1st Mach  2008 - Hull Ionians 10 Preston Grasshoppers 11 - National 3 North       report    photos

Programme Notes:

·      Today we welcome Preston Grasshoppers, one of the clubs with whom there is a long history of fixtures dating back to before most, if not all, of the players were born. When we met at Lightfoot Green on 3^rd November last year ‘Hoppers were 2^nd in the league table with Hull Ionians just 3 points behind them in 5^th place, both clubs harbouring thoughts of playing for promotion. How things have changed in just 3 months! We are now both intent on ensuring we win at least two or three more matches to ensure we do not get sucked into the relegation dogfight. ‘Hoppers are a bit too near the bottom group for comfort and struggling through a bit of an injury epidemic in the last few weeks, but we are not far above them. The saving grace for all of us in mid table is none of the bottom 4 have any easy fixtures left either – in fact there is no such thing as an easy fixture in this league, everyone is capable of beating everyone on the day they find their form. Currently Tynedale have virtually won the league already, needing just 6 more league points to be unreachable, with Leicester Lions, Darlington Mowden Park and Rugby Lions fighting it out for the play-off place and they all still have to play each other. At the bottom end Macclesfield and Morley are currently finding some form and threatening a great escape with currently any of the other teams above them still seeking safety, West park looking the most vulnerable at the moment.

·      Today’s match also sees the last of our pre-match lunches this season when we hope to see many of the ‘Hoppers supporters too especially their President Peter Ashcroft, Chairman Gorge Erdozain, Secretary Mike Forshaw and the Admin, Sponsorship, Programme and Press Officer who does all the hard work, Ken Moore.

·      The Hawks were awarded a 25-0 win at home last week as Morley called off due to lack of a front row. However Morley are allowed to request a replay of the match, an encounter the Hawks look forward to as they push to overtake Morley for a top place in the Yorkshire Premiership League.

·      The Six Nations continues next Saturday with Ireland v Wales at 1.15 and Scotland v England at 3.15. Our interest will be focussed on Hull Ionians v Beverley, followed by the Fashion Show in the evening. France v Italy will provide the opportunity to relax in front of the TV at 3pm on Sunday.

·      There are also 3 other dates that everyone should have in their diaries. On Maundy Thursday, March 20^th, we have our own Club Dinner, which all can enjoy as no work or rugby the following day. Rugby Director Grahame Simm is co-ordinating this function and places can be booked via him, team Captains or the Office. Friday 25^th April we have our Annual Sportsman’s Dinner when David Duckham, one of England’s best ever wingers in his time, will be our guest speaker. We also starting the push to sell tickets for our Summer Ball on June 14^th. This features Yorkshire’s Premier party Band ‘Morris & the Minors’ and Disco DJ Pat Thong. There is Gourmet Buffet at this Black Tie event costing £39.50. There are also Hospitality facilities available to be booked for pre-dinner drinks and canapés.

·      Our referee today is Gareth Hodges from the outskirts of Liverpool, quite close to the Mersey, who was last here for our Trophy Match with Wharfedale.

·      Our Touch Judges today are Richard Massey and Steve Barr. Richard has travelled up from Spalding and Steve from Lichfield. Both have met with us several times this season, together at Beverley and also here for the Bradford Cup game.

Brian Norman
Programme Editor

Rugby player James Greene is aiming to score the biggest try of his life by hiring himself out for the night to raise cash for a good cause.
The strapping Hull Ionians scrum half, 20, has offered himself as the prize auction lot in a charity fashion show to help raise money for rugby development at the club.
 “He’ll be yours to do with as you please,” said Hull Ionians skipper Mike Cawthorn. “If you’re the highest bidder, he’s up for anything.”
James, who is single and works as a fitness instructor at Cave Castle, was voted Players’ Player of the Year 2006/07 and is one of the fittest members of the squad.
 “I can’t wait to get out there and show the lads what I’m made of,” he said. “I’ll tackle anything — a spot of DIY, a bit of gardening or just moving a bit of furniture. By scrumming down hard, I’ll be helping someone out and scoring a few pounds for the club.”
Skipper Mike added: “He’s a young lad and it’s all for a good cause. I’m even trying to get him to model the swimwear to whip up some seriously fierce bidding.”
About 150 people are expected to attend the event, at Brantingham Park, Elloughton, home of the Hull Ionians Rugby Club, on March 8. The show has been organised by the club in association with Hessle ladies clothing retailer Crave Boutique and also features men’s clothes store Dias, hair and beauty salon Unique and nail care salon Polished Performance.
The £20 ticket includes a three-course meal, fashion show and a disco. Along with auctioning James for the night, also up for grabs will be a massage and all-over body MOT by the club physio Abi Whiting.

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