Sunday, 17 October 2010
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Welcome to the New season Ionians U15 2009/2010 Blog site
This is the new season blog site for this seasons U15
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Ionians U14 Spring Tour to Blackpool
Ionians U14 Spring Tour to Blackpool
According to the “Good Book” the sun shines on the righteous, and on the weekend of 17th and 18th April the sun really shone down from a cloudless sky as I’s headed west for their two day end-of-season tour to Blackpool.
19 squad members accompanied by 26 parents climbed aboard their tour bus for an early start, with only a slight delay to the scheduled departure time of 8am as Richard Heelas, our very own version of Al Murray the “Pub Landlord”, orchestrated the packing of necessary life support for the trip..his assumption that 3 litres of Bombay Sapphire gin would be enough to satisfy the cravings of the mums was sadly way off the mark.
Boys at the back of the bus, Stoney’s i-pod blasting out wholly unintelligible rhythms via portable speakers, and we settled back for the 2 ½ hour journey across the M62, up-over-and down the other side of the Pennines into bandit country ( Lancashire) and an on-time landing at the venue for our first game-Fleetwood RUFC.
Anyone who has read our blog this season will understand why there were a few anxious frowns on the faces of the camp-followers ( the parents) as they took a look at the opposition warming up. “Here we go again” said the eternal optimist, Paul Willingham, “they’re taller and bigger than our lads—I don’t like the look of this”. Some of the parents were more phlegmatic..the sun is shining, the bar is open, the tour is actually for us, not the boys, what’s the problem ?
The answer came very quickly, as we all realised that the problem lay not on our side, but the opposition who were a couple of players short. In true democratic fashion our Leader ( PC) said “you and you”..you’ll play for them” and Normy and Luke traipsed off to integrate with their new team-mates.
Within a couple of minutes of the kick-off we had a good feeling about the game..a very good feeling. A big pitch, a wide pitch, a dry pitch and we had some real pace in our backs, with passing going to hand, not ground, real aggression at the breakdown, quick ball spun out wide and before we knew it we were 12 nil up as, first Jack Johnson, and then Wilko scorched over the line for fabulous tries. Fleetwood upped their game and pressurised our line, but there was real commitment in our defence, and we were adamant that they would not score. Two more tries from us and, hey, we’re 22 nil up. Minutes later and we are 27 nil up.
Now in every walk of life you come across someone who has that little bit extra, that indefinable something which sets them apart, and it was with a couple of minutes to go before half-time that our version of this decided that he had had enough of the backs stealing all the limelight and he wanted a bit of a mention in dispatches, if you please. 30 yards out, with a chorus from the touchline howling at him to pass the ball, a look of disdain from him in response, and showboating all the way, he waddled his way over the line to take us to a 32-nil lead at halftime. A big grin from ear to ear, a look in vain for the BBC to come and interview him, and a waggle of his hips as the ref blew for the restart, he decided his adoring public needed a bit more so off he went again, ball in one hand, opposition hanging off him and his trademark one-handed offload. Who on earth am I talking about ?
The second half was just as good as the first half with I’s playing some really top-notch stuff, extending their lead to 39-nil, before our hero once more went looking for the limelight, and surged over to take us past 40 points. Now it was a matter of how many we would score, and just as importantly making sure that Fleetwood didn’t. 3 more tries from us, dogged defence, and at the final whistle a huge round of applause as I’s ran off the pitch with a winning score of 61-nil.
In the bar after the game I’s were introduced to one of the novelties of touring..the kangaroo court. It was before this institution that our hero was brought to task, and with a well thought out judgment lasting two micro-seconds His Honour the Judge decided that our hero had no defence to the charge, no mitigating circumstances, and a verdict of guilty as charged.
Back on the bus and off to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the afternoon, where “real parents” like Karen Wilde passed up the chance of a stroll along the front to inspect winebars and chose instead to show the boys that you’re never too old for an adrenaline rush on “PepsiMax” or “Infusion”.
After checking in at the hotel, we were soon on the bus heading off for our eveing meal at The Gurkha “all-you-can-eat”. Despite being only a five minute trip, this was more than enough for “Al Murray” to fill all parents glasses with copious amounts of booze.
Back to the hotel, another Kangaroo court and for some reason they shut the bar at the unreasonable hour of 11 o’clock. Ever inventive, Al just opened his alternative hostelry on the grass outside and sometime in the early hours the last of the parents hit the pillow after a glorious all-round fun day.
Sunday dawned just like Saturday..blue skies and no clouds. The art of communication proved difficult for most of us after the rigours of the previous day and, apart from a few grunts and nods, breakfast passed in almost total silence.
