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15th December 2007 - Hull Ionians 30 Harrogate 10 - National 3 North report photos more photos
Editors Notes:
· Harrogate today play their first competitive match at Brantingham Park and it is our first home competitive match with them since 1989/90, the season when Harrogate gained promotion from North 1 and have been in the National Leagues ever since. Harrogate came to Brantingham Park in August 2002 for a pre-season practise match and to Elloughton for a friendly match in 1992, which Hull Ionians won 15-3, but our two other matches were in the Yorkshire Cup, both at Harrogate. In the Yorkshire Cup quarter-final in 1994, it was a close home win, 19-17, then in the semi-final in 1995, another home win by 21-11.
· Today’s match sees the completion of the half way stage in the league and for the first time in our history we will be in the top half of the league at this stage. The first half also saw 6 home matches and 7 away, in only one of which did we fail to pick up any league points. With 7 home matches and just 6 away in the return half, we are well placed to improve our position.
· The Hawks high scoring form came to an end with an unusual result at home to Cleckheaton last Saturday, losing just 3-0. The team had their chances to kick penalties, but believed their pack strength could score and win the game from the positions gained, but it was not to be. While they are away at Harrogate today they take centre stage here next week against Ilkley for those of you not traveling with the 1st XV. You can then stay on at the club for the evening for our Christmas Carols Night with Beverley Brass.
· With just 2 weeks to Christmas there are plenty more social events at the club. Friday December 21st we have our 2nd Christmas party Night, which is booking up well, so a good night is guaranteed, why not bring your group of friends or office party here too. Boxing Day we have our usual Club v Exiles Game, kick-off at 12 noon, followed by the usual social gathering with old and new friends. Then we close the year with a New Years Eve Dinner and disco, another excellent night with a mouth-watering menu. See the web site www.hull-ionians.com, notice boards or contact the office for more details.
· December 29th presents another chance for a reunion with old friends when Hullensians are staging a charity match in memory of Simon Smith, when it is planned that all local rugby clubs will provide some players for the game.
· Our referee today, Rob Sheard, was here three weeks ago when we played Tynedale and also refereed our game at Caldy. He has also refereed Harrogate when they played Leicester Lions. Rob has lived in the Morecambe and played rugby at Vale of Lune until 1992 when he decided to try refereeing, so he joined the Manchester and District Referees Society.
· Our Touch Judges today are Mark Elliott from Loughborough and Mike Wells from Wetherby. My records indicate this is Mark’s first visit to Brantingham Park, though we have met him already this season at Rugby and Fylde. Mike Wells has been here many times, we last met him when Leicester Lions were here.
· As this is last programme for 2007 a final message of
A
Merry Christmas
and A Happy New Year
Brian Norman
Programme Editor
Copyright: Hull Ionians retain the copyright of all data and photographs on this web site but give permission for them to be used for the promotion of rugby by the clubs they are associated with. Any use beyond this should seek the permission of the web site Editor, Brian Norman, and a fee to the club may be due. All rights reserved © 2007.