I's progress in the yorkshire cup

Ionians tackle Brods in the quarter finals.

Hull Ionians under 16s made there way through the Yorkshire cup quater finals against probably the best side they have faced all season.
Ionians strengthened by the return of their county and North of England players went in to the game full of confidence and ready to attack.
I’s in their last game had been defeated by Sheffield having made the long trip without a number of representative players (sorry Sheffield, no match reporter present) and subsequently were determined to get back into winning ways.
I’s started well with Elliot Hodges driving over to score from the base of the a scrum after only a few minutes.

Brods who demonstrated great team spirit throughout, took the game straight back to I’s and a long period of stalemate took place in the centre of the field. Brods nearly scoring a break away try as Simon Hammersley and Henry Waine showed incredible pace to cover back and save a certain 7 points.
Brods played a an attacking game each time they won the ball but a potential 9 points were wasted by missed penalties by the full back who otherwise was outstanding.
After 20 minutes, Josh Thundercliffe drove towards the line from a break down and the recycled ball was picked up by No 7 Casson who powered through the desperate defence to score and give I’s a 10 - 0 lead.
Brods continued to battle and scored a superb try in the centre just after I’s had gone further a head with a slick back move finished in the corner.
At half time the score stood at 17 - 5 but the game was far from over.
Brods kicked off the 2nd half with the same spirit and determination that had held back the strongest team I’s had turned out for sometime. A close battle ensued which was edged in I’s favour when the superb Henry Waine scored the first of his 2 tries, the 2nd being an inspirational race from his own half round the outside of some extremely competent opposition.
Brods deservedly crossed the Ionians line again, refusing to concede but the game finished 29 - 10

This match was not only fast and furious but saw some superb performances by players on both sides. The rucking technique of the Brods forwards was a credit to their coaches and their backs were excellent in both attack and defence.

The Ionians back row led by captain Danny Casson were superb throughout and several other individuals excelled but the front 5’s on both sides battled hard for possession and should share the plaudits.

Man of the Match v Harrogate

In the absence of the official photogropher I have scoured our records for an old picture of Joe. I'm not sure the waistcoat would fit anyway.
This is how he would have looked if we still had a photographer

Ionians win in the snow

Hull Ionians 12 - Harrogate 6

Harrogate travelled to Brantingham Park on a chilly Sunday morning with snow on the ground. The ground beneath was not frozen and the early morning sun helped the decision to play.

Harrogate were short of a few players and although I's were not fully up to strength, they were able to spare Ryan Rodgers and Alistair Wilde who performed valiantly for the opposition.

Ionians started well with plenty of ball being won by the forwards and several attacks nearly breaking through the Harrogate defence. The visitors however were determined and throughout the game showed great resilience, tackling anything that moved.

Harrogate's tactical kicking game was effective and threatening and although Sam Wilson dealt well with most of the kicks well, poor support for the full back left I's looking vulnerable. Eventually Harrogate gained enough ground to get within sight of the posts and a cleanly kicked penalty put the 3 points ahead.

I's continued to attack and after being held up over the line several times, Isaac Green playing at 10 raced through a gap to put the home team in front for the first time in the game. The conversion made it 7 - 3 and the game continued in a similar vein until the break.

The second half saw a slightly changed Ionians team and the return of Henry Waine at outside centre, the Ionian's attacks though were still repelled by a strong Harrogate defence. A flat Ionian's line had failed to make the most of the ball in the first half and continued after the break. The forwards then started to run off the back of set pieces and the break downs to good effect. Hodges and Midgely being particularly successful, recycling the ball on each occasion.

After about 10 minutes a penalty near the line was fed to Jordan Help who steamed over the line to score and showed another big attacking asset available.

Harrogate fought back well and tried several nearly successful back moves as well as more tactical kicking. With about 7 minutes to go another penalty kick put the within 6 points of the home team and although I's nearly added to their tally Harrogate also came close to more points.