On to the bus and off to our second game, against Blackpool RUFc. We had had vague warnings that they might be a sterner test than Fleetwood, but we were in confident mood at last. The warnings proved right..they were a well drilled bunch who knew what the game was all about and despite some fairly hard tackling by our guys they were 7-nil up within a few minutes. But we were here to play and play we did, with James Norton clawing the score back to 7-5 with a really well worked try in the left hand corner.
For the rest of the first half the late night before took its toll on I’s and Blackpool were able to apply some real pressure, breaking out of tackles, making hard yards, getting us on the back foot, and by the time the ref blew for half-time we were 19-5 down.
The second half was probably one of the best half’s of rugby you could wish to see from boys of this age..real competitive stuff, never say die attitude, and despite a final scoreline of 33-10 to Blackpool our guys made us all proud, particularly when they went the length of the field to score a great try in the right hand corner, after immense work from Heapy and James Norton.
Not done yet the boys headed off to spend the rest of the afternoon at the Waterpark, whilst most parents enjoyed a little bit of sun-soaking on the patios of various seafront hotels-cum-bars.
A very tired bunch arrived back at Brantingham later that evening. Had we really packed all this into just two days ..apparently so !
Where to next year ?
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Hull Ionians (U14) vs Corinthians(U14) Sunday 29thMarch 2009
Hull Ionians (U14) vs Corinthians(U14) Sunday 29thMarch 2009
Only 3 weeks to go before the end of season tour to Blackpool where unknown and untested opposition will be lying in wait for us. A bit like today when Corinthians, whom we have never played before, made the trip over to Brantingham, and as the immaculate Mr Towns blew the whistle to start the game, we wondered what we would be facing.
The answer came in the first couple of minutes, when the singular problem which has let us down over the last few matches once again all too readily re-appeared. Granted the opposition were well organised and ran some very good lines, but they can’t run anywhere without their legs, and if only we would tackle we would have turned some of the recent heavy defeats into far more closely fought contests.
Today proved the point once more. We let them run repeatedly at, and straight through, us and they did not need asking twice..rattling up a match winning score by half time..6 unanswered tries..all of which could and should have been stopped by some rugged and forceful tackling.
The second half proves it..one crisp and well worked converted try from us and not a point in answer from them. Why..because we woke up and started contesting like we should have done from the very start.
Next time out, let’s have some purposeful and determined defence right from the off. Stop the opposition from playing and we can start showing what we are capable of.
Only 3 weeks to go before the end of season tour to Blackpool where unknown and untested opposition will be lying in wait for us. A bit like today when Corinthians, whom we have never played before, made the trip over to Brantingham, and as the immaculate Mr Towns blew the whistle to start the game, we wondered what we would be facing.
The answer came in the first couple of minutes, when the singular problem which has let us down over the last few matches once again all too readily re-appeared. Granted the opposition were well organised and ran some very good lines, but they can’t run anywhere without their legs, and if only we would tackle we would have turned some of the recent heavy defeats into far more closely fought contests.
Today proved the point once more. We let them run repeatedly at, and straight through, us and they did not need asking twice..rattling up a match winning score by half time..6 unanswered tries..all of which could and should have been stopped by some rugged and forceful tackling.
The second half proves it..one crisp and well worked converted try from us and not a point in answer from them. Why..because we woke up and started contesting like we should have done from the very start.
Next time out, let’s have some purposeful and determined defence right from the off. Stop the opposition from playing and we can start showing what we are capable of.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Roundhegians (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 8th March 2009
Roundhegians (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 8th March 2009
The semi-final of the Yorkshire Plate competition saw I’s travelling to Roundhay for what turned out to be a highly competitive, and close fought, encounter with the hosts. Both sides played the game in great spirit in front of their vociferous and loyal supporters.
It was one of those games which probably could have gone either way. Both teams were a credit to their respective clubs, and the game of rugby itself was also a winner.
Right from the outset I’s no.8, Peter Ferguson, made it clear that today was a day when he was going to show what he was made of, returning the kick-off with a determined run straight back up the middle. The hosts also let it be known that they meant business with some hard hitting tackles and strong breaks from their two centres, both of whom had an outstanding game for the home team. In the early exchanges up front there was little between the two packs, with I’s perhaps just edging things in the set scrum.
10 minutes in and Roundhegians took the lead with a converted try to lead 7-0, but for the next 15 minutes or so I’s pinned them back in their own half with a huge effort from the pack in the tight and the loose.
