Sunday 6 September 2009
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Sunday 26 April 2009
Yorkshire Champions 2009
Ionians are the undisputed Yorkshire champions.
On Sunday 26 April 2009, Hull Ionians hosted the Yorkshire Cup finals at various age groups. I’s won at under 15s and in the finals held at Moortown, the under 19’s achieved a huge victory over Doncaster academy.
Hull Ionians under 16’s faced this years bogey team York, who have come from nowhere to having turned over some of the biggest clubs in the County this year.
I’s were at full strength other than the injured centre Torkington but a quick reshuffle resulted in a potentially lethal back line supporting a pack with a great deal of strength in depth.
York have this season made it their business to compete up front and turn over or spoil the ball wherever possible. The commitment and success of their pack being unrecognisable from years before. The game was therefore lined up for a giant clash.
Ionians started well and quickly ventured into the York half with a huge kick from Hammersley. There they remained for almost the whole of the half. A number of attacks created chances but points went begging as desperate York defence held firm or poor handling wasted golden opportunities.
For the first 20 minutes, Alex Griffiths and Elliot Hodges dominated the line outs and the resulting possession saw Isaac Green reach the line but held up, Henry Waine came close on several occasions and a telling break from scrum half Willingham led to nothing.
York held on and soon started to dominate the line outs and the scrums. Their ten man rugby however failed to pose a threat as I’s full back Sam Wilson dealt superbly with kick after kick. The half time whistle blew and York had the slight wind advantage. This combined with the Ionian’s failure to score in the first half could have given them the edge. A kickable penalty for York after 6 minutes could have given them the lead but as it sailed wide, Ionians came away with other ideas.
When skipper Danny Casson is on fire, Ionians always have the edge and despite the superb display from the York pack, Casson’s ability to steal the ball and cross the gain line created the opportunities for his team.
After 23 minutes, Ionians broke the deadlock with a superb passage of play starting with a Casson steal. As Josh Thundercliffe and Joe Midgeley combined for the first time in the game to breach the York defence, backs Green and Wilson both showed how to recycle the ball as it crossed from side to side. Slick handling then saw Henry Waine race onto the ball at unstoppable speed and a dramatic dive for the line in the corner resulted in 5 superb and desperately needed points.
As the game restarted, I’s looked favourites to score again but a series of penalties put them back into their 22 for a few tense moments. A combination of kicking and strong defence quickly moved them back into a position of strength but York’s defence held fast.
As the game reached a conclusion, Hammersley hit a spectacular drop goal to seal the victory and give the best team in Yorkshire the title for another 12 months.
The game was not the most entertaining and the rugby was only in part a demonstration of why Ionians have dominated the game in the region for so long but despite York’s lack of attacking flair, it was a huge contest up front and a game involving outstanding defence on both sides. York have grown unrecognisably this season and achieved some massive victories. Their resulting self belief added to commitment and their power in the pack tested I’s to the extreme. I’s however have an army of unsung heroes like Doris, Help, Carty, Rennard and Skelly as well as a lethal strike force led by Hammersley including the unstoppable Heylings, Wilson and Waine. A combination yet to be matched in the area.
On Sunday 26 April 2009, Hull Ionians hosted the Yorkshire Cup finals at various age groups. I’s won at under 15s and in the finals held at Moortown, the under 19’s achieved a huge victory over Doncaster academy.
Hull Ionians under 16’s faced this years bogey team York, who have come from nowhere to having turned over some of the biggest clubs in the County this year.
I’s were at full strength other than the injured centre Torkington but a quick reshuffle resulted in a potentially lethal back line supporting a pack with a great deal of strength in depth.
York have this season made it their business to compete up front and turn over or spoil the ball wherever possible. The commitment and success of their pack being unrecognisable from years before. The game was therefore lined up for a giant clash.
Ionians started well and quickly ventured into the York half with a huge kick from Hammersley. There they remained for almost the whole of the half. A number of attacks created chances but points went begging as desperate York defence held firm or poor handling wasted golden opportunities.
For the first 20 minutes, Alex Griffiths and Elliot Hodges dominated the line outs and the resulting possession saw Isaac Green reach the line but held up, Henry Waine came close on several occasions and a telling break from scrum half Willingham led to nothing.
