular prevented them adding to their score. Rory Simpson and Mason Easton both made a couple of great breaks and Ali Evans was always on hand to drive hard down the pitch. Harry Wooldridge was seemingly everywhere, disrupting rucks and stealing turnover ball. When Bury did have a period of possession they broke away and scored through Tudor Weyers grabbing his second of the day to reward his tireless performance. Todd Hutchinson added the conversion yet again and there was still time for Charlie Chapman to cap a fine, driving performance with a late try after another long run from Sorooshian.

A final scoreline of 61-7 to Bury did not reflect the periods of the game when Ipswich YM were pressing hard, but a strong defensive team effort set the platform for the squad’s attacking skills to shine through. Injuries meant the game finished at 13 a side but, despite this disruption, Bury coped well and continued to run the ball out of defence whenever possible, whilst working hard all game to cover the Ipswich YM threat. Well done to all the players; this bodes well for the second half of the season.