From a heel against the head on the 22 metre line out left Peter Ferguson picked up from the base of the scrum and broke down the blind side beating 3 defenders to bring I’s back in to the game at 7-5. As the game approached half time and with I’s again camped deep in the home team’s 22, a sudden and devastating break saw Roundhegians going the length of the pitch to snatch a 14-5 halftime lead.
The first score of the second half was going to be very important in determining the outcome of this match, and once again I’s took up good field position close to the right touch deep in the home team’s half. A score now and I’s would be right back in it, but once again Roundhegians found a way through to score the try of the match as they worked the ball from close to the touchline, back inside, and another storming run to move out to what looked at that stage to be an unassailable lead of 19-5. I’s were having none of it and back they marched in to the opponent’s 22 where quick ball from a solid scrum was fed out quickly and neatly for centre Jack Johnson to fly over in the left hand corner. 19-10 and still plenty of time left.
Now it was Roundhegians who applied the pressure on the visitors forcing them back down the pitch into a line-out right on their own line. A stolen ball and the home side moved out to a 24-10 lead with only 10 minutes to go.
Back came I’s with Peter Ferguson once again crashing over to claw the score back to 24-15. If the try could be converted then I’s were back within one converted try and still 7 or 8 minutes on the clock, but the kick agonisingly dipped under the bar.
For the last few minutes both teams went at it hammer and tongs, but the home team were still out in front as the ref blew the final whistle. 4 tries to 3, a great effort by both sides, and some marvellous hospitality in the clubhouse afterwards from our hosts.
I’s wish Roundhegians all the best in the final.
The semi-final of the Yorkshire Plate competition saw I’s travelling to Roundhay for what turned out to be a highly competitive, and close fought, encounter with the hosts. Both sides played the game in great spirit in front of their vociferous and loyal supporters.
It was one of those games which probably could have gone either way. Both teams were a credit to their respective clubs, and the game of rugby itself was also a winner.
Right from the outset I’s no.8, Peter Ferguson, made it clear that today was a day when he was going to show what he was made of, returning the kick-off with a determined run straight back up the middle. The hosts also let it be known that they meant business with some hard hitting tackles and strong breaks from their two centres, both of whom had an outstanding game for the home team. In the early exchanges up front there was little between the two packs, with I’s perhaps just edging things in the set scrum.
10 minutes in and Roundhegians took the lead with a converted try to lead 7-0, but for the next 15 minutes or so I’s pinned them back in their own half with a huge effort from the pack in the tight and the loose.
From a heel against the head on the 22 metre line out left Peter Ferguson picked up from the base of the scrum and broke down the blind side beating 3 defenders to bring I’s back in to the game at 7-5. As the game approached half time and with I’s again camped deep in the home team’s 22, a sudden and devastating break saw Roundhegians going the length of the pitch to snatch a 14-5 halftime lead.
The first score of the second half was going to be very important in determining the outcome of this match, and once again I’s took up good field position close to the right touch deep in the home team’s half. A score now and I’s would be right back in it, but once again Roundhegians found a way through to score the try of the match as they worked the ball from close to the touchline, back inside, and another storming run to move out to what looked at that stage to be an unassailable lead of 19-5. I’s were having none of it and back they marched in to the opponent’s 22 where quick ball from a solid scrum was fed out quickly and neatly for centre Jack Johnson to fly over in the left hand corner. 19-10 and still plenty of time left.
Now it was Roundhegians who applied the pressure on the visitors forcing them back down the pitch into a line-out right on their own line. A stolen ball and the home side moved out to a 24-10 lead with only 10 minutes to go.
Back came I’s with Peter Ferguson once again crashing over to claw the score back to 24-15. If the try could be converted then I’s were back within one converted try and still 7 or 8 minutes on the clock, but the kick agonisingly dipped under the bar.
For the last few minutes both teams went at it hammer and tongs, but the home team were still out in front as the ref blew the final whistle. 4 tries to 3, a great effort by both sides, and some marvellous hospitality in the clubhouse afterwards from our hosts.
I’s wish Roundhegians all the best in the final.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Hull (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 1st March 2009
Hull (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 1st March 2009
Responding to a call from their coaches for an improved performance Ionians U14s responded in style with a return to the quality of rugby they are capable of for much of this game.
Ionians started the game clearly ‘up for it’ with committed controlled forward play putting Hulls dangerous backs on the back foot and with the backs tackling now putting opponents down Hull struggled to make ground when they did have possession.
The first 15 minutes definitely belonged to Ionians, time and again forwards were at the breakdown in numbers to win good quick ruck ball usually resulted in ground being gained with Peter Ferguson at No 8 probably having his most effective game of the season until after 15 minutes Olly Norton went over wide out to put the first points on the board.
