Despite Saturday 11th October being a warm and gloriously sunny day, an air of melancholy hung over Brantingham Park. News had filtered through that God had gone, the Almighty was no more.

This isn’t blasphemous, but Lewis Minikin had announced his retirement from rugby and it is just a reflection of the esteem that Lewis holds with his team-mates.

A quiet and unassuming lad, there is a suspicion he may be slightly embarrassed about all the fuss.

Although Lewis often played at 15, it is at outside centre that he really excelled. Spectators are to be denied any further sight of one of the finest exponents of broken field running in the National leagues.

It is a subtle art. A look, a feint, a suggestion of sway, then away from the chasing pack, a hare clear of the hounds. Lewis was a master, a sorcerer, creating close hand magic with his feet.

There were other facets to his game; Lewis was a more than capable kicker. Though he had to wait his chance to take on the kicking duties at Ionians his ability off the tee was good enough for him to top the N2N scoring charts a couple of years ago and become the highest points scorer across all the national leagues last season.

He was no slouch in defence either. Plenty felt the full force of his tackles, delivered with a power that belied his slender frame.

Some, uncharitably, mention that there may be an area of his game found wanting. When questioned about it he gave a disarmingly wry smile and said “It’s not that I can’t pass, it’s just that I don’t want to”. Now you know.

Lewis exceeded his early expectations as a rugby player; “I was really small as a kid, and I honestly didn’t think I would achieve anywhere near as much as I have. Dad and I both agreed that if I made the first team at Harrogate that would be great and anything after that would be a bonus.” There was quite some bonus. He estimates he played 26 games for Yorkshire and represented the England Counties on tours to Romania and Georgia.

Sean Carty can take credit for bringing Lewis to Ionians at the start of the 2016/17 season, replacing the popular Joe Barker as part of an influx of new players. It was just good fortune that he arrived at the same time as Martyn Wood, who was an excellent Chauffeur, as well as coaching assistant to Alex Crockett.

Lewis showed his try scoring ability in a pre-season match against Wharfedale but only managed one further try in sixteen appearances in his inaugural year.

The 2017/18 season was disrupted by injury but he came back strongly the following year, scoring 315 points in 30 games. Further problems resulted in a truncated 2019/20 campaign and the next season was written off because of covid.

Since then, he has been remarkably consistent. He scored over 200 points in each of the last four seasons, crossing the line at least ten times in each. Though not unduly concerned with individual achievements, as well as being the top points scorer in the National leagues last year (331), Lewis holds the club record for the most points in a match, after amassing 49 points in a 94 – 25 destruction of Huddersfield, scoring five tries and kicking 12 conversions.

Joe Makin offered this when asked about him.

“I have had the pleasure of playing with Lewis over 200 times across club, county, country and representative level. His talent speaks for itself with him amassing nearly 1500 points for the first team in only 170 games. This has rightly earned him the nickname God!

Lewis’s loyalty has been second to none, he could quite easily have left on a number of occasions when the chips were down, but has been ever present through the good times and the bad. Lewis is not only an outstanding rugby player but also an outstanding bloke, which many, including myself, are lucky enough to call him a good friend.

Not many people know, but Lewis was a finalist in Songs of Praise “Young chorister of the year”, something I believe he plans to spend more time focussing on in the future now he has the time. Best of luck, Lewis. It’s been an absolute pleasure”.

Although Lewis has only the vaguest recollection of ever singing, he does have very clear memories of his time at Ionians. Highlights include defeating DMP 26 – 41 in the final game of his first season, to avoid relegation, and then winning the league two seasons later. The matches against Fylde were those he looked forward to the most, always hard fought but played in a style he relished.

He said it was the people, not only the players but everyone involved at the club, that he holds most dear. It was the over-riding reason he was able to commit to the club despite lucrative offers elsewhere, knowing he wouldn’t be able to replace what he had found at Hull Ionians.

Although disappointed to play alongside brother Greg on only one occasion, Lewis enjoyed some successful centre partnerships, picking James Tinknell and Josh Britton as the two with whom he appreciated playing the most.

What does life hold from now on? Although it is early days, there has been little consideration given to any role within the game. “ I haven’t thought about it much, as yet. Coaching is something I might look at in the future. We’ll see what comes up”.

Lewis intends to improve his golf and squash, now he has the time, and also have a go at paddle boarding. So, he can now sail off into the sunset, leaving behind some marvellous memories and with the good wishes of all at Hull Ionians to accompany him in whatever he turns to next. Bon voyage.

Lewis’ Club Stats

Years of Service - 9
Games Played - 171
Tries Scored - 93
Conversions - 324
Total Points - 1476