Away Day

Ionians travelled to South Yorkshire, to meet Dinnington. Strong cross winds and a heavy pitch were difficult conditions that the players had to contend with, however, the game was a teriffic battle which saw the home side ending up with the spoils.
Adam Myers was elevated to Captain, in the absence of James Malcolmson, and the coach had to make some other adjustments with players missing.

Dinnington kicked off, and the initial tackles set the standard for the remainder of the game, with little quarter given or asked. Contest at the breakdown was fierce, but both sides struggled initially with kicking for position,. Scrummage was equal and solid, lineout initially favoured Ionians.

While occasional breaks were made the rugby was quite attritional with few chances in the opening 15 minutes. A Dinnington lineout, led to Ionians first try, from the through the ball bounced wasn't gathered and bounced favourably to Ionians. A mini break from prop, Will Robinson, saw Ionians get to the 22, as he Robinson was tackled he was able to offload to supporting Holgate who ran into to score the first try, Conversion on target, but just held in the wind. 0 to 5.

Dinnington tried to pressurise, but the occasional drop of a wet ball and some resolute tackling, primarily by the forward pack, with Danny Betts outstanding, kept the home side at bay until with 5 minutes to go and a number of drives and recycled ball, the home team breached the line. Teriffic kick from near the touchline, put the score to 7 to 5.

Having been so resolute in defence, the disappointment came in quick time, when Ionians were caught cold, with the same style of attack from Dinnington, they went over the line quickly from short distance to increase their advantage. 12 to 5.

A flurry of attacks in the final few minutes by Ionians threatened to level the game, but the Dinnington defence held firm.
Half Time

The second half, saw a number of changes for Ionians, but a similar story to the first half. Ball carrying made down the centre from both teams, strong tackling, occasional fumbles, and penalties in the melee of mauls and rucks. The centres were brought into the equation as the half went on, and it was mid way through the second half that Dinnington struck the crucial blow. Having stopped the initial attack, Dinnington recovered the ball at the breakdown and the centre broke down the blindside, and despite the late effort tackle from the captain, was able to score in the corner. Try converted 19 to 5.

Ionians came back and a try was cancelled out by the referee for an earlier knock on. While Ionians tried repeatedly they were unable to break down the home sides defence and the final score was 19 to 5 in favour of Dinnington. Met with wild cheers from the homeside, quite rightly. Well done to both sets of lads. A good hard game, unfortunately for Ionians, James Whitaker injured in the contest with fractured collar bone.

Try Scorers
Marshall Holgate
Conversions
Nil
Man of Match
Danny Betts