Unbeaten record maintained

Ionians entertained Sheffield at Brantingham Park. In what turned out to be a seriously hard fought game, the crowd were treated to an exciting game.
Ionians had early possession from the kick off, and tried to progress through the forwards. Good tackling by the visitors, restricted the advance of the home team, and ultimately a misplaced pass, led to Sheffield gaining the ball, and moving it quickly through the backs hands, they were able to score down the right hand wing. Conversion Made 0 to 7.

Ionians regrouped and a kick down town by Myers, put them in a good field position. From the lineout Ionians regained possession, something that was a concern for the visitors throughout the game, and a drive from the 22 saw Josh Hunt touch down the ball. 5 to 7.

Strong tackling, occasional knock on's with a greasy ball, a few niggles between the players and lack of discipline on both sides, saw the game take on a stop start feel for a time. Sheffield threatened again through their backs and a couple of missed tackles by Ionians defence led to them extending their lead with a try in the right hand corner. Conversion missed. 5 to 12.

Back again came Ionians and with Malcolmson, and Clarkson combining, following a kick over the central defence, they were able to set Waudby free to score for the home side. 10 to 12.
Ionians took the lead as man of the Match Malcomson initiated another break with a powerful run, from a quick penalty restart, and as he drew the last defender, winger Evison was on hand to collect the pass and score under the posts. Conversion made 17 to 12.
The final try of an absorbing half went to the homeside, as the forwards progressed upfield, penalty conceded by Sheffield enabled Ioinains to get good field position inside the 22, and from close range, Will Robinson was able to dive over to score. 22 to 12 at half time.

To Sheffield's credit, they regrouped for the second half. Ionians were dominant in possession, but Sheffield's defence was resolute. Injuries to Smeaton and Myers, meant changes had to be made. A kick down field by Sheffield wasn't dealt with effectively and they were able to reduce the deficit to 5 with a try in the corner. and they followed that up a few minutes later, when from broken play they again showed good skills in the back line to score down the left wing to level the scores.

The last 15 minutes saw Ionians camp inside Sheffield's 22, but at crucial times they lacked the nous and the discipline to get themselves over for the final score. Sheffield defended heroically to claim the draw.
A real blood and thunder finish

Try Scorers.
Josh Hunt, Luke Waudby, Paul Evison, Will Robinson
Conversions
Adam Myers 1/4
Man Of Match
James Malcolmson