Rugby: A NEW look Ipswich rugby team tackle new opposition, The Bank of England, in their first away league match in the London League Division Two North tomorrow (Sat) at Roehampton.

A NEW look Ipswich rugby team tackle new opposition, The Bank of England, in their first away league match in the London League Division Two North tomorrow (Sat) at Roehampton.

Bank of England were promoted as champions London League Division Three at the end of last season.

"We have no idea what to expect but we do know they piled up more than 80 points in an NPI Cup victory last weekend and have won one game but lost another to Sudbury," said Mike Hancock, Ipswich Director of Rugby.

The Direct Motor Line sponsored Ipswich staged a massive comeback in last weekend's home friendly against Sevenoaks. From 25-0 down, Ipswich reduced the deficit to 25-10 by half time, then stormed back to win by 40 points to 37.

"It was a cracking second-half display and I was particularly impressed with the newcomers to the club, making their debuts, and who deservedly keep their places," added Hancock.

"The only real difference between the sides in essence was that Sevenoaks, who are strong favourites to win the London League Division Two South title, had played together for a long time and had well rehearsed and practised moves. But once we got the measure of them we more than matched them.

"The spirit is now very high and its clear that the more opportunity we have to work together as a team, in training and in matches, the better our performances will be."

Full back Mark Harding, with three tries was the man of the match against Sevenoaks and new scrum half Ollie Hall was also among those on the score sheet.

Rob Shurety had an outstanding game and keeps his place at lock alongside Alex Brigginshaw, captain in place of Adrian Price, who is away on holiday.

New boys Dan Garbutt, number eight, and Andy Hamer, flank forward, both from the West Country, continue in the back row alongside the vastly experienced Mike Edmonds.

Unfortunately another newcomer, centre Fred Guttridge, damaged an ankle setting up the first try last weekend. He is on crutches and likely to be out of action for several weeks.

There is a new centre pairing of Dave Lintott and Ollie Johnson with ace Van Heerden on the wing, allowing the new half-back partnership of Hall and Coker to continue.

With no Ipswich Magpies' fixture tomorrow there are around 25 players available with the A team fixture at home to Woodbridge seconds.

Ipswich Ladies also kick off their season at Humber Doucy Lane on Sunday and Ipswich Under 19s are away to Sudbury Under 19s next Wednesday evening.

Bank of England v Ipswich

Ipswich: Thomas, Reeve, Williams, Shurety, Brigginshaw, Garbutt, Hamer, Edmonds, Hall, Coker, Van Heerdon, Lintott, Johnson, Keiling or Brotherton, Harding. Replacements: Holland, Lary.