Yorkshire Cup 1st Round

A beautiful day, perfect weather conditions, as Ionians entertained Middlesbrough

2 minutes in from the kick off, Ionians were able to recycle the ball quickly in the middle of the park, and quick passing from scrum half and stand off enabled Skipper James Malcolmson to run through the Boro defence and run in from 30 yards. Charlie Kirk's conversion attempt hitting the post. 5 to 0 Ionians.

From the restart strong tackling from both teams meant little ground made, however, 2 back to back penalties against Boro gave Ionians pitch position and an opportunity, which they took, with a well worked backs move, kick over the top and full back Adam Myers ran through to touch down over the line. Conversion made by Charlie Kirk, 12 to 0 to Ionians.

Middlesbrough started to come into the game more and more and progressed up field with some good kicks and good work at the breakdown. Lineouts weren't working for either team, and the game lost its flow, with the various restarts for crooked throws, dodgy scrummaging and offsides. A try saving tackle by Adam Myers kept Middlesborough at bay. Middlesbrough forwards were held up by a determined Ionians defence until 3 minutes before the end oft the he first half, when Ben Forsythe buried over the Ionians line.
Conversion missed 12 to 5.

Still time though for Ionians to bounce back, straight from restart, with James breaking through, finding Brad to carry on the attack and ultimately Marshall Holgate breached the Middlesbrough line. 17 to 5 in Ionians favour, half time.

Second half Ionians made some changes, and Middlesbrough again showed how determined they were. Strong defence by Ionians stopped the visitors from breaking through, but with penalties mounting, Ionians struggled to get much ball. But Middlesbrough couldn't find a way through and it was Ionians who scored again, with quick hands through the backs and a kick over the top onto Middlesbroughs line wasn't caught, and James Malcolmson clutched the ball and made the try. 22 to 5 Ionians.

Middlesbrough progressed upfield during the second half, again with penalties supporting their way forward, but Ionians defence was resilient until the final play of the match when Lewis Mace crossed the line for Middlesbroughs second try, duly converted for a final score of 22 to 12 in favour of Ionians.

A good contest, well done to all

Try Scorers

James Malcolmson 2
Adam Myers
Marshall Holgate

Conversions

Charlie Kirk

Man of Match

Danny Betts

Ionians Squad

Joe Nellist, Will Robinson, Charlie Cade, Josh Hunt, James Malcomson, Ted Timmins, Tom Scrutton, Paul Evison, Ollie Painter, Will Plater, Marshall Holgate, Harvey Kay Gibson, Brad Clarkson, Will Tindall, Jack Denley, Sam Blyth, Matty Dervatitian, Adam Myers, Toms Vickops, Charlie Kirk, Danny Betts