Fylde 29 - 41 Hull Ionians

Ionians came away from the Woodlands with a five-point haul, after an exciting encounter that keeps them clear atop N2N. Victory was secured with a powerful pack performance in the second half that turned a 4 point half time deficit into a 29 – 41 win.
The visitors controlled the early exchanges, with two early penalties from Lewis Minikin steading any anxiety, as Ionians demonstrated some good ball retention to deny Fylde a sight of the ball.
It took the hosts 20 minutes before they launched their first serious attack, but it reminded everyone of their menace, as they cut Ionians open. They broke clear through midfield, displaying well practiced interplay, only for a forward pass to prevent them from opening their account.
Ionians won the resulting scrum but a poor pass gave possession away and Fylde carried the ball to the line. Aggressive defence drove them back and Ionians regained possession but were unable to break clear from their 22.
Fylde continued to press, re-claiming possession from a line-out they moved the ball across the field and back again without breaching the defensive line until an infringement in front of goal gave Greg Smith a simple chance to reduce the deficit, Fylde 3 – 6.
From the re-start Ionians worked their way into the Fylde 22, only to penalised for holding on. This gave the hosts a chance to clear, but touch was missed and Tom Stephenson returned the ball with interest, find touch 10m from the home line. Fylde made a hash of the line-out and Ben Stephenson collected the loose ball to drive over. Minikin added the goal to put Ionians 3 – 13 just after the half hour.
Fylde made amends immediately. Connor Wilkinson fielded a high ball, wiggled his hips, and raced through an invitingly wide gap that materialised, he picked out supporting runners and the ball was transferred out to winger Tom Carleton who sprinted over in the corner. An excellent conversion from Smith brought Fylde back to 10 – 13.
Fylde were back straight from the kick-off but knocked -on with the line beckoning. Ionians were hanging on for the break for some respite, but the hosts were unrelenting as they again exposed Ionians vulnerability with typical Fylde flair creating a try for Ralph Dowds, goaled by Smith, to give Fylde the lead, 17 – 13, as the players trudged off for half time.
One area where Ionians held an advantage was “up front” and it was obvious this had been discussed during the break, with the opening of the second session seeing some good old fashioned up your jumper rugby from the visitors. Close driving play had Fylde back peddling allowing the ball to be moved across field with Minikin breaking clear; an errant final pass put the ball in touch but Fylde overthrew the line-out and Ben Bell latched onto the free ball and drove over for a try. Minikin again struck from the tee to restore the lead.
With the forwards providing a solid platform the Ionians backline were able to match the hosts fluidity; Toni Kuku broke away down the flanks before the ball was transferred in field where Luke Thundercliffe stepped twice to cut inside his marker and give Lewis Minikin a clear run in. A simple conversion gave Ionians a 10 point advantage.
This was soon reduced with Fylde, never more dangerous than faced with adversity, producing some electric interplay to get close to the Ionians line. They were held initially but second rower, Oli Parkinson, was driven over to claim the try.
Ionians brought some pragmatism back into the game. A 20m driving maul was stopped illegally, Tom Stephenson put the ball into touch and a clean catch was driven repeatedly at the home line until James Newman breached the defensive wall to score. Minikin continued with his success at goal and Ionians were 22 – 34 to the good, with a bonus point in the bag.
Fylde had no answer to Ionians forward dominance at this stage and within minutes Ionians were over again with an exquisite move, instigated by Tom Stephenson, leading to a try for Ed Falkingham. Minikin completed a faultless display from the tee to give the visitors a 19 point lead with less than 15 minutes remaining.
Fylde never give in and they piled on the pressure in pursuit of a try bonus point, at least. The increased intensity led to a fracas and when things calmed down Fylde resumed their attack; a penalty award was quickly taken but was stopped illegally, another quick tap stretched Ionians’ defence and the outstanding Wilkinson was on hand to cut through to the line. Smith added the goal but time had run out and the kick brought the match to a conclusion, Ionians worthy winners, 29 – 41.