RUGBY UNION: Ipswich YM could further boost their promotion aspirations on Saturday when they play host to Thurston.Currently the only undefeated team with a seven wins from seven record atop the EC2N division, a win over second placed Thurston at Rushmere would create a six point gap between first and second place.

RUGBY UNION

Ipswich YM could further boost their promotion aspirations tomorrow when they play host to Thurston.

Currently the only undefeated team with a seven wins from seven record atop the EC2N division, a win over second placed Thurston at Rushmere would create a six point gap between first and second place.

With the YM on 14 points and Thurston on 10, there's a group of three teams behind on eight points.

Two of those sides play each other (Southwold v Lakenham ) while Newmarket should beat lowly Norwich Union, which means a possible three placed tie for second place, crucially that six points back.

While the YM have been playing some superb rugby to maintain that unbeaten run, the injuries have been steadily mounting and coach Noel Holloway has been unable to field the same team from one week to the next.

The good news is that the strength of the YM squad has meant with every new body coming into the side, there has been no effect on the teams ability.

With a recent influx of players to the club, who all look like they have first team potential, things are shaping up nicely along The Street.

A huge lift for tomorrow's crunch will be the return of number eight Derek Cawston.

His return from a back injury couldn't have come at a better time and scrum half Phil Watts, in particular, will be delighted to resume duties with the livewire back row man.

It'll be quite a showdown tomorrow then, the YM are placing enormous emphasis on this opportunity, the action starts at 2.15pm when a large support is anticipated.