Match report by Paul Lyon

Ionians U14's entertained held their first international encounter on a warm autumn day at Brantingham Park. Utrechtse having travelled overnight were keen to show what they were made of.

U's got the match started however, with the ball not going 10, I's took the scrum option to restart. James Malcolmson picked the ball from the back of the scrum and then ran the full length of U's half avoiding the tackles to score under the posts after barely 2 minutes. try converted by Charlie Kirk. 7 to 0 Ionians.

From the restart Charlie Kirk caught the ball, passed to Jack Denly, who made good ground before the ball was recycled to Jimbob, who sent Paul Evison in down the right wing. conversion missed.

From the restart I's forwards collected the ball, and after some strong tackles from U's defence, Harry Cawood was able to burst through and set up Adam Myers to score, conversion Charlie Kirk, score 19 to 0.

U's had barely touched the ball when the 4th try was scored, though the tackling was starting to kick in, from the 3rd recycle, Harry Cawood burst through at centre, with Paul Evison in support and as the wing was running out of room he passed back inside to Jimbob to score his second try , which was converted, and after 8 minutes the score was 26 to 0 in favour of Ionians.

A fumble from the restart gave U's the ball and they showed what they could do with ball in hand, making good progress up Into I's half, however solid tackling and rucking at the breakdown enabled I's to alleviate any pressure on their line. eventually I's broke forward again and pressured U's line, and Big Will Robinson managed to pick up loose ball and dive over from 5 yards to extend I's lead.

the game was played in the middle of the park, for the next 5 minutes or so, good tackles evidenced from both sides, but no real territory being gained. From a breakdown U's kicked up field, and Conker caught and started the run back, however, he was tackled and became isolated, and U's centre Cas, had the wits about him to beat the last man and score under the posts for a try, which was converted. 31 to 7.

Ionians re established their dominance with 2 more tries before the end of the half, with Charlie Kirk on the end of a 4 man passing move, and Toms scoring under the posts from sustained pressure on U's line. Half Time 43 to 7.

Second half saw a new pitch and a few changes for both sides. Jimbob was relentless for Ionians attack and set the tone for the second half with a strong run, however the final pass went stray to Harry C. A line out on the halfway line saw Will Robinson show his ball handling skills and also his newly acquired pace, and he set up Jimbob with an inside pass, to score his third try.

Straight from the restart Jimbob caught the ball and raced over the U's try line, both tries converted and the score now 57 to 7.

Harry Cawood broke through U's line to just fall short of the line, however Harvey picked up the ball to score try number 9.

Good resistance from U's and some good attacking play from U's saw the scores remain the same for the next 5 minutes or so, however, breaks from will Tindale, kick forwards from Adam Myers, enabled Danny Betts to get his first try of huge season.

Jack Denly, Elliot Norris enabled Harry Cawood to get his try and with Charlie Kirk having his kicking boots on, the score was extended to 78 to 7.

Drives through the middle and third time lucky with the drop kicks, saw Charlie Kirk increase the score. however from the resultant start, a deep kick off, a fumble on I's line and suddenly Cas had his second try of the day, for the Dutch team. credit to their spirit and endeavour for not giving up.

the final score of the day however, went to Ionians, with toms crashing over for his second try and Ionians 13 th of the day. Duly converted.

final score 87 to 12, well played to both teams, good skills evidenced from both, played in the right spirit, Ionians boys just a little big than their opponents and able to dominate possession.

Try Scorers James Malcolmson 4, Toms Vicopf 2, Paul Evison, Adam Myers, will Robinson,Charlie Kirk, Harvey Kay, Danny Betts, Harry Cawood
conversions Charlie Kirk 10
Drop goal, Charlie Kirk

Man Of Match Charlie Kirk

Man of match U's Walter