U16's lose 5-19

Difficult weather conditions, and a heavy pitch weren't conducive to a good game, but the crowds were entertained to an excellent battle which was fought out to the end.

0-0 at half time, but this wasn't football or boring. With the wind behind Ionians pressed early and had good possession in the oppositions half. However as Ionians played and recycled through the forwards, West Parks defence held firm, with some solid tackles and defence. West Park ventured into Ionians half, with good passing through the backs, however, a misplaced pass, saw their attack come to nothing. Scrums were solid and equal, lineouts were slightly going in favour of the opposition, with the lad at 2 jumping well. Strategic kicking by the stand off and some good running by the full back showed the threats that Ionians had to deal with, however, they responded with desire, and Malcolmsom, Robinson, Ball, Plater et al, did some sterling work in tackling and at breakdown.
The game moved backwards and forwards through subtle passes and kicks, without either team really threatening the line. A quickly taken penalty saw West Park bear down on Ionians line, but again the defence was firm. A penalty attempt by West Park was missed, and so having done battle for 35 minutes teams were tied in a keenly contested game.

Second half started as much as the first, with the wind now behind, kicking for territory was the plan for West Park, after 5 minutes from a set piece, the ball went through hands to the full back who burst through some tackles to score under the posts. Try converted 0-7.

Ionians responded, and through their forwards they progressed upfield and put pressure on the visitors defence. A series of penalties against West Park, gave Ionians the opportunity to score, and Will Robinson collected from short range to crash over and score. Unfortunately Kirk hit the post with the conversion , so score was 5 -7

The game was for either team with 20 minutes to go. Again Ionians pressed forward having, defended West Parks attack, a charged down clearance saw Kirk take a quick 22 and give the home side good field position. The games turning point then came, when, from breakdown play, a pass was intercepted by Lancaster, who ran the remaining 50 yards to score under the posts, and convert his own try. 5 to 14. Ionians to their credit came back again, and a breaks from Walker and Smeaton, gave them glimmers of hope, but on the final play West Parks substitute flanker, picked up a scruffy breakdown ball and ran the ball in to give the final score 5 to 19.

A tremendous game between two well matched sides, Ionians needing to be more clinical at the crucial times.

Hopefully West Parks winger Billy not too badly injured..

Try Scorers
Will Robinson
Man of Match
Will Robinson