U15's v Malton - Friendly

Ionians travelled to Malton, on another bright, calm day, perfect for Rugby. Good support for both teams who were thoroughly entertained by some excellent running rugby which led to 13 tries on the day.

After the initial exchanges, it was Ionians who took the initiative will a well worked routine from a set scrum. Ollie Painter at scrum half distributing to his stand off, and then a great line from Brad at Inside centre, cut through the Malton defence and ran in the score under the post. Conversion by Adam Myers 7 to 0 after 8 minutes.

Moments later Ionians were on the attack again, with Adam Myers kicking over the Malton defence, and then using his football skills to kick the ball over the try line and won the chase to dive on the ball. 14 to 0.

Ionians were rampant now, and after 13 minutes, Ionians scored their third try, with ball passing through hands, James Malcolmson making the initial break, recycled ball enabled Will Tindall to charge through, but great tackling from Malton halted the attack, until the next phase when Brad charged through and put Cadey through in the corner. Adam converted 21 to 0.

Halfway through the first half, Malton showed their resilience and attacking enterprise, as the ball passed from side to side through quick hands and the winger touched down in the corner.

Competitive at breakdown, even at Lineouts, and tough in tackle, the game had a good quality to it and following on from Malton's score, Ionians replied with a further 3 tries before half time.

Adam Myers received the ball at centre and at pace and was too quick and strong as he breached Malton's line.
A break from captain James Malcolmson, who was held just short of the line, enabled quick ball and Charlie Kirk grasped his opportunity to score.
The try of the game was the last play of the first half, as Ionians progressed down field, through a number of phases, ultimately the ball was kicked cross field from the centre and James Malcolmson caught the ball 2 yards out and dived over the line.

42 to 0 at half time, with all 6 tries converted by Adam Myers

Second half, saw Ionians use their full squad, and also saw Malton step up. First try going to Malton, as the centre cut through Ionians defence with a terrific line, spotting the gap that the spectators had not seen.

Ionians responded with 2 quick tries as first Will Plater benefitted from great hands to dive over, and Toms Vickops ran in from 20 yards having been put through by a run and pass from Marshall Holgate in open play. 56 to 12.

While the referee tried to keep the game flowing, it was from a penalty deep inside Ionians half that led to Malton's third try, with the score in the corner, the conversion was missed.

Ionians final score of the day was another move started by the forwards in securing good ball, and then with good hands and shoulder support, Marshall was able to cross the line, Adam scoring his 9th conversion of the day.

Ionians went a man down for the last 5 minutes, and Malton made use of the extra play to score the final try of the day. The ball punted upfield by Malton's centre, and the bounce of the ball landing in the wings hands, having wrong footed Ionians defence.

Final score 63 to 24 in favour of Ionians

An excellent game, competitive in the forwards, and some good hands and running from both backs. Tackles were hard and a plenty, with the occasional groan from the crowds as the big hits went in, sometimes when it seemed a mis match in size of the players

Tries
Brad Clarkson, Adam Myers 2, Charlie Cade, Charlie Kirk, James Malcolmson, Will Plater, Toms Vickops, Marshall Holgate

Conversions
Adam Myers 9

Man of Match
Sam Blyth -- ' It's not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog'