Ionians U15 v Bradford & Bingley U15

On a gloriously sunny day at Brantingham Park, Hull Ionians Under 15s defeated Bradford & Bingley (Bees) by 38-12 to win the Yorkshire Plate.

It was Bees that got off to a flier, scoring with their very first attack, and their big pack making yards. But as I's forwards got more into things, and won more possession, the lads edged into a 12-5 lead at half-time. Once again the effort in defence was outstanding, including twice scrambling to hold Bees up over the line.

The second half continued in much the same way and Bees were able to level the score. But as the I's subs entered the fray the team's speed and fitness provided the opportunities for them to score 4 really well taken tries to secure the 14/15 Plate.

Hopefully this will be the springboard for more success to come from this group.

Scorers
Tries - Nathan Bush, Robson Jones (2), Fergus Croston (2), Matt Rosso
Cons - Marco Fummo (3), Scott Turner

Moment of the Match/Season
It has to be the last play of the season! With Bees attacking in I's 22, the speed and skill to win the turnover, and then for forwards and backs to combine for a near length of the field try. The support play and passing was exceptional.

Sporting Cliche of the Day
Third time lucky!
Well, it wasn't lucky but finally getting a win on finals day, after losing out for the last two years, was a fantastic feeling. The work that the players have out in over the last few years, finally rewarded with some well deserved silverware!

Man of the Match
Every player in the match day squad contributed to the outcome, whether it was important tackles, clever off- loads or vital line-out wins. It is the fact that all 22 players had an impact really shows the development across the whole squad this season.

The outstanding player on the day, and Man of the Match, was Sam Phelan-Wild, who put in a superb effort in defence. Though we should also mention the performances of
Tom Lewis, Ben Ellis, Brad Crump, Alex McDermid, Matt Green, Ifan Downey, Cassian Chappill, Henry Pell, Charles Fish, Nathan Bush, Matt Rosso, Marco Fummo, Scott Turner, Henry Foster, Tom Johnson, Robson Jones, Fergus Croston, Jon Phelan-Wild, Lewis Montgomery, Luke Adams and George Farley.

We should also acknowledge Ben Taylor, Ben Carlile and Joseph Chapman who have been a big part of this squad's efforts over this and previous seasons.