I's having learned some lessons from the York game were better but still wanting in attack and still suffered from poor communication. Joe Midgely playing at No 8 was awarded man of the match in what was an extremely fair and good tempered game of Rugby in the snow.

York spoil the party

Ionians confident of an easy victory strolled onto the pitch like something out of a Kevin and Perry movie and trained at half pace for an hour before ambling out again for the kick off.

Appearing almost deaf to their instructions and the coach’s demands for concentration, the players conspired for their own defeat.

Under strength due to County commitments and injury, victory would still be easy as the game started with I’s playing into the wind.

The majority of the first half was spent in the York half although little ball reached the back line as the York forwards sought to kill the ball however they could. When it did reach the backs it was dropped or knocked on as Ionians wasted chance after chance.

The York 10 fired a long drop goal home after a an isolated foray into the Ionian’s half and having been held up over the line on at least 3 occasions, Ionians went into the break 3 points behind.

A few changes were made but the players seemed determined to complicate the required simple game plan.
Early in the second half, poor communication resulted in a spilled ball which was collected by a pacey York player who raced half the length of the pitch to stretch the lead to 8. The conversion made it 10 and suddenly Ionians were in unchartered territory.

For 20 minutes, Ionians piled on the pressure as York defended with great determination and commitment. Without penalty however , they killed the ball continually and prevented opportunities for Ionians to capitalise on their possession.

Jordan Help managed to force his way over the line with about 15 minutes to go and the conversion left a 3 point gap.

I’s continued to pile on the pressure with some forwards giving everything but from most there was lethargy or panic. Poor decision making and numerous handling errors left the previously unbeaten Ionians stunned as the final whistle blew.

York 10 - Hull Ionians 7

Man of the match v Doncaster

The Infante Henrique, Duke of Viseu was an important figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire, being responsible for the beginning of the European worldwide explorations. He is known in English as Prince Henry the Navigator through any backline placed in front of him.
It is a common conception that Henry gathered at his Vila on the Sagres peninsula a school of navigators and map-makers. He did employ some cartographers to help him coast through the Doncaster defence.
Henry is described as a person with no luxuries, not avaricious, speaking with soft words and calm gestures, a man of many virtues that never allowed any poor person leave his presence empty handed.

Determined Doncaster denied

Hull Ionians 19 Doncaster 16.

On Sunday 19 October 2008 Ionians hosted a strong Doncaster squad who without doubt were determined to win. Ionians had several years worth of successes and although a couple of key players were being rested, they retained the upper hand.

Doncaster stepped up with their usual ferocity, their powerful pack now strengthened by the recently aquired No 4 from the County / Leeds programme.

Ionians held some of their power houses back for the 2nd half, and for 10 minutes were in charge. Although Doncaster saw more of the ball, Ionians looked more dangerous and when centre Henry Waine was shown a bit of space, he raced 40 yards before placing a clever chip towards the line. Full back Sam Wilson then outstripped the Donny defence to touch the ball down.

Torkington converted and for a while I's were in charge.

To their credit, Doncaster's pack hit back and began to dominate the game as some of the Ionians forwards looked on. Doncaster played a kicking game throughout, wasting so much possession but after 20 minutes they started to utilise what the forwards worked so hard to give them. After several big drives, the number 6 drove over the line and although they failed to convert, a later penalty saw their 10 kick them into a 8 - 7 lead.

Big games from Doris, Hodges and Midgeley held back the Doncaster charge.

After the break, Doncaster looked confident and went all out to win. A kick to no where resulted in a 5m scrum and as the 8 popped the ball to the 9, enough space was created for the I's defence to be breached.

A missed conversion followed by a penalty saw Donny take a significant lead but Ionian's determination to avoid defeat saw Josh Thundercliffe power over the line followed by a scintillating run by Henry Waine which allowed Isaac Green to kick for victory.

Ionians won by 19 points to 16 and retained their unbeaten record but new they 'd been in a game. Although the match had seen some unnecessary nastiness, both teams were responsible for an excellent display of junior Rugby.

