Cup win

Ionians travelled to Yarnbury with a reduced squad, due to school tour commitments, but on a miserable wet day, they proved too strong for the similarly decimated home team.

By the end of the first half the game was over as a contest as Ionians led 57 to 0.

Initial handling was a problem and dropped balls led to stop start rugby, expected to a degree given the conditions. However, after 5 minutes, Ionians pressed down the left wing, as the ball went through hands, only desperate tackling kept the visitors out, however when prop Joe Nellist collected he was able to crash over from short range. 5 to 0
From the restart, Ionians pressed forward putting pressure on Yarnbury's backs and when the ball came to Stand off Kirk, he spotted space to the left and kicked crossfield for Joe Walker to collect and score. 10 to 0
Skipper James Malcolmson added a third with a typical burst through tackles. 15 to 0.

Ionians were rampant now, and when they had to rearrange the pack due to hooker Harvey's dislocated finger, Luke came in from the wing, and when he picked up the ball in loose play, he burst through and used his pace to run in from 40 yards. Conversion by Kirk, 22 to 0. Toms and George were being disruptive at the breakdown, Archie was sniping in his runs when in possession, and the front row stuck at the task of securing the ball. Couch gained confidence as the game progressed and with Kirk in control, the next try was not long incoming. The bounce of the ball favouring Walker as he ran through for his second, converted by Kirk 29 to 0.
Jimbob added his second when the ball rebounded off a Yarnbury defender and he was able to run in from close range.36 to 0.
Straight from the restart archie caught the ball and ran through from halfway to score near the posts. When Joe Walker received the ball from Brad, deep in is own half, his initial burst and then pass to Luke, saw him then run in from the halfway line as the defenders chased in vain. 50 to 0.
Ionians ninth try of the half was scored by winger Tom Scruton, who raced in from 20 yards, down the right wing as the ball was moved successfully down the line. 57to 0.

Ionians gave the home side 2 players in the second half, and Yarnbury pressed throughout the half trying to reduce the deficit, but Ionians defence was resolute. A set move from a scrum in front of the posts saw Joe Walker gain his hat trick. Will Tindall added another, running in from close range. 69 to 0.

While Toms was being felled in the tackle by Sam, Yarnbury did manage to cross Ionians line, cheered on by the local crowd.
Richardson and McLeod made positive progress upfield at different stages of the game, Wilson and Dearing were solid in their tackling and work. The final try of the game, coming from Clarkson, who ran through the Yarnbury defence to score on his return.

Final score 76 to 5
Try Scorers
Joe Walker 3, James Malcolmson 2, Luke Waudby 2, Archie Smeaton, Tom Scruton, Will Tindall, Joe Nellist, Brad Clarkson
Conversions
Charlie Kirk 7/11,Will Tindall 1/1
Man of Match
Luke Waudby