Hull Ionians rode their luck before finally overcoming a spirited Sedgley side to earn 5 points and record a seventh successive win. Tigers had the edge and held the lead for an hour but two tries in two minutes visibly lifted Ionians and deflated the hosts and a controlled final quarter from Ionians saw them to the final whistle and a 29 – 35 victory.
The hosts made the perfect start; attacking off first phase ball powerful centre, Andrew Riley, breezed through the Ionians defence to cross close to the posts, gifting Steve Collins an easy conversion and Sedgley a 7 point lead.
Ionians enjoyed a period of possession and good field position but the hosts were equal to the challenge and appeared to have dealt with any imminent danger, but a clearing kick was fielded by Toni Kuku who danced his way past several tacklers before off loading to Steve Slingsby who in turn slipped a pass to Sam Wilson to speed away to score in the corner. Lewis Minikin’s well-judged kick sailed between the uprights to tie the score at 7 – 7.
Tigers responded to the affront with a sustained assault on the Ionians line; though Ionians repelled a series of drives burly No8, James Lloyd, found a gap large enough to crash through to restore the lead, Collins adding the extras, 14 – 7.
Collins had further success from the tee when he added a penalty from in front of goal, but Ionians were relieved not to have conceded more following further pressure by the hosts, with Collins skilfully directing proceedings and finding willing support from his forwards and the rumbustious Riley.
The re-start gave Ionians the opportunity to venture into the home 22 and a well executed catch and drive starting 15m from the line resulted in a try for Ben Bell. Minikin struck another difficult conversion to cut the deficit to 3 points, with half an hour played.
If Sedgley were affronted by Ionians first try they appeared outraged by the temerity of adding a second and they subjected the Ionians rear-guard to a turbulent 10 minutes which culminated in Collins dummying his way through to the line. The successful conversion brought the half time whistle and respite for Ionians but Tigers had established a deserved ten point advantage, 24 – 14.
Saw Wilson’s second try, he collected a smart reverse pass off Adam Thomas to race 40m to the line, gave Ionians an excellent start to the second half but it was only a brief respite with Sedgley continuing to pummel away at the beleaguered defence. Despite a tremendous effort, in which Mark Wigham and Adam Thomas were particularly prominent, Riley exposed another hole in the defensive wall and blasted his way over from close range. Despite Collins having his first misfortune Tigers had a two score advantage, 29-21 to the good.
With an hour played Ionians produced only their second piece of enterprising play of the half, but to telling effect. Kuku made a break on half way, quick feet and fast hands from Tom Stephenson and Steve Slingsby carried the move on and found Wilson in space, with the line beckoning for the third time the try was a formality. Minikin was on target with the kick and Ionians were back within a whisker of the hosts.
Despite having the better of things Tigers had failed to put Ionians to the sword. Wilson’s try, combined with the introduction of Hardy to give Tigers and Riley a dose of their own medicine, lifted the visitors and Sedgley were given no time to re-group before Ionians struck again. A series of close drives from the forwards had Tigers back peddling and once the ball was moved wide Ed Falkingham popped up in support to hare away to the line. Minikin made it 5 out of 5 from the tee and Ionians had stolen the lead, 29 - 35
From then on it never looked as if they would relinquish the advantage that had been so hard fought for. They showed a tremendous spirit and a desire to prevent Tigers from re-asserting control and played out the remaining minutes to claim a creditable win against a well organised and determined opposition.