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.
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