The rest of the first half followed the same pattern with Ionians having the majority of possession and restricting Hull to scrappy untidy ball, although a foolish penalty given away just before half time for handling on the ground when there had been a clear ‘hands off’ call from the referee resulted in Hull kicking the resulting penalty to give a half time score of 5 -3.
A pulled muscle meant the Ionians full back Pat Johnson was unable to start the second half. Possibly due to this change to the back line or forwards being unable to keep up the intensity of first half but the second half started with 14 minutes in which Hull upped their performance, Ionians reverted back to the sloppy rugby and missed tackles of recent weeks and Hulls powerful backs were able to run in 5 tries four of which were converted by their excellent number 10 – surely the best under 14s kicker in the county.
The last 10 minutes showed Ionians raising their game again to the level of the first half with Jack Stansfield defending admirably out of position on the wing but without a cutting edge to convert possession into points there was no further scoring resulting in a 34-5 final score in favour of Hull.
Overall this was a much improved performance by Ionians and should give them confidence for their Yorkshire Cup – Plate semi final this coming week end.
Responding to a call from their coaches for an improved performance Ionians U14s responded in style with a return to the quality of rugby they are capable of for much of this game.
Ionians started the game clearly ‘up for it’ with committed controlled forward play putting Hulls dangerous backs on the back foot and with the backs tackling now putting opponents down Hull struggled to make ground when they did have possession.
The first 15 minutes definitely belonged to Ionians, time and again forwards were at the breakdown in numbers to win good quick ruck ball usually resulted in ground being gained with Peter Ferguson at No 8 probably having his most effective game of the season until after 15 minutes Olly Norton went over wide out to put the first points on the board.
The rest of the first half followed the same pattern with Ionians having the majority of possession and restricting Hull to scrappy untidy ball, although a foolish penalty given away just before half time for handling on the ground when there had been a clear ‘hands off’ call from the referee resulted in Hull kicking the resulting penalty to give a half time score of 5 -3.
A pulled muscle meant the Ionians full back Pat Johnson was unable to start the second half. Possibly due to this change to the back line or forwards being unable to keep up the intensity of first half but the second half started with 14 minutes in which Hull upped their performance, Ionians reverted back to the sloppy rugby and missed tackles of recent weeks and Hulls powerful backs were able to run in 5 tries four of which were converted by their excellent number 10 – surely the best under 14s kicker in the county.
The last 10 minutes showed Ionians raising their game again to the level of the first half with Jack Stansfield defending admirably out of position on the wing but without a cutting edge to convert possession into points there was no further scoring resulting in a 34-5 final score in favour of Hull.
Overall this was a much improved performance by Ionians and should give them confidence for their Yorkshire Cup – Plate semi final this coming week end.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Malton (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 22nd February 2009
Malton (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 22nd February 2009
Another hard day at the office for the I’s away at Malton, where the difficulties which have plagued them over the last couple of months too readily re-appeared. Rugby at is best is a simple game, do the basics well and it should all fall into place.
As their coaches told them at the conclusion of this disappointing game, if they can do it on a Thursday night in training, why don’t they do it on Sunday.
Time and again though missed tackles, spilled balls, and conceding turnovers handed the advantage to the home side who were quite happy to accept the gifts on offer to run away with the game and pile misery onto the visitors. The final score of 65-5 says it all. And the harsh reality is that it was substantially self-inflicted.
The boys now have to use the return game at Hull next week to get their game heads back on before they travel to Roundeighians the following week for the Plate semi-final. We know what Hull will bring to the game, hard tackling, strong running, and a positive “can-do” attitude so we have to stand up and deal with it, regain confidence, and start playing like we did at Beverley and Goole earlier in the season.
Another hard day at the office for the I’s away at Malton, where the difficulties which have plagued them over the last couple of months too readily re-appeared. Rugby at is best is a simple game, do the basics well and it should all fall into place.
As their coaches told them at the conclusion of this disappointing game, if they can do it on a Thursday night in training, why don’t they do it on Sunday.
Time and again though missed tackles, spilled balls, and conceding turnovers handed the advantage to the home side who were quite happy to accept the gifts on offer to run away with the game and pile misery onto the visitors. The final score of 65-5 says it all. And the harsh reality is that it was substantially self-inflicted.
The boys now have to use the return game at Hull next week to get their game heads back on before they travel to Roundeighians the following week for the Plate semi-final. We know what Hull will bring to the game, hard tackling, strong running, and a positive “can-do” attitude so we have to stand up and deal with it, regain confidence, and start playing like we did at Beverley and Goole earlier in the season.
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