Lexus sponsored trip to Harlequins

On Saturday 16 Feb, Ionians travelled down to Harlequins for a day of Rugby.
The outing included training with some Quins coaches and 1st Team players as well as watching the Premiership match against Worcester.

As we arrived it became apparent that Global warming had taken a day off and unexpected cold weather had caught some of the locals under dressed. Ever the gentleman, John Doris did his best to keep them warm until adequate clothing arrived.

A good training session took place with South African International Gary Botha and the Quins back row player Tom Guest helping out, both were grateful for the lesson.

After a tour of the facilities we watched a closely fought first half.Worcester who are desperate for points spent a lot of time on the back foot but Quins failed to capitalise on all the possession, mostly due to poor kicking.

At half time I's took to the pitch and were presented with a signed shirt in front of crowd of about 8000 although some of the lads appeared to have their eyes on other things.

In the 2nd half, Harlequins justified their mid table position, running in several tries and finishing 36 -15 winners.

The monotony of the long journey back was broken only by painful renditions by Will Heylings of a never ending supply of once popular songs.

More pics to follow!

Man of the Match v Driffield

Well played Matt, 3 Tries and a big fine for not wearing a shirt and tie.

Driffield at home

Hull Ionians Under 15s v Driffield
Sunday 3rd Feb 2008.
Hull Ionians 56 Driffield 7
Having played their 3rd round Yorkshire cup match early, Ionians went into the pool for a game this week and having drawn Driffield at home, I’s took the opportunity to try out a few positional changes.
Torkington moved to fly half and Sam Wilson stepped into the centres and a number of forwards changes slightly altered the make up of the recently successful and powerful pack.
Playing into the wind, Ionians received the ball and after a number of phases Matt Butler crossed the line to open the score. The sequence was the first indication of how the referee wanted the game to flow and would play the advantage where possible.
Ionians continued to recycle the ball and dominate possession, but Driffield to their credit battled hard in the forwards and fought to disrupt Ionians plans.
A series of trys from Midgely, Butler and others followed and I’s went into the break well in front. Some superb ball carrying by Thundercliffe, Griffiths and Help had made a number of forward moving platforms for the backs to capitalise on and score.

The second half saw a few Ionians changes but the pattern of the game remained the same. Rennard, Hodges and Midgely continued to make yardage and the Ionians backs followed the example. Bainbridge, Hammersley playing at 15 and Daniel ‘Roy’ Casson playing in the centre were outstanding. A number of tries resulted as I’s reached 56 points.
The final score was altered in the last play of the match when Driffield demonstrated their determination and enthusiasm for the game, crossing the line after kicking out of defence and out chasing the on looking opposition.