Ionians U16 2010/11 season Team blog

Welcome to the New season Ionians U16 2010/2011 Blog site

2010-10-17T18:01:00.003+01:00

Welcome to the New season Ionians U15 2009/2010 Blog site

2009-09-06T18:00:00.002+01:00

This is the new season blog site for this seasons U15

Ionians U14 Spring Tour to Blackpool

2009-04-30T19:09:00.005+01:00

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 ?

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Corinthians(U14) Sunday 29thMarch 2009

2009-03-29T19:44:00.001+01:00

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.

Roundhegians (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 8th March 2009

2009-03-09T07:07:00.001Z

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.

Hull (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 1st March 2009

2009-03-02T18:12:00.001Z

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.

Malton (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 22nd February 2009

2009-02-22T16:59:00.001Z

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.

Hull Ionians (U14) vs. Hull (U14) Sunday 25th January 2009

2009-01-26T07:03:00.006Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs. Hull (U14) Sunday 25th January 2009

With I’s storming into an early 5-0 lead, inside the first minute, with a well taken try in the right hand corner by Luke Johnson, smiles came back perhaps a little too soon to the faces of their loyal pitch side supporters. After a series of disappointing results over recent weeks was the monkey off the back at last?
The remainder of the first half showed that there is still work to be done, as the visitors, their team recently strengthened by a number of rugby league converts hardened in the physicality of that code, worked out very quickly that direct running and purposeful, but fair,aggression would, could, and did expose I’s current weakness..if you don’t make tackles the opposition will run through you at will.
And this is exactly what the boys from the other side of town did, on several occasions, meaning that by half time the game was effectively over as a contest. By then Hull, with nearly all of their tries converted by some of the best place kicking you could ever expect to see from any team in this age group, were out of sight.
Come the second half, I’s woke up, but too little and too late. Although the second period was more closely fought with the home side running in two more finely worked tries from Stanny and Luke Johnson, this team has to realise that to win matches you go at it from the very first blow of the ref’s whistle and not wait until the other side have taken their foot off the accelerator.
The pack has to get more physical, and from one to fifteen they have to let their opponents know that from now on they all fully subscribe to, and believe in, the famous phrase first coined and used during the Battle of Verdun in World War I by French General Robert Nivelle.
When you read this report, boys, Google it..learn it..and then abide by it !

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Sandal (U14) Sunday 18th January 2009

2009-01-18T20:40:00.002Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Sandal (U14) Sunday 18th January 2009

With the expected Yorkshire Plate quarter final not taking place as scheduled after I’s opponents conceded the tie, Sandal stepped in at short notice to play at Brantingham on a chill, blustery, day .
Despite an initial strong start from the home side, the visitors soon found their stride with their pack dominating in the loose and the tight to grab hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and give their backs a steady stream of good quality ball.
One of I’s difficulties this season has been their inability to make the critical first tackle, allowing opponents the opportunity consistently to get across the gain line and make good yardage, resulting in I’s finding themselves on the back foot and fighting rearguard actions. Today was no exception and I’s simply have to be more aggressive in the tackle, and start contesting more vigorously at the breakdown or they will continue to find themselves swamped, as they were in the first half of this match.
By the time the sartorially elegant Stuart Towns (clad this week in delightful cerise and white instead of his trademark Chanel canary yellow) blew the whistle for the break Sandal had the game wrapped up with a lead of 27-0, having run in 5 tries.
The muttering from the touchlines amongst I’s dedicated camp followers was about just how big a cricket score Sandal might run up in the second half. But if there is one quality which I’s do have in abundance it is guts, and in the second half they upped the pace, never let their heads drop, and continued to battle right to the end against what must be acknowledged as a well drilled and physically superior outfit.
It was only in the final 5 minutes when I’s were out on their feet that Sandal stretched their lead with another 3 tries to close out the game with a flourish.

