Hull Ionians Under 15s victorious in their 3rd round Yorkshire Cup tie.
Sunday 27th January 2008
Barnsley 0, Hull Ionians 20
Having already triumphed over South Yorkshire giants Doncaster and Rotherham since Christmas in the normal fixture list, Ionians travelled to Barnsley for the 3rd round of the Yorkshire cup. I's were virtually up to strength which is a testament to the players whose commitment through a number of tough games has been unquestioned.
Ionians skipper Simon Hammersley, opted to play the first half facing into the blustery wind. A move which proved to be right as a tired Barnsley struggled against it in the second half.
The Kick off fell to Tom Doris whose safe hands then carried the ball back at the Barnsley pack and started a string of pick and drives by the I’s forwards who held onto possession for the majority of the game. Joe Rennard, Elliot Hodges and particularly Josh Thundercliffe made good yardage from recycled ball throughout the game, capitalising on the good work by the whole of the Ionians pack. Barnsley to their credit defended extremely well and their tackling, particularly in the forwards was outstanding.
10 Minutes into the game, pressure on Barnsley possession in their own 22, saw them spill the ball and Ionians no 6 Tom Doris picked up the ball and headed for the line. Good defence forced him to touch down just short giving Barnsley the put in at another scrum.
The Barnsley front row stepped up under pressure to face the Ionian’s props of Josh Thundercliffe and Jordan Help. They were however unable to deal with the strength and developing technique of the powerful duo who were supported by a strong second row pairing of Midgely and Rennard. I’s Hooker Dom Carty took advantage and struck against the head for the first of many during the game. Taking advantage of the steal, Scrum Half Brad Willingham grabbed the ball and raced blind. Having put in a clever inside dummy, he found enough space to cross the line for the first score. (Carty who’s work in the loose often goes un reported was later awarded Man of the Match and after the game proudly paraded in the gold sequined waistcoat which goes with the title).
10 Minutes later, after more concerted pressure, No 8 Elliot Hodges picked up from the base of a scrum in the Barnsley 22 after yet another steal by Carty. Hodges having looked outside, stepped back in an carried 2 defenders with him over the line to score. By this time Casson and Thundercliffe had both come close to scoring but had just been held back by the desperate Barnsley defence.
Hammersley’s conversion attempt was just blown wide and Ionians went into the break with a 10 – 0 lead. By this point the backs had not seen as much ball as they are used to but the Ionians forwards had dominated the game and could only be criticised for a few too many infringements in the loose.
With the wind behind them in the second half, Ionians started well with one attack after another. Barnsley however to their credit had far from given up and continued to battle and made several forays into the Ionians half. Their back line also defended well and as Ionians moved the ball out to their wings, they were continually stopped short. Some superb covering by the Barnsley open side is also worthy of comment.
Ionians managed to score twice more by the end of the game and demonstrated their ability to combine individual flair with changing game plans and strategies. Those who on this occasion spent the first half on the bench should also be pleased with their performance, particularly Alex Griffiths whose tackling was exceptional.
Barnsley were gracious in defeat and provided a welcoming atmosphere in the club house after the game where the efforts of both teams and the referee were complemented.
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