Both teams created five try scoring opportunities with Leeds taking all 5 while Hull Ionians took three. For long periods both teams retained possession well making ground into the opposition 22 but excellent disciplined defences made the final break through difficult to create in what was rated the best match seen at Brantingham Park all season.
A set peace move from a line-out saw Leeds wing Eliah Chitiyo break on an inside pass sending opposite wing Ewan Evans over in the second minute, James Watt converting.
Hull Ionians then Leeds both carried the ball end to end with well retained possession before Lewis Minikin intercepted in his own 22 and made 50 metres before chipping ahead. Hull Ionians support ensured possession was retained and a quickly taken penalty by Sam Pocklington saw him dive under the posts, Minikin converting to level the scores.
Leeds twice infringed in midfield to give Lewis Minikin two 40 metre kicks at goal, the first just going wide, the second going over to lead 10-7.
Leeds closed the half with sustained pressure ending with Adam Brown diving over from a quick tap penalty, Watts converting to retake the lead at the break.
Ionians opened the second half with a second penalty goal by Minikin and then when wave attacks were stopped by yet another high tackle, Leeds received a yellow card and the penalty line-out was driven over for James Sanderson to score, Minikin converting to lead 18-14.
Leeds came straight back and their penalty line-out drive earned a penalty try with James Sanderson penalised with a yellow card.
Leeds then ran from their own half with Chitiyo free on the overlap to race home to the corner, Watts converting to lead 28-18.
Ten normal minutes saw a third Minikin penalty to make it 21-28, but Leeds once again ran and kicked from their own line for Ollie Williams to cross.
Leeds further pressure was turned over on the 80 minute mark and Hull Ionians determination saw them run and recycle the ball repeatedly to go the length of the field for Pocklington to gain their third try in the 83rd minute and a loosing bonus point, Minikin’s successful kick ending the match.