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.