26th January  2008 - Hull Ionians 35 West Park 19 - National 3 North     pictures     more pictures     programme   iatc

Hull Ionians turned on the style as they ran in six tries against West Park to take them back into the top half of the table. Rugby Director Grahame Simm was delighted with the way the players showed they have regained their self confidence and good support for each other and built on it to play at full pace in the final quarter to run in four tries after the first hour had been a tight contest.

Park had all the early ball and sustained pressure eventually saw Rob Hitchmough squeezing through, Andrew Soutar converting. Hull Ionians drove a 5 metre scrum to the line but knocked on as they touched down. They attacked off the resulting line-out with a kick ahead recycled for Gary Stephenson to score. James Ferguson floated the conversion over with the wind, but they difficult wind denied him the other five conversions. Park regained the ball after the restart and missed tackles created an overlap for Andrew Soutar to score and add the goal. Hull Ionians continued to play creative rugby and a back row move off a midfield scrum saw James Greene dart through sending Sean Hannah clear for a try in first half injury time.

After the break James Ferguson took the lead with a penalty but once again Park went back in front when they ran back a poor clearance kick for a second try for Soutar. Park finally received a yellow carded for repeated infringements and Hull Ionians freshened the team with two replacements and struck twice to take control. Sustained pressure was recycled four times creating space for Chris Fores to run in. Straight from the kick-off they set up a beautiful try. Mick Watson caught and set up the drive releasing Joe Donkin to run elusively down the wing with Greg Bone in support to stretch out and score the bonus point try. Hull Ionians maintained the initiative and James Greene again made the break that set up a 5 metre scrum. The back row move was held but quick ball saw James Ferguson cut through to score. Mick Watson again received the restart and this time ran straight down the middle before moving the ball wide for Gary Stephenson to run in his second and the final try.