Hull Ionians 18 v 23 Hull RUFC

It is the season of good will to all men but I don’t believe in Santa Claus nor do I particularly enjoy Christmas so if you are expecting a Disneyfied version of Saturdays match look elsewhere.
As is usual on a Sunday morning I donned my boots and set off for a walk with my dog to contemplate and cogitate over the previous afternoons game; it was a long walk, there was a lot to mull over. Not much of the match was quality viewing, but just like any other weekly soap opera which draws you in, the goings on at Brantingham Park were compelling. At least to the hardy souls committed to the cause they were.
Let’s consider what occurred. Close to 700 people turned out to watch the local derby, over 200 of whom had enjoyed an excellent lunch and a few beers. There was a lively, convivial atmosphere around the ground come kick-off at 2 o’clock.
To the vast majority it was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and acquaintances and watch a game of rugby; amongst those in the know (or those who believe they are) there was an underlying feeling of trepidation. Neither side are performing at their best and certainly not at the heights of recent seasons. Amongst supporters on both sides there was a feeling that things could go terribly wrong. To just a few, the deluded, a win in this fixture is more important than life or death, bragging rights being far more essential than the league points on offer. If that is so, I will wrap them up and you can have them to put under your artificial tree.
As was said, both sides are struggling to produce their best form. Hull are starting games poorly and Ionians can’t see out a match. Proof positive was laid bare for all to witness over the course of the afternoon.
Ionians opened the scoring, with Lewis Minikin ghosting his way over, after a patient build up from the hosts. Minikin was wide of the mark with his kick, which was a portent of things to come.
It took Hull a while to find their feet but a blistering break from centre Peter Kowalewicz really brought them into the game and only a poor final pass robbed them of a try.
Ionians hit back with a run from winger Wilson, carried on by the hard-working Will Yates, who had come across from the opposite wing, but the move broke down and play came back for a kickable penalty after Hull were caught off-side.
The ball sailed wide of the up-rights, but from the drop out Hull transgressed again and this time Ionians went to the corner. Hull held the initial drive and when Ionians tried to move the ball wide, they knocked on. The hosts were penalised at the scrum and Hull used a succession of penalties to work their way up the stand-side touch until they were well placed in the home 22.
Clean line -out ball was swept crisply across field to the wing and moved as smartly back across to second row Liam Regardsoe to smash his way over under the posts. Reece Dean made no mistake off the tee to put Hull into the lead after 25 minutes of play.
Hull then received a slice of luck when Nathan Hill, who had done well to gather an awkward bounce from a speculative kick, stumbled and he was penalised for holding on. Reece stepped up and added three more points to the Hull tally.
From the re-start Hull knocked on and Ionians gained possession, allowing Minikin and Yates to break to within 5m. of the Hull line. A high tackle in mid field brought play back and Minikin stroked over the penalty to bring the score back to within two points, 8 – 10.
Ionians were showing signs of a spark at this time, but were unable to ignite into any sustained dominance. Another break, where Minikin and Yates combined again, being the only play of note up to the break.
Ionians should have re-taken the lead in the opening minute of the second half, but took the wrong option and the chance was lost. Hull Introduced the vastly experienced Charlie Beech and things began to swing in their favour. Two quick fire penalties from Dean pushed them further in front, 8 – 16.
Crucially, when Ionians had the chance to respond, with two penalties awarded to them, Minikin wasn’t able to match Dean’s accuracy. They did create a second try; James Sanderson exploded away from the base of a ruck, he had George Mewburn in support and he raced away to within a yard of the line before being dragged down. Sam Pocklington was quickly on the scene and he picked out Euwan Wilson on the charge, as he was held the ball went out to Steve Slingsby, yes, THE Steve Slingsby, and he passed on to Sam Wilson, coming in on a curving run across field. He smartly rounded his man to glide in for the try. Minikin converted to bring the hosts to within a point at 15 -16.
With ten minutes remaining Minikin struck over a penalty to give the home side the lead. They were also gaining a bit of momentum, after overcoming their set piece problems, and it looked for a while that they would hold on for a narrow win.
Hull showed some desperation with a penalty attempt from half way, beyond even the undoubted abilities of Dean, as the clock ran down. It did keep them in the Ionians half of the field and when the ball flew loose it bobbled about as both teams strove frantically to gain possession. Ionians eventually cleared to touch for Hull to take the line -out.
Michael Jobling threw short to the front of the line (well short, I’m only saying) and Beech caused mayhem as he bullocked up the tramlines on his way towards the try line. Ionians were caught in disarray as Hull swung the ball across the park onto David Davidson, who having just come on as a replacement made his only, but telling, contribution in scoring the winning try. Dean completed a fine personal performance with the touchline conversion to see Hull winners by 18 – 23.
What is to be gleaned from Saturday? Well, neither side are going to top the table and if both are to improve their league position then Hull will need to start better and Ionians will need to learn how to hang on to a lead.
What else? A full Brantingham Park is a marvellous place to be, the President is a raconteur unparalleled in local rugby circles and Elvis is a short, black bloke ( OK, a person of colour for people who shot home to watch Strictly on the BBC). Oh, and it is, in the end, only a game. Also it might be better if someone else walked my dog.
A merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, especially my aged and avuncular reader.