Ionians 8 West Park 32

Ionians entertained West Park Leeds on a bright calm day ideally suited for rugby.

Ionians had the initial impetus and made inroads into the visitors half, after 6 minutes a penalty was conceded by WP and Adam Myers stepped up to make the kick, 3 to 0

West Park looking dangerous with ball in hand, made some ground from the restart, and they threatened down the wing following a kick over the top from the stand off. As Ionians defended, they transgressed and Dan Lancaster stepped up to kick the penalty to level the scores 3 to 3.

Through hands again, the West Park team cut through and only an excellent try saving tackle by Charlie Kirk on the winger saved them. However a few moments later, the referee penalised Ionians, and The stand off kicked again, to put the visitors 3 to 6 in front.

At this stage, teams were relatively even, Ionians were getting good ball at the breakdown, but West Parks defence was resolute, and the visitors backs carried a threat throughout the game.

Ionians scored the first try, following a break down the left from the forwards, a penalty was given, and with Will Robinson on the crash ball, and follow up by James Malcolmson, who was able to bulldoze over from a few yards, conversion missed 8 to 6.
Frank, the West park, winger seriously injured while trying to defend, and we wish him well

With a few minutes left of the first half, Ionians were again under pressure and a penalty was given, the kick hit the cross bar, and while initially gathered by Ionians, in trying to run the ball out of defence, West Park recovered the ball, and recycling Billy Walker was able to score from close range. 8 to 13.

Half Time

The second half started strongly for the visitors, with Dan Lancaster breaking through Ionians tackles and scoring under the posts,
and extending the lead to 8 to 20. While Ionians were resolute in their defence upfield, kicks over the top and through the centres started to hurt them, and following a break, with Ionians defence stretched, scrum half Sandy Ibbetson, was able to dive over from close range. Conversion completed 8 to 27.

Ionians tried to get back into the game, and with a number of personnel changes made, they threatened to add to their earlier try. However the final score of the day went to the visitors, and while Ionians pressed at the end to try and salvage something from the game, score ended 8 to 32 in favour of the visitors.

Try Scorers
James Malcolmson
Penalty
Adam Myers
Man of Match
Elliot Norris