Hull Ionians 36 v 23 Wharfedale

Hull Ionians 36 v 23 Wharfedale

I woke this morning, Sunday, and looked out of the window to clear skies and a keen frost. Though the sun wasn’t up it had the makings of a beautiful day, so, after a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea, I put my dog on the lead and set out for a brisk walk and to reflect on the previous days win over Wharfedale…

There is no doubt that there was some apprehension prior to the home fixture against the Dalesmen. Ionians were in a slump, whereas the visitors had made their best start to a season in many a year and were nestled just behind the Tykes and Titans in the league standings.
The hosts made an enterprising start; they went through the phases to get to within striking distance of the ‘dale line, where George Mewburn got hold of the ball to scatter bodies left and right as he powered his way to the line.
Ionians denied Wharfedale any meaningful possession in the opening exchanges, working hard at the break-down they turned over the ball to set Sam Pocklington away down the blind-side. He picked out former Ampleforth pupil, Ally Forth, who ambled forth before setting Will Yates free to weave his way through for his maiden try for the club. Lewis Minikin tagged on the straight forward conversion.

It was an encouraging opening, 12 – 0 up after 12 minutes, but we have been here before.

Ionians were then given notice of the threat that ‘dale can pose. Their lively young backs moved the ball swiftly across the field to set Oscar Canny away down the wing, he broke through some despairing tackles to carry the ball to within 5m of the try line before a knock on allowed Ionians to clear. It was a clear warning and something of a let-off.
Wharfedale had a chance to establish themselves in the Ionians 22, with the home sides disciplinary issues presenting them with several penalties that were kicked to the corner. They were inaccurate with their throw, to negate any threat, so they opted for a quick tap when Ionians were caught off-side.
It would have been a good option to take, had the execution been precise, but in the rush to create a scoring chance they completely failed to spot Sam Pocklington and he accepted an absolute gift of a pass to race 70m and dive over under the posts. Minikin’s goal stretched the lead to 19 – 0.

It was a marvellous opening quarter, 19 – 0 to the good, but we have been here before.

After 25 minutes Wharfedale finally opened their account with a penalty by Rob Davidson, showing some pragmatism, having previously chosen to run the ball at every given opportunity.
The hosts claimed the bonus point score just after the half hour. Most sides are aware of the threat Lewis Minikin poses, Wharfedale certainly did. They had mobbed him like crows at a Kite every time he had taken flight up to this point, but he was able to evade the attention long enough to set Yates away.
‘dale were able to scramble across to cut Yates off and the ball came free. It bobbled about and during a bit of scrappy play it looked as if the chance had gone until Pocklington restored order and he swung the ball wide for Sam Wilson to show a clean pair of heels to his chasers and cross in the corner.
Minikin’s conversion took the score to 26 – 3, surely now the home supporters could breathe easily? Fly-half Louis Verity and his youthful colleagues had other ideas, they continued to run the ball and attack the Ionians line and Davidson added a second penalty when Ionians were penalised for a high tackle.
There was still an air of pessimism amongst the far touch supporters at half time, but this was soon lifted when Joe Makin galloped in for a try in the opening minute of the second half. He was in the right place at the right time to finish off a fine break from Josh Britton. Through-out the match Makin showed his skill and experience to control the rhythm and tempo of the game and he deserved his reward.
It looked as if he fancied another when he charged off direct from the re-start but Ionians lost possession and Wharfedale quickly countered. The outstanding Oscar Canny broke away and he handed off the attention of several Ionians players on a 40m run, this time finishing off his good work with a try.
Ionians then lost George Mewburn to the bin, for what seemed no more than a thundering tackle, and the dalesmen opted to kick the resulting penalty award to the corner. The catch was good but the drive was held so ‘dale swung the ball in field for centre James Coulson to cross. Davidson added the extras and the visitors cut the gap to 15 points, 33 – 18.
The arrears did nothing to deter Wharfedale and they kept coming hard at Ionians. Verity was a constant thorn, attempting to weave his way through, whilst Armstrong, Hedgley and Baldwin tried a more direct route. They floundered on a solid defensive wall, in which James Sanderson was the key stone and Makin a steadying influence and between them Ionians weathered the storm sufficiently for Minikin to punish the visitors with a penalty, 36 – 18.
With Ionians restored to a full complement they turned their attention to attack and Lucas Powell broke away from within his own half; a couple of dummies kept him careering on into the 22 but nobody buys three in a row and the move broke down and Wharfedale stole the ball and cleared.
Wharfedale re-shuffled their resources, bringing Omari Kaup - Samuels from the wing to scrum-half, and this brought a degree more composure and direction to the visitors play. The home side looked to quell their opponent’s enthusiasm with a couple of penalty attempts but their own indiscipline cost them possession and territory.
Back in the Ionians half Canny nearly gave ‘dale some late cheer with another searing run but the ball travelled forward to stop the move. However, from the resulting scrum Ionians were penalised and a quickly taken penalty was driven over for a last minute score for back-rower Rhys Green.
It was a merited win for Ionians, who looked to have regained some of their mojo. It would be unwise to get carried away because it could be as ephemeral as this morning’s frost, but onward and upward, as Shakespeare wouldn’t say.
There are two weeks off for all to enjoy England’s world cup win (I’ve changed my tune from last week), the club is showing the semi final and final so get down and share the experience over a pint, otherwise, see you at Lymm.