York held on and soon started to dominate the line outs and the scrums. Their ten man rugby however failed to pose a threat as I’s full back Sam Wilson dealt superbly with kick after kick. The half time whistle blew and York had the slight wind advantage. This combined with the Ionian’s failure to score in the first half could have given them the edge. A kickable penalty for York after 6 minutes could have given them the lead but as it sailed wide, Ionians came away with other ideas.
When skipper Danny Casson is on fire, Ionians always have the edge and despite the superb display from the York pack, Casson’s ability to steal the ball and cross the gain line created the opportunities for his team.
After 23 minutes, Ionians broke the deadlock with a superb passage of play starting with a Casson steal. As Josh Thundercliffe and Joe Midgeley combined for the first time in the game to breach the York defence, backs Green and Wilson both showed how to recycle the ball as it crossed from side to side. Slick handling then saw Henry Waine race onto the ball at unstoppable speed and a dramatic dive for the line in the corner resulted in 5 superb and desperately needed points.
As the game restarted, I’s looked favourites to score again but a series of penalties put them back into their 22 for a few tense moments. A combination of kicking and strong defence quickly moved them back into a position of strength but York’s defence held fast.
As the game reached a conclusion, Hammersley hit a spectacular drop goal to seal the victory and give the best team in Yorkshire the title for another 12 months.
The game was not the most entertaining and the rugby was only in part a demonstration of why Ionians have dominated the game in the region for so long but despite York’s lack of attacking flair, it was a huge contest up front and a game involving outstanding defence on both sides. York have grown unrecognisably this season and achieved some massive victories. Their resulting self belief added to commitment and their power in the pack tested I’s to the extreme. I’s however have an army of unsung heroes like Doris, Help, Carty, Rennard and Skelly as well as a lethal strike force led by Hammersley including the unstoppable Heylings, Wilson and Waine. A combination yet to be matched in the area.
Tuesday 14 April 2009
2009 Lexus National Finals
Hull Ionians Under 16s travelled to St Albans for the Easter weekend, intending to bring back the Lexus national trophy. The superb facilities and pitches meant the stage couldn’t have been better.
The 12 a side tournament involved the winners of the 6 regional events playing each other over 7 minutes each way. 4 points were awarded for a win, 2 points for a draw and bonus points awarded for 4 tries being scored in a game. Ionians won 4 and drew 1 but had to watch in despair as the hosts Old Albanians took on Newbury in the last game needing to win by a large score. Old Albanians had won 2 and drawn 2, achieving a bonus point in the process. Newbury unfortunately had nothing to play for and looked out on their feet as Old Albanians ran in 6 tries to take the title on points.
Despite having won the most games and only having conceded one try all tournament, I’s had to settle for ‘Runners up’ medals.
Hull Ionians 7, Newbury 0.
The day had started well for I’s, despite still being on the bus when the first game kicked off. Perhaps it was the bright pink shirts of Newbury that left I’s looking overwhelmed but after a few nervous minutes and a few try saving tackles, I’s started to get the upper hand but at half time the score remained 0 - 0.
The 2nd half started well as a forward drive took the ball from outside the 22 to the try line and as Newbury collapsed the maul a penalty try was awarded. Hammersley converted and I’s were in front, a couple of other attacks fell short but the 7 - 0 score line stood.
Old Albanians 0, Hull Ionians 0.
The 2nd game was fast and furious as Old Albanians had most of the possession. As throughout the tournament, Ionians defence was outstanding and the hosts were kept at bay. With no real attacking highlights coming from I’s, the game finished 0 - 0 and I’s new they were in a tough competition.
Hull Ionians 14, Chipstead 7.
I’s then had a short break before taking on the fast running backs of Chipstead who in an outstanding 2nd half had come from behind to draw with Old Albanians.
I’s started this game well with Danny Casson moving to the centres after an injury to Henry Waine. I’s by now were gaining confidence and started to look more like the rugby players they are. Unfortunately they were unable to capitalise on a few early chances. Chipstead then took the lead after about 4 minutes and I’s were suddenly 7 - 0 down.
