15th September  2007 - Hull Ionians Hawks 12   Bradford & Bingley A  31 -  Yorkshire Premier League

The Hawks lost to a well drilled and disciplined B&B side, succumbing to superior forward power and fitness in the final quarter.

Team Manager Dave “Field of Dreams”* Wilson assembled a side that included debutants Charlie Bargh , Sam Bowering, and Ben Rowe; Ben Loverage and Matt Barber borrowed from the Ramblers and a jet – lagged Sam Forth, (all of whom acquitted themselves admirably). It was obvious from the outset that the Hawks would have to rely on commitment and raw talent and fortunately they had both in abundance.

The confident B&B side started strongly, forward drives creating space for the backs to create an opportunity through the middle, duly taken for a 0 - 7 lead. I’s found their stride and the forwards, well directed by scrum half Charlie Bargh, provided some decent ball for their talented backs to cause problems in the visitors defence. One well executed move resulted in a try for promising newcomer Sam Bowering, Rob Owen just missing the conversion from the touch.

The first half continued in similar vein, B&B orthodox and well drilled and Ionians countering with flair and invention. On the stroke of half time Ionians conceded a further try. Good play from B&Bs’ outstanding fly half brought them close to the Ionians line and quick re-cycling gave the Bees forwards the chance to barge over for a converted try.

The half time break gave Ionians fresh impetus and the backs produced some really positive rugby. Joe Donkin, Adam Franks and Rob Owen in the middle backs stopped everything B&B could throw at them and moved the ball well, probing for a chance to get Is’ back into the match. A piece of individual skill from Rob Owen did just that, he received the ball on half way, cut between two defenders, outpaced the covering players and scored under the posts.

The exertions were beginning to tell on Ionians. Several players were struggling with injury and B&B upped the tempo in the forwards allowing them to put sustained pressure on Ionians line. Magnificent defence rebuffed Bees efforts for what seems like an age, but the inevitable happened and they moved the ball wide to score in the corner.

Ionians had to re-organise with Matt Barber replacing the admirable Charlie Bargh at scrum half and Ben Rowe shoring up the scrum as I’s moved skipper Danny Zgoda from the back row into the backs and “mobile” front row Rich Gregerson to 8. Despite this Ionians still continued to press, but inevitably as the match drew to an end B&B took advantage of a tiring defence to record two further tries.

During this final period Manager Dave Wilson took to the field to cause 5 minutes of mayhem, straying ON side once and catching a player with a well placed elbow, unfortunately one of his own!

For the second match in a row Ionians have bettered their opponents for skill and tenacity but need to improve their stamina and cohesion if they are to enjoy a successful season.

*pick a team and they will come. – with apologies to Kevin Costner.