IPSWICH players had more than one reason to put on a performance at the weekend upon the news that Sudbury head coach Mark Bolton has taken charge of the Suffolk county side.

IPSWICH players had more than one reason to put on a performance at the weekend upon the news that Sudbury head coach Mark Bolton has taken charge of the Suffolk county side.

Ipswich put on an impressive display at Whittome Fields to emerge surprise 30-15 winners with several visiting players catching Bolton's eye.

Despite Bolton's disappointment at seeing his side's promotion hopes take a dent, he could not hide his excitement at the prospect of taking charge of Suffolk's match against Norfolk alongside Colchester's Bill Vine, who has been named team manager.

“It's certainly an honour,” he said. “I went through the interview process and I was obviously pleased to be asked.

“A lot of the players I can pick from actually play in Sudbury's division and we video all our matches so I can take a look from there.”

Local clubs have also been recommending players they would like to put forward for the county side and Bolton will be holding an open trial session on February 24 at Ipswich YM Rugby Club for players to put themselves forward.

“I've got a list of players that we are looking at but it's all to play for as well as we're doing five sessions before the first match. The first session will be open so anyone that feels they have something to offer is welcome to come along.

“I will then whittle it down from there.”

On the Sudbury front, Bolton is pleased to see his side still in contention for promotion despite last weekend's defeat against Ipswich.

“We don't want to put the mockers on it but it's an exciting time. We set the target of being in the top four with a few games to go and it's looking like we are going to achieve that.

“It's up to us to kick on from the position we're in now.”