Under 15s Review

For the second week running Hull Ionians Under 15s travelled to an away fixture with a small squad (16 players), but for the second week running a great all round team performance lead to a really good win, in which the opposition was stopped from scoring.

Scorers
Tries - Robson Jones(2), Cassian Chappill, Jon Phelan-Wild
Cons - Ifan Downey
Pens - Ifan Downey

Moment of the Day
Whilst Ionians attacked throughout with width and pace, including two quick tries at the start of the game, it was the defensive effort at the end of the second half to keep Old Brods out. This included scything tackles on the big runners, counter rucking and turnovers, but the key to a 10-0 score at half-time was when three Ionians turned and held up the Old Brods player who had crossed our line. Its been said before about this team, but the collective effort in these circumstances is exceptional.

Sporting Cliche of the Day
If they're going to score they're going to have to do it from deep
With Old Brods still within 2 scores right until the last 5 minutes of the game. The way Ionians kept Old Brods pinned in their half for most of the second half, through attacking play, robust defence, and being organised for kick-returns meant that whenever they did get the ball they had a long way to go to our try line. It was great to see this control in our game, given we scored our tries very early and late, there was over 45 minutes of the game when there was only a penalty scored by both teams.

Things Coaches Love Award
The morning didn't run smoothly! Only 16 players were able to make it, but those that did just got on with it. Many started in positions that are not normally where they play, and others ended up moving from the pack to the backs during the game. Its great that we now have this strength of character within the team - keep it up lads!

Man of the Match
There was some real competition for the award this week, especially in the forwards where we dominated at the breakdown. In particular our ability to get over the ball brought a number of critical turnovers. This week the award goes to a player who contributed a lot in the tight but also in the open, he made some key tackles in our scramble defence, then finished the game on the wing and scored the try to make the game safe. Man of the Match is Jon Phelan-Wild