U15's

Ionians U15's entertained Market Rasen on Sunday. While conditions were calm, the previous days rain made for a heavy pitch.

Rasen kicked off, and Ionians knocked on, an infringement from the resultant scrum, gave Rasen good field position on Ionians 22. As Rasen went through phases, their forwards were quicker at the breakdown, and ultimately they were able to breach Ionians line and score near the posts, conversion successful.

Ionians regrouped but they couldn't make progress , due to strong tackling and slow ball, and the play was contained in mid field. Then from a lineout, on the left side at the half way line, Ionians were able to secure the ball after a kick through. The forwards picked up and recycled the ball well and made progress upfield for the first time. Marshall was brought down near the line and from the next phase, captain James Malcolmson picked up and ran through the stern defence to score. Conversion missed 5 to 7

From the restart Rasen charged into Ionians territory, good tackling from both sides was a feature, with big hits from Billy Tindall, Will Robinson, Toms and Archie. As Rasen pressed down the left, they won quick ball and passed through the centres, 2 steps inside by the Number 13, wrong footed Ionians defensive cover and he was able to score under the posts for a converted try. 5 to 14.

There was tremendous effort from both sides, and as the half progressed, Ionians were able to make inroads into Rasen's half. Kirk chipping behind the defence to put pressure on the full back, Ionians gained possession and again James Malcolmson was able to run the ball in. 10 to 14.

Rasen were defiant and scored again almost immediately, while Ionians forwards were sucked in down the right, the ball was shifted quickly across field and the left winger scorched into the corner. 10 to 19.

Forays by both teams into opponents half were features over the last few minutes of the half, but no further scoring.

Ionians made 10 changes for the second half, in both the forwards and backs. Play continued to be competitive, Rasen had good speed in their backs which caused Ionians problems, and while Ionains started to get on top at the scrums, Lineouts were going Rasens way. After 10 minutes of the second half, Rasen pulled further ahead, when the left wing picked up a loose ball, and a couple of missed tackles later was able to run in from the half way line to score under the posts. 10 to 26.

Ionians responded to try and maintain their unbeaten run. The forwards started working better with ball in hand, burrowing forward and making ground to put pressure on Rasen's line. After many phases Elliot received the ball and was able to dive into the corner to score Ionians third try, a terrific effort. 15 to 26.

Rasen were being penalised now, and that enabled Ionians to progress and put more pressure on Rasen's line. Will Plater drove to just short of the line. A scrum won against the head by Ionians, on the 5 metre line, led to a penalty against them, what a bizzare rule!!, however, the ball came back to Ionians who were able to level the try count, when James Malcolmson scored his hat trick try. Conversion made by Adam Myers, 22 to 26, 2 minutes to play, the momentum with Ionians.

From the restart, Rasen tackled well and kept Ionians in mid field, and ultimately when the ball was spilled it was collected by Rasen and the stand off booted into touch to finish the game.

An excellent game, with terrific endeavour from both teams, some good skills on show. in a well matched contest.

Ionians Try Scorers
James Malcolmson 3, Elliot Norris
Conversions
Adam Myers
Man Of Match
James Malcolmson

Ion