I’s immediately went back at them and a big tackle by Torkington seemed to add to their momentum as they piled the pressure on. (It did unfortunately result in injury to the Chipstead player who had to leave the field). Chipstead defended well and the score stayed the same until half time.
In the 2nd half I’s continued to attack and a break from half way by Josh Thundercliffe started to send Chipstead backwards. A series of superb off loads then gave Sam Wilson enough space to cross the line and make for the posts. The conversion levelled the game and within a few minutes Joe Midgeley drove over and has the conversion sailed over, the game was won.
Hull Ionians 19, Billingham 0.
I’s started with the same line up and Casson’s ability to steal the ball quickly proved it’s worth as he won the ball just inside the opposition half. The ball quickly travelled down the line and Sam Wilson finished in the corner.
In the 2nd half, No 8 Elliot Hodges broke off the back of the scrum and raced the 20 meters to the line. Hammersley converted and I’s were in sight of a bonus point.
Very quickly, Josh Thundercliffe finished off a move under the posts and converted himself to make it 19, 0. The value of a powerful pack proving it’s worth.
I’s failed to capitalise on a number of chances to make the vital 4th try of the game and the bonus point was lost.
Hull Ionians 12, Sandbach 0.
Ionians went into the final game confident but facing the winners of the North West region who had shown themselves to be a strong team and were still in the race for silverware.
In the first half, Joe Midgeley came off the back of the line with Jordan Help on his shoulder. A powerful drive sent the opposition 15 meters back. The ball was recycled and travelled down the line twice before Thunders carried it and 4 or 5 Sandbach players over the line for 5 points.
In the 2nd half Ionians held firm and the Sandbach centres who had pierced several defences throughout the day were frustrated. As the outside centre charged out of his half, the combination of Casson and Torkington took him to the ground and took the ball off him in one slick movement. The recycled ball travelled down the line twice before Isaac Green broke from the base of a ruck and having drawn the defence popped the ball up for Hammersley to score. Torkington converted and Ionians were well in front.
As the final whistle blew, I’s had a tense wait for the final games to be played, only to see Old Albanians destroy an already beaten Newbury and win the title. Despite their obvious disappointment at the points system, Ionians proudly collected their runners up medals, presented by Richard Hill.
Ionians had taken a strong squad and some players got more game time than others but it was a giant team effort in which the depth of forward power was perhaps decisive.
The tournament sponsored by Lexus in it’s 5th and final year saw some outstanding rugby by teams from all over the country. It was exceptionally well organised and refereed at fantastic sporting facility.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Man of the Match v Wheatley Hills
I went in to a pet shop. I said, 'Can I buy a goldfish?' The guy said, 'Do you want an aquarium?' I said, 'I don't care what star sign it is.
Ionians reach the final again
Hull Ionians Under 16s v Wheatley Hills
Wheatley Hills 10 Hull Ionians 17 .
The next try followed quite quickly as man of the match Josh Thundercliffe burst out of defence and a series of offloads again opened up the field for the backs to inter link and score a superb try under the posts. Hammersley converted and Ionians were in front.
Ionians continued to press and some superb kicking out of defence by Hamersley gave them more momentum. A break, this time by 2nd row Joe Midgeley, took I’s from their own half to the Wheatley 22. This time Hamersley looked outside, before placing a delicate grubber kick through the gap and over the line, which he followed up himself just beating the covering defenders to the ball. The kick went wide but Ionians had won the game.
The game finished Wheatley Hills 10 - Hull Ionians 17 and although there were several flare ups during the match, it was a pleasure to watch 2 totally committed teams playing quality Rugby over 60 minutes. The battle that had taken place on the pitch was complemented by the sporting attitude of the losers who as soon as the final whistle blew were gracious in defeat and congratulated the victors, wishing them luck in the final. This commendable attitude, typical of Rugby, was then matched by their coaching staff and supporters. Ionians now face York in the final at Brantigham Park on 26 April 2009.
Yorkshire Cup Semi Final 22 March 2009
Wheatley Hills 10 Hull Ionians 17 .
The Yorkshire champions travelled to Wheatley Hills on a sunny but blustery day, with one thing on their minds. Victory to take them into the Yorkshire Cup Final and a chance to maintain their unbeaten record in the competition since Under 11s.