Man of the match v Titans

In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful Rugby players that ruled during the legendary Golden Age. Their role as Elder Gods being overthrown by a present race of younger gods, the Ionians effected a mythological paradigm shift that the Greeks borrowed from the Ancient Near East.

An example of an Ionian is shown below.

Ionians roll over Rotherham

Sunday 12 October 2008.

Ionians stepped on to the show pitch at Brantingham Park with a nearly full squad and virtually 2 powerful packs. From the start, they dominated the game and the backs took great delight in throwing around ball repeatedly given to them by a dominant pack.

Leading from the front, Captain Danny Casson opened the scoring, followed by tries from Henry Waine, Brad Willingham and Isaac Green most of which were converted by Hammersley.

The ball continued to be sprayed about as the forwards won ball after ball and a series of slick moves created numerous gaps and opportunities. Alex Griffiths again dominated the line outs and the pack in general won most of the loose ball as well as the scrums.

The recently formed partnership in the centres of Torkington and Waine continually punched holes in the Titans defence and Waine and full back Wilson added further tries before half time.

After the break, 5 changes were made in the pack and Willingham moved to scrum half, with Green moving to 10 allowing the ever outstanding Hammersley to rest.

Elliot Hodges playing 2nd row and then No 8 took over from Griffiths in the line outs and Ionians continued to take advantage of the possession and the wide pitch, running in several more tries. Jordan Help who had taken over from Josh ‘Thunders’ Thundercliffe at prop, continued to drive static ball forward and scored under the posts late in the game. Other tries from Wilson, Casson and Waine took the final score to 62 -0

A superb team performance showed the strength in depth of the Ionians squad and left the powerful Rotherham Titans reeling as the Ionian tide swept them away.

The Rotherham players fought hard throughout the game but unable to win any ball, they were unable to get into the game. I'm sure many of their players accepted defeat gracefully unlike their match reporter who suggests Jordan as seen above and or some of the others? are over age. That and other such cynicism penned on the Rotherham website is not only incorrect but has no place in junior sport.

Yorkshire - Lexus Junior Rugby Festival 2008

Yorkshire - Lexus Junior Rugby Festival 2008

Ionians scale Wheatley Hill

Ionians travelled to Wheatley Hills, not only without the 7 players on representative duties and the injured Domnhall Talbot, but also without their long serving team photographer Simon Heylings for whom I’s are seeking a replacement.
I’s stepped up to the mark, to take on a feisty, unbeaten Wheatley Hills side who themselves were without 2 or 3 players.

Alex Torkington moved from 12 to 10 and Josh Pooley played his first game as a Centre since converting to Union. Alex Rodgers also played his first game at full back. The forwards were all in their own positions other than Joe Midgely who today decided to be an outstanding No 8.

The pack, led by Dom Carty took the game to Wheatley Hills from the start and after a closely contested 10 minutes, clean ball just outside the 22 saw Torkington put Pooley through a gap in the centre and having burst through towards the line, Pooley unselfishly drew the Full back and put Torkington in under the posts.
Torkington converted and several minutes later kicked a penalty to secure a 10 – 0 lead.

Ionians played the remainder of the game with 14 men after a sin binning and the loss of Jordan help but continued to dominate the first half. The I’s forwards were outstanding, with Alex Griffiths taking numerous line outs and the scrums holding as solid as usual.
With a few minutes remaining of the first half, Torkington feigned to Pooley and stepped through the gap before racing over the line to score his second converted try.
I’s went into half time with a 17 – 0 lead and psychological advantage despite being down to 14 men.

The second half saw some giant performances as the whole Ionians team and particularly the forwards defended their unbeaten run. It would be unfair to identify individuals as it was a team performance that kept Ionians ahead despite a Wheatley Hills try under the posts early in the second half.

