Sunday 18th November 2007 Ionians U15's v Newark away

Newark 0 Hull Ionians 17

On the wettest Sunday of the season so far, Ionians ventured into Nottinghamshire to take on Newark for the first time. The subsidised Coffee, Bacon Sandwiches and large selection of other Sunday morning delicacies immediately added to the atmosphere of a thriving Club with a Mini Junior section apparently bigger than that of Ionians.
I's took to the field led by stand in skipper Elliot Hodges who took on the mantle after a series of injuries in the backs also resulted in back rows Casson and Doris filling in as centres.
The well cultivated pitch was only spoilt by a lack of width, but the cold, windy and wet conditions dictated the game would be won or lost by the forwards.
Hodges playing at 7 led from the front, perhaps inspired by his recent success in the Yorkshire trials and had his best game of the season along with several others including Matt Butler and Nathan Franklyn.
Ionians took the game to Newark, dominating possession and driving the home team backwards for 15 minutes before Prop Franklin forced his way over to score.
The Newark defence was outstanding throughout the game and despite a number of powerful bursts by Josh Thundercliffe and Jordan Help, the visitors only crossed the line on one more occasion that half to lead 10 - 0 at break.
The backs on the occasions the ball was made available to them, to their credit attempted to run the ball where others less confident may have been tempted to kick. Unfortunately freezing fingers spilled the wet ball at the decisive moments and a number of promising attacks were rebuffed.
The forwards continued to dominate and Newark managed only one attack when the full back found some space on the left wing but was unceremoniously dumped into touch by his opposite number Sam Wilson.
Another strong performance by Joe Rennard was rewarded with a try from a rolling maul and the kick was converted by Casson with a curling left footed chip that Ryan Giggs would have been proud of.
Newark's defence held strong for the remainder of the game and the final score failed to reflect their large amount of possession.
A solid performance by Ionians only marred by a large number of unforced errors and too many penalties given away.