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Hull Ionians 31 Hull RUFC 48- National 2 North Photos MM Photos Prog Notes
Hull Ionians forwards gained the upper hand in the scrum
but the Hull backs showed their class when they had ball, the strong running of
Tevita Vaikona creating a constant threat and space coupled with good passing at
pace providing the finish. It was a hard fought derby game that provided good
entertainment with ten tries, not spoilt by the inevitable flare up on the hour
as players who all new each other too well and were always pushing the limits.
Hull will have been delighted with the finishing power their backs provided
while for Hull Ionians, Mick Watson can take heart from a good performance by
the forwards that provides a good platform on which to build. Both sides
achieved good ball retention in the second phase but the ability of Chris Murphy
and Dan Cook to slow the ball down denied Hull Ionians quick ball while when
Hull had the ball the powerful running of their backs proved the match winner.
An intense start to the match saw Hull concede a penalty early on with Iain
Gordon on form to convert from his own half, a second when Hull killed the ball
again going just wide. Hull Ionians had the first chance to score a try with a
break by Stephen Slingsby supported by Danny Smith, but his chip ahead was just
covered. Hull struck back immediately when they moved the ball to the backs and
strong running was finished by Russell Westcott. A returned clearance kick was
then flicked up out of the tackle and Tevita Vaikona was clear for a 60 metre
solo try, James Cameron converting. Hull Ionians rhythm was disrupted by twice
having Adam Thomas off the field for a blood injury then they lost the pace of
Danny Smith with a back injury. Hull illegally collapsed their rapidly
retreating scrum and Iain Gordon kicked the 50 metre penalty goal to keep his
team in the game. Hull responded again with another break by Tevita Vaikona that
forced a penalty and attacking line-out from which Ben Wade was driven over,
Cameron converting from wide out. Offside on the loose ball by Vaikona saw Iain
Gordon strike again but Hull Ionians could not get enough quick possession to
pose a threat. Hull then drove from a midfield line-out then powerful back play
ended with a chip and chase try for Russell Westcott, James Cameron converting
to lead 26-9. Another penalty gave Hull Ionians an attacking position but
cynical foul play denied a possible try by Adam Thomas and saw Hull a man down
at the break, powerful no 8 Laurence Pearce forced to take 10 minutes in the
bin.
Hull Ionians took full advantage and struck straight from
the restart, Rich Hill receiving the ball
then crashing through to send James
Liddle on to use his power to score despite being tackled at the line. Five
minutes later they struck again with Adam Thomas darting through from a scrum 30
metres out
to score, Iain Gordon converting to make it 21-26 and game on. Back to 15 men
Hull came back and frustration at killing of the ball saw 2 home yellow cards in
a minute, Mark Wigham for footwork and Adi Longbone for offside at the line,
allowing Hull back in the driving seat.
Hull took advantage of the outnumbered pack and from the attacking line-out
again drove Ben Wade in for a try in the corner. Then a midfield flare up saw
the referee return to his original penalty decision and Iain Gordon struck again
to keep the scores close. However Hull’s powerful back play was launched again
from quick line-out ball creating space for Rob Kitching to score. Then 15
minutes later after a line-out drive was held
quick hands saw Alex Piercy race
home, James Cameron converting both and a penalty to put Hull in command. Hull
Ionians refused to surrender and ran the penalty that closed the match with good
support play completed by a try for Joe Wright converted by Iain Gordon.