Ionians made it two from two with a victory over newly promoted Heath. A four try haul ensured another five points to add to the tally.
Ben Stephenson helped himself to a brace for the second consecutive match, either side of scores for Sam Pocklington and Jack Gillingwater. Ben Smith added the extras to all the tries, as well as enjoying a good afternoon kicking out of hand.
Ionians laid the foundations for the win with a dominant set piece. The line-out, in particular, was a platform from which they were able to control possession. Stephenson was able to direct the shove from the back of the resulting driving maul to claim both of his tries.
The visitors split the scoring equally between the two halves; the forwards rumbled over for the opening try after 8 minutes and they set up the opportunity for Sam Pocklington to dummy his way over from the back of a ruck 5m out after 20 minutes of play.
Heath had plenty of the ball but were unable to break through a well organised defence in which the back-row trio of Oliver Arnold, James Sanderson and Ben Hyde were superb.
Ionians increasing dominated play as the half progressed without increasing the score and went into the break leading 0 – 14.
Heath got onto the scoreboard early in the second half with the best try of the match. Winger, Cliff Howard, fielded a kick inside his 22 and set off down the touch, he evaded one man before switching play infield for the Heath backs to sweep play across the park to find Howard’s fellow wing, Jake Haynes, who raced away to the corner. Johnson knocked over the conversion from the touch line and Heath were back into the game, 7 – 14.
Ionians tempered any expectation the home side may have had with their third try five minutes later. Good solid approach play got them up to within striking distance and Ben Smith was able to pick out Jack Gillingwater on the charge and he burst his way through to dot down,
Heath re-doubled their efforts and put the Ionians try line under siege. Ionians managed to keep their line intact (avoiding a yellow card by the skin of their teeth), against a barrage from the home pack but they were unable to prevent centre Harry Harrison sliding over in the corner when Heath changed tactics and flung the ball wide. Johnson converted from off the touchline to close the score to 14 – 21.
Ionians wrested back control and could have extended the lead earlier, had the final pass been better judged, but finally gained the bonus point try when Stephenson directed another driving maul over the line to score. Ben Smith dutifully obliged off the tee to complete the scoring.
Heath were a side full of confidence, winning promotion to N2 after a campaign that featured only one defeat and coming within a point of defeating ‘hoppers last week, but Ionians had greater power up front and overall were more disciplined and experienced throughout the team.
Next week, old foes Fylde come to BP. After playing two newly promoted sides so far, this should give us a clearer opportunity to judge the progress the team has made thus far. See you there.