Beverley (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 12th October

Beverley (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 12th October

A never-say-die attitude from Ionians saw them come back from 10-nil down and run out 17-10 winners, with three classic wingers tries.
The bigger Beverley pack initially outfought the lighter I’s forwards, and set up numerous good field positions for their backs. That said, a taste of what was to come later occurred when, with the score still nil-nil, I’s counterattacked from deep, and explosive pace from centre Jack Johnson saw him burst down the left wing from his own 22, only to be bundled into touch inches from the Beverley line.
Beverley’s constant forward pressure saw them create two successive overlaps in I’s 22 and centre Brandon Faulkner crossing the I’s line each time to take his team into a 10-nil lead.
This only increased I’s resolve, and with captain Rees Middleton showing his pack the way with tackle after tackle dumping Beverley’s bigger forwards on their backsides, the tide began to turn swing slowly but surely in I’s favour.
Quick release ball in their own half set James Norton off on a steaming run down the right, touching down in the corner for the first of his two tries, and I’s firmly back in the match at half time.
Initial pressure in the second half saw I’s camped on the Beverley line with only dogged defence keeping them out. Then a moment of pure class from tighthead Ryan Courtney, whose quick offload at halfway set James Norton off once more with the line at his mercy, and the match tied at 10-10.
As the match wore on I’s felt the benefit of their Thursday night training sessions, and they could sense that the Beverley pack was now beginning to tire.
If there was a try of the season award then I’s match winning effort would already be inked in. From a defensive position close to their own line by the right touchflag, the ball was swung left and into the hands of Alex Wilkinson. A quick look up and “goodbye” as he scorched down the left wing for fully 80 yards to touch down under the posts with the whole Beverley team (and the ref!) trailing in his wake. A straight forward conversion and the comeback was complete.