U15's v Sheffield

Ionians entertained Sheffield at Brantingham Park. The pitch was heavy and weather conditions were cold and wet, which weren't conducive to good rugby, but the supporters were treated to a combative, entertaining game.

Sheffield kicked off and the Initial play started with a good break from the home team. Sheffield's cover was solid though, and with good tackles, the occassional spilt ball led to set plays. Scrummage was even at the start, and with a kick over the top, Sheffield relieved some pressure. However, Ionians responded and playing through the forwards, Danny Betts made a break as did the 2 props, and they pressed to the line.

The first score came shortly after, as the ball was passed through the back line, Painter, Myers, Malcolmson, Walker the last pass went to ground but Full Back Couch gathered and sprinted to score in the corner. 5 to 0 to Ionians. Conversion attempt missed.

Sheffield came straight back though, as they progressed into Ionians half, a kick over the top and strong chase by the centre, put the winger under pressure in the try area. From the resulting scrum, Alex on the wing, managed to get over the line, despite the desperate tackle of Evison. Conversion made by Seb, in off the post, 5 to 7.

More or less from the kick off though, Ionians pressed again, and made good progress down the left side. From a lineout close to the Sheffield line, a well worked move saw Marshall gather the ball and crash over the try line. 10 to 7.

Ionians through the forwards started to get on top, Smeaton, Gibson, Plater, Betts impressive, Toms seemed to be all over the pitch. At the breakdown they were able to recycle well, and on occasions steal the ball. Strategic kicks enabled Ionians to play deep into their opponents half, to keep the pressure up. Eventually after stoic defence from the visitors, Toms was able to score. 15 to 7.

As the rain came down, handling became difficult and kick throughs featured in both teams plays, but no further scores were added.

The second half, saw wholesale changes for Ionians, with 10 players coming on from the sidelines, and more or less straight away, Ionians caught Sheffield napping. Toms made a break through the defensive line, which ultimately led to a lineout just outside the 5 metre line. From the Sheffield throw in, the ball bounced around and Toms bursting through, as Sheffield delayed, was able to grab the ball and pop a pass up to James Malcolmson, who scored a try under the posts. The resulting conversion, admirably charged down by Sheffield. 20 to 7.

While Sheffield had just been caught napping, it was now Ionians turn, as from the kick off down the right, the Ionians defence hesitated and Ewan from Sheffield was able to pick up , break a tackle and score in the right corner. 20 to 12.

With 25 minutes still to play, both teams still had the opportunity to win the game. Despite the changes, Ionians forwards helped to dominate possession. Nellist, Whitaker, Denley, Dertavitian all doing well, Hunt and Waudby supporting, and in the backs some good tackles from Cade, Scruton Blyth and Timmins kept the visitors at bay, when pressure loomed.

Myers at his customary Full Back looked solid and in general kicked well, Kirk and Cawood a new combination at scrum half, stand off started to gather some momentum.

No more scores until the final minutes when James Malcolmson was put through by Kirk, and was able to run through the resolute Sheffield defence, conversion made from the touch line by Charlie Kirk. Final Score 27 to 12.

Difficult conditions, but a full on competitive game, credit to both teams and to the supporters for encouragement

Try Scorers - Danny Couch, Marshall Holgate, Toms Vickops, James Malcolmson 2
Conversion - Charlie Kirk
Sheffield Try Scorers, Alex, Ewan
Conversion - Seb

Ionians Man of Match - Danny Betts