Ionians new their opposition were strong, particularly in the forwards as they had overcome the mighty Doncaster pack in the previous round. Ionians however went with a powerful pack and a formidable and attacking backline.
Wheatley Hills kicked off in front of a passionate and vocal crowd who’s cheers echoed around the ground as a rare handling error by Hammersley gave them the momentum to charge over the Ionian’s line. A stunned Ionians team then watched as the kick bounced back of the post and Wheatley Hills re lined having stated their intent.
Wheatley Hills kicked off in front of a passionate and vocal crowd who’s cheers echoed around the ground as a rare handling error by Hammersley gave them the momentum to charge over the Ionian’s line. A stunned Ionians team then watched as the kick bounced back of the post and Wheatley Hills re lined having stated their intent.
A battle of the packs ensued and Ionians keen to throw the ball wide were locked in midfield for the next 15 minutes, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Eventually the hard battling forwards won possession and a series of back moves gained ground. Wheatley Hill’s backs however were no pushovers and some excellent defending repelled the Ionians charge.
Wheatley began to make use of the strong cross field wind and some high, testing kicks relieved the pressure and forced Ionians back. The fast and furious game was maintained throughout the half, helped by the referee who had clearly had an extra helping of common sense for breakfast.
Ionians had several close run attacks but failed to reach the line whilst Wheatley countered several times although their backs never really got the chance to run. The Wheatley forwards continued to test the I’s defence causing several scrambled clearances.
Wheatley began to make use of the strong cross field wind and some high, testing kicks relieved the pressure and forced Ionians back. The fast and furious game was maintained throughout the half, helped by the referee who had clearly had an extra helping of common sense for breakfast.
Ionians had several close run attacks but failed to reach the line whilst Wheatley countered several times although their backs never really got the chance to run. The Wheatley forwards continued to test the I’s defence causing several scrambled clearances.
Just before the break, a long range Wheatley penalty attempt just went wide. The half finished and Ionians were unusually behind.
Ionians started the second half with the wind slightly in their favour and began to look the more likely team to score. The Ionians forwards had spent the first half trying to put the backs away and now wanted a go themselves. The combination of forward running and the flare and pace of the backs began to cut holes in the desperate Wheatley defence.
The first try came as a series of forward drives put Wheatley on the back foot before slick handling of the recycled ball saw Isaac Green go over in the corner.
Ionians started the second half with the wind slightly in their favour and began to look the more likely team to score. The Ionians forwards had spent the first half trying to put the backs away and now wanted a go themselves. The combination of forward running and the flare and pace of the backs began to cut holes in the desperate Wheatley defence.
The first try came as a series of forward drives put Wheatley on the back foot before slick handling of the recycled ball saw Isaac Green go over in the corner.
The next try followed quite quickly as man of the match Josh Thundercliffe burst out of defence and a series of offloads again opened up the field for the backs to inter link and score a superb try under the posts. Hammersley converted and Ionians were in front.
Ionians continued to press and some superb kicking out of defence by Hamersley gave them more momentum. A break, this time by 2nd row Joe Midgeley, took I’s from their own half to the Wheatley 22. This time Hamersley looked outside, before placing a delicate grubber kick through the gap and over the line, which he followed up himself just beating the covering defenders to the ball. The kick went wide but Ionians had won the game.
Wheatley who are not a team to lie down continued to battle and as they did in the first minute of the game, they again attacked the Ionian’s line, this time the Scrum Half touched down, driven over by his forwards after carving through the Ionian’s pack from a well worked tap penalty.
The game finished Wheatley Hills 10 - Hull Ionians 17 and although there were several flare ups during the match, it was a pleasure to watch 2 totally committed teams playing quality Rugby over 60 minutes. The battle that had taken place on the pitch was complemented by the sporting attitude of the losers who as soon as the final whistle blew were gracious in defeat and congratulated the victors, wishing them luck in the final. This commendable attitude, typical of Rugby, was then matched by their coaching staff and supporters. Ionians now face York in the final at Brantigham Park on 26 April 2009.
Sunday 8 March 2009
Man of the match v Pocklington
A man walked into the doctor's, he said 'I've hurt my arm in several places' The doctor said 'well don't go there any more'
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