Wheatley Hills scored again with about 15 minutes to go and were within 3 points as they piled on the pressure. Although I’s still had the attacking flair to score, several forays into the opposition half were equally well defended and came to nothing.

I’s in the end came away with a 17 – 14 victory and a huge confidence boost for those who have been overlooked in the highly competitive representative arena.

Man of the match v Sheffield

Has anyone seen Princess Jasmine, I miss her so much!

Yorkshire Cup victory

First round Yorkshire Cup victory for the holders

Hull Ionians Under 16s v Sheffield

Ionians under 16s played host to Sheffield in the first leg of their campaign to retain their Yorkshire Cup title. Ionians fielded a strong squad although certain schools and outside bodies are seeking to prevent some players from representing one of the most successful teams the region has produced for many years.
Within 5 minutes of the kick off, a piercing attack was finished off by Joe Reynard who forced his way over the line from 5 meters . Injuring himself in doing so he was replaced by Alex Griffiths.
Several minutes later, Ben Twilly chased down his own chip from the half way line to put Simon Hammersley in to score try number 2.
Hammersley scored his second shortly after with a typical individual try of the kind Austin Healey and dance partner would be proud.
Full back Sam Wilson who had collected a number of clearances by Sheffield, eventually found enough space to turn on his speed and blasted 30 yards before linking in with Danny Casson who took the move almost to the line before off loading to scrum half Isaac Green to finish off.
Sheffield refused to give in and with a combination between forwards and backs,forced their way under the posts to make it 24 – 5 at the break.
The second half saw a number of changes, including Brad Willingham coming on as Scrum Half and Chris Skelly taking over at loose head prop. Henry Waine who took over at outside centre had a superb game in defence but also made several lightning streaks through the middle of the field in his new found niche.
Danny Casson opened the scoring from a rolling maul and Sam Wilson finished off a slick move across the back line.
Hooker, Dom Carty was replaced due to injury by Domhnall Talbot who was keen to impress in his first game for the club. Talbot although playing out of position had an excellent 20 minutes and demonstrated his strength in possession as well as his fierce tackling.
With 7 minutes to go, Brad Willingham placed a clever chip over the heads of the Sheffield defence and after some fancy footwork by No 8 Hodges who collected the kick, he unselfishly passed to Green who finished under the posts.
The second half also saw appearances from Alistair Wilde, Nathan Franklyn and Ryan Rodgers all of whom demonstrated the strength of the squad and the options for the team selectors.
Several conversions by Hammersley and Wilson took the final score to 45 – 5 and Ionians came away worthy winners.

Man of the tournament

Even Captain Dan is prepared to ruin his image as a style guru after lifting his first trophy in his new role.

Lexus triumph

The Lexus Junior Festival 2008 / 2009.
On Sunday 21 September, Hull Ionians Under 16s travelled to Sheffield Tigers in a bid to retain their regional title as Lexus champions and qualify for the National final.
I’s were drawn in Group A along with Harrogate, Old Brodlians and Burton and although they had to leave a number of squad players at home due to the competition rules, they still had a great deal of strength in depth.

Each game of 12 a side and 7 minutes each way left no room for complacency and as Ionians started against Harrogate, it was half time before they woke up. After a dreary first 7 minutes, I’s kicked off with a bit more determination and alertness. Although Harrogate never looked like scoring, I’s spilled a number of balls in try scoring positions to come away with a 0 – 0 draw.

The second game against Brods was played with a little more fire. Tries from Henry Waine, Will Heylings and Simon Hammersley capitalised on the posession given to the backs (2 conversions by Hammersley) and I’s started to look like they were there to win.
Although coach Sean Carty had consistently made changes in order to allow players to perform, the final pool game against Burton saw 6 or 7 changes from the original line up against Harrogate. I’s took the lead early as Jordan Help burst through tackles to cross the line and winger Josh Pooley finished off a good back move to make it 10 – 0 at half time. Burton held back the tide for the rest of the game and I’s went in to the Semi Finals as group winners.

