It’s been a busy summer for Ipswich, with scores of players and coaches representing Suffolk and East Regions, and several junior players away on international duty, but the season has finally rolled around again, writes Arron MacDonald.

Ipswich U14 Boys II opened with the club’s first junior home game of the season, squaring-off against Thurrock Hornets at Copleston.

They gained a 65-52 win in a game which saw several players make their debuts for the club in a mature performance that delighted coach Wordsworth.

The U16 Boys travelled to face Barking & Dagenham Thunder without coach Girling, but buoyed by the news that Charlie Ratliff, Ben Winter and Veron have made the preliminary national squads.

Coach Tony Dixon asked the team to focus on defence and to keep the hosts out of the lane, which they did en-route to a 81-50 win.

Ipswich’s leading scorers were Ratliff (19), Blake Read (17) and Harry Page (13), with nine of the squad getting on the scoresheet.

After reaching the Final Fours last season, expectations are again high for the U14 Boys 1, who closed the weekend out for the club as they won every quarter on their way to a 91-61 win over Hertfordshire Warriors in their season opener.

Huggins (19), Yusoof (18) and Price (15) led the scoring for coach Lambert’s side.

Lambert added: “It was a bit of a ragged opener, but a good settler for the new additions to this dedicated team.”

With the rest of the teams at the club beginning their season next weekend, and seven home games, it promises to be a busy weekend at Copleston – so people are welcome to come along and support the club.