Excellent Game

Ionians entertained Old Crossleyans at Brantingham Park on another beautiful late summers day.

From the outset, competition was fierce, as tackles were made from both sides. As Ionians moved upfield, the repeated recycling and headway made by Marshall and Toms, saw them reach the visitors line, and Harvey dived over to score from short range.
Conversion missed, 5 to 0.

Crocs then took the game to Ionians and had good possession in their opponents half, moving the ball from side to side, but Ionians defence was resolute. So much so, that as Ionians counter attacked, with a kick over the top from Kirk, the visitors gave a penalty infront of the posts and Kirk stepped up to claim the 3 points.
Denley was out of the game for Ionans suffering 2 dead legs in tackles, and the game was delayed for a few minutes more, as a Crocs flanker suffered an injury. After the game restarted, Ionians attacked and a long kick through by Myers, fell nicely for winger Evison to collect, and while he was dragged down just short of the line, but Toms was on hand to pick up and score, which Myers then converted. 15 to 0 at half time to the home side.

Second half saw multiple changes for he home team and new starter George Ball made an impact with a strong run from the restart. As Ionians moved upfield they gained a lineout just inside the oppositions 22. Painter secured the ball at the base of the lineout and Betts then gathered and burst through tackles to increase the lad, with the try being converted. 22 to 0.

To Crocs credit they did not let their heads go down and over the next 5 minutes added two unconverted tries, passing through hands and evading some desperate tackles from the home team. 22 to 10. ( joe Stott I think scoring both)

Ionians responded with another try through the forward as man of the match, Toms, ran in his second and Ionians fourth. Converted again by Myers.

Crocs subsequently went down to 14, as the referee sent off a forward for stamping. Toms capitalised with a breakaway try, showing terrific strength and speed to dance through the defence. Conversion from Myers under the posts,36 to 15

With 10 minutes left to play, Crocs came back again, scoring 2 more well worked tries through their backs. Final Score 36 to 29

A competitive game fully appreciated by both sets of supporters.

With thanks too to David Reid, for officiating.

Try Scorers
Harvey Kay Gibson
Toms Vickops 3
Daniel Betts
Conversions
Adam Myers 4/4
Charlie Kirk 0/1
Penalty
Charlie Kirk 1/1
Man of Match
Toms Vickops