The semi final was against Lutterworth who were unfortunate enough to have been drawn against an ionians side now fully charged.
Within seconds of thekick off, Sam Wilson gathered the ball and raced 40 yards down the wing to score. a few minutes later scrum half Isaac Green finished off a move from the back of the scrum and hammersley converted. Wilson then again raced down the wing to score and Josh Pooley and Will Heylings both showed their pace as they raced over the line from distance to make it 31 - 0 at half time.
The second half again saw both Pooley and Heylings capitalise on slick handling through the back line and captain Danny Casson picked up from a scrum to power over the line.
The final score of 48 - 0 was a stark warning for the final opposition.

The other semi final saw Harrogate narrowly beaten by Nottingham who had looked the strongst team in Pool B by far.

7 hours after Ionians arrived at Sheffield, the whistle blew for the start of the final and the chance to retain their title as Lexus champions. within 2 minutes, Sam Wilson again finished off a back move to score and a few minutels later he also chased down a kick through by Hammersley to make it 10 - 0 at half time. Nottingham had seen some possession but were unable to break through the solid ionians defence.
3 minutes into the second half, No 10 Simon Hammersley darted through several gaps to score a trade mark individual try which he converted himself. Nottigham refused to give in and when I's failed to deal effectively with a kick over the top, they recycled the ball and forced their way onto the scoreboard.
Alex Griffiths then joined a forwards charge towards the Nottingham line and finished off the drive from 10 yards out to seal the Ionians victory at 22 points to 5.

BRIDLINGTON ALL AT SEA

On Sunday 14 September 2009, Ionians started their season with an emphatic victory over Bridlington. The score line of 71- 3 is a clear indication to future opposition of the awesome power and pace of this years squad.
Although Bridlington’s defence looked sturdy for the first five minutes, the continual charges from Ionians attack soon broke them down.
Full back Sam Wilson opened the scoring as he came into the line between the centres after quickly recycled ball wall moved through the slick back liner.
This years captain Danny Casson led by example throughout the game and scored the first of his 2 tries in a typical Casson style, bursting through a number of tackles and charging 25 yards to the line. His second later in the game was another individual try when he took the ball blind and cleverly kicked through and winning the chase for the ball controlling it over the line to score.
The powerful Ionians pack dominated in all aspects and looked at ease lifting as Elliot Hodges and Joe Reynard reached great heights in the line outs.
Other tries were scored by No 6 ,Tom Doris, who’s work in the loose, earned him this weeks Man of the Match award. Forwards Elliot Hodges and Joe Midgely also forced their way over the line and Will Heylings (2 tries), Henry Waine and new addition Josh Pooley (2 tries) demonstrated the pace and power of the back line.
The kicking duties were shared out after no 10 Hammersley converted 4.
The game was stopped 10 minutes into the second half due to an unfortunate injury resulting in the Bridlington No 7 being taken to hospital by ambulance.
In the 40 minutes played, Ionians scored 11 tries and showed their determination to retain their Lexus and Yorkshire titles.

Presentation Day

Presentation day 18th May 2008
Hull Ionians Mini/Junior SectionPresentation Day - Sunday 18th May 2008Come and celebrate our end of season

10:30 – 11:00 Parents and players to arrive.

11:15 Hull Daily Mail to take Club photo of whole M/J section.

1pm Dads vs Ramblers match on first team pitch

Note: For the presentation, Under 13s and above may wear Club shirt and Club tie with smart trousers.

All parents and players are invited to stay on for the afternoon to celebrate the end of the season. Avocado is organising a BBQ and will be serving food throughout the afternoon.

All players and family are invited to the Wilsons for our end of season bash roughly 3-4pm

Looking volunteers to organise a raffle (contact John Doris – 07957 817 057)John V. DorisHull Ionians Mini/Junior SectionProud to be sponsored by Lexus Hull

Proud Champions

Cup Final Man of the Match

Did you know I can also play the Flugelhorn