27th October  2007 - Hull Ionians  17  Morley  10  - National 3 North     pictures          more pictures

Hull Ionians tenacious defence combined with clinical finishing of their scoring chances maintained their unbeaten home record. Morley had far more territory and possession advantage but struggled to use it in a game dominated by tremendous tackling by both teams. Captain Mike Cawthorn had every reason to be pleased with his team’s hard graft for the full 80 minutes that left Morley wondering at the end how on earth they could not score from so many good positions.

Morley kicked off into the strengthening wind, which Hull Ionians used well to push them back. Offside at the scrum saw James Ferguson strike an early penalty, missing with a long-range attempt minutes later. The next penalty was kicked to the corner but Morley turned over possession and relieved the pressure.

With defences dominating turn over ball was far to frequent, but neither side could find any gaps to take advantage. Both teams were kicking to making ground, Hull Ionians having the wind advantage to make more of it.

After 30 minutes Morley produced their first real flowing rugby and recycled ball gave Mark Pease just enough space to break the tackle and score against his old club. Glenn Boyd adding the touchline conversion, also scoring against his old club. However Hull Ionians replied immediately. The forwards provided quick line-out ball and Travis Plumridge smashed through the tackle then looked for support to feed Danny Hague racing through to go under the posts untouched , Ferguson converting. To close the half, spoiled Morley lineout ball saw Mark Wigham racing through and kicking the ball on, but he understandably appeared from behind to have knocked the ball on denying a certain try.

The second half saw Morley using the wind well to camp in the attacking 22 but lacking ideas of how to break the tenacious defence of Hull Ionians. In the second minute a 3-man overlap was swamped by a swarming defence then a break on the wing saw James Greene produce a try saving cover tackle.

On 60 minutes frustration at turnover ball saw the Morley prop yellow carded for careless feet and Hull Ionians first attack of the half was clinically finished. Quick ball off the attacking line-out saw Danny Hague then Mark Wigham charging through, then sharp passing found man of the match prop Chris Starling steaming through to celebrate his first try for the club, Ferguson again converting. Morley returned to the attack but their only score was an injury time penalty by Peter Murphy to salvage the loosing bonus point.