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24th November 2007 - Hull Ionians v Tynedale - National 3 North - Programme Notes
pictures more pictures match report
Editors
Notes:
· Today it’s a warm welcome for Tynedale, a club we must have played more often than any other club since leagues were formed in 1987. Tynedale have travelled 145 miles to reach us today, a distance that is our longest journey but for them just an average away trip! Last season Tynedale made a disappointing start, a strong run in the middle to go clear at the top, then as the team to be beaten had a tough finish. They just missed out top spot, and then also lost the play-off at Westcombe Park despite a 17-0 lead half time lead. This season Tynedale have again been playing attractive open rugby, this year from the start, to build up a good lead in the league. They have collected 4 bonus points for 4 tries in their 10 matches and lost only once this season, three weeks ago at a rejuvenated Rugby Lions by 22-10. Today’s match is sure to be hard contest with both clubs keen to take as many league points as possible.
· The EDF Trophy round 3 draw to be played in 2 weeks time has again been kind to us, a home match with Wharfedale, kick-off 2.00pm. Tynedale have not done so well, coming back to East Yorkshire again to play Hull, at least neither of us are going to Cornwall! The rest of the draw is: Cambridge v London Scottish; Havant v Nuneaton; Macclesfield v Henley; Manchester v Caldy; Old Patesians v Blaydon; Otley v Kendal; Paignton v Blackheath; Preston Grasshoppers v Lydney; Redruth v Stourbridge; Richmond v Westoe; Southend v Mounts Bay; Waterloo v Ealing; Westcombe Park v Halifax; Worthing v Rosslyn Park.
· The match sponsorship rooms are available for our EDF Trophy match at home to Wharfedale, creating an opportunity for sponsoring the match. If anyone is interested please contact the office or a club director as soon as possible.
· The Hawks are at last benefiting from the larger squad of players we have this year with our injury list at last shrinking to a more manageable size. After two good wins against Huddersfield and Beverley, last Saturday was a much harsher test at Otley, loosing 30-24 and having the frustration of 3 match winning push over tries turned down in the final minutes as the referee was unsighted. After the first 3 matches they were at the bottom of their league, they have now climbed to half way.
· With just 6 weeks to Christmas there is an opportunity for you all to support and enjoy many social events at the club. Friday December 14th & 21st we have our Christmas party Nights which are booking up well, so a good night is guaranteed, why not bring your group of friends or office party here too. Then we close the year with a New Years Eve Dinner and disco, which is also an excellent night with a mouth-watering menu. See the web site www.hull-ionians.com, notice boards or contact the office for more details.
· Our referee today is Rob Sheard from Heysham in Lancashire. We have met with Rob before, this season in our opening match at Caldy, the previous occasion exactly 2 years ago at Tynedale. Rob has lived in the Morecambe and Lancaster area for most of his life. He has worked as an industrial chemist for 15 years, but is now a teacher. He played rugby at Vale of Lune until 1992 when he decided to try refereeing, so he joined the Manchester and District Referees Society. He was accepted on to the Panel of National Referees in 2000, but was forced to take a lengthy break from refereeing due to a hip condition. During this time he coached Referees on the Northern Group, and within Society. He rejoined in 2005.
· We have also met our Touch Judges today before, but not this season. They have also travelled South, Derek Blake from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham and Brian Callendar from Whitley Bay.
Brian Norman
Programme Editor