Win At Third Attempt For Ionians Under 12s
A lot of hard work was needed by Hull Ionians Under 12s to gain their first win of the season after a poor start losing the first two matches by winning 28-19 against Driffield.
With a depleted squad of only fourteen players due to Rugby League commitments they found it tough going having only one sub but managed to keep strong and hold on.
They were on the back foot from the start and some robust tackling from Riley Young, Joe Boanas, Ben Teasdale, Oliver Parker and Alistair Hall kept Driffield to just one converted try in the first half. Ionians hit back as a Riley Young run led to the ball going out on the left side and Thomas Shirra thrust through and Joe Baarda converted. Some penetrating runs by Jack Hassard, James Walgate and Chris Fox laid the platform for Ionians to take a half time lead as a delightful move across the line between Jack Hassard and Riley Young gave Ben Adams the chance to score his first try for the club and Joe Baarda stepped up for the conversion and 14-7.
An evenly contested second half saw both sides going close but it was Ionians who extended their lead with another great try as a surging run from full back Jack Hassard paved the way for Thomas Shirra's second and again Joe Baarda added the extras. Straight from the kick off Ionians put themselves under more pressure as they dropped the ball and from the resulting play it was Driffield's turn for a converted try. Things were to get worse when another attack led to a dubious try being given as it looked like the ball had been dropped just before the line. However the conversion was missed and Ionians had a slender lead of 21-19.
A nailbiting last few minutes gave the likes of Chris Fox, Finlay Graves, Ben Teasdale, Oscar Swift and Joe Baarda a chance to hold strong in the scrums. Alistair Hall also was doing his upmost to get the ball out of the scrums to feed his backs, James Sudderby, Jack Hassard, Riley Young and Thomas Shirra and Ionians finally put the game to bed as Thomas Shirra broke the Driffield line for his third try and ever reliable Joe Baarda with his fourth conversion giving Ionians a win at 28-19.
Men of the Match awards for Hull Ionians went to Ben Adams and Joe Boanas for their solid displays.
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