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Driffield (U14) Sunday 11th January 2009

2009-01-12T07:23:00.002Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Driffield (U14) Sunday 11th January 2009

Driffield set their stall out from the first.
Quicker to the breakdown, more aggressive in their tackling, solid in the set piece, and better decision making with the ball in hand.
All of the above led to a comfortable 26-0 victory for the visitors at Brantingham Park, with the Ionians looking ring rusty from the start and not really getting out of first gear in this first match after the Christmas break.
One or two of the I’s players showed glimpses of what they can do, but this is a team game and individuals need to blend as one to deliver a positive result. They know they can do it, they have done it earlier in the season, and the next match in the Yorkshire Plate quarter final against Scarborough, in front of a home crowd, gives them the opportunity to get things back on track.
For the first time since the opening game of the season I’s will have both of their speedsters available for selection, with Luke Johnson now back after a long lay-off since suffering a broken collar bone in the opening game of the season. Having Alex Wilkinson on the other wing gives the I’s real attacking options on both sides of the field.
So everything is set up for the I’s to play to their strengths and put smiles back on faces. The pack has to front up, intimidate their opponents, give quick clean ball to their backs, and let their three quarter line loose to do the rest.

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Doncaster (U14) Wednesday 17th December 2008

2008-12-18T07:04:00.000Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Doncaster (U14) Wednesday 17th December 2008

The result (22-12 to the visitors) is, dare I say, somewhat irrelevant.
What really matters is that at Brantingham Park, on a bitterly cold Wednesday night, over 50 boys turned up to represent their clubs, with another 50 or so supporters cheering them on from the sidelines in a match played under floodlights. And what a night, ending with the clubhouse packed for a pie and peas dinner, Santa Claus outfits, silly noses, and laughter all round as the two teams mingled and played party games in a joyous atmosphere which summed up what the game of rugby union is all about.
Yes..both teams wanted to win , and both played their hearts out, in a hugely competitive game, but it was played as it should be, hard, fair, in great spirit, and with a smile on their faces. Perhaps we all have a little less to be happy about with the credit crunch and all that, but these boys warmed the cockles of your heart and put everyone in the right festive mood for Christmas.
These boys have coaches whose love of the game is clear for all to see. They have instilled in the youngsters all the right values. Play fairly, shake your opponents by the hand at the final whistle, clap and cheer them off, and then enjoy their company in the clubhouse afterwards.
And to sum it all up, every single one of the Doncaster team came with a present for donation to the Viking Radio Cash For Kids appeal..need I say more.
A very Merry Christmas to you all

17th December U14's v Doncaster

2008-12-02T21:22:00.000Z

The evening fixture against Doncaster is confirmed for Wednesday 17th December.

The club is opening specifically for us that night and laying on a Pie and Pea Supper for all boys and parents/supporters. Cost will be approx. £3.50 per head, we will be providing Doncaster boys with theirs as usual for visiting teams.

Please bring as many friends and family as possible to support and make it a successful night for us and the club – there will be no squad selected all boys will be playing.

In order to know how many to cater for we will be printing tickets for this game. They will be available from Iain Humphreys or me from this Thursday. Tickets are free but giving them out will enable us to know how many are going to attend.

Should be a good night.

Thanks a lot

Peter

Peter Clough

Bradford & Bingley (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 23rd November

2008-11-24T20:48:00.001Z

Bradford and Bingley (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14)
Sunday 23rd November

Ionians left the snow and ice of East Yorkshire behind to find sun and perfect rugby playing conditions for their Yorkshire Plate tie at B&B.

Despite a number of players late arrival resulting in some last minute changes to the team sheet the benefit of the strong squad system I’s have been developing was apparent as they started the game in uncharacteristically strong style and swiftly moved into a two try lead. This early boost to their confidence was plain for all to see and the desire and effort from the entire team saw them run out easy winners and keep a clean sheet on a glorious winter’s morning in the Aire Valley.

I’s opened the scoring through a strong burst from James Norton down the left touchline outpacing the covering Bees defence to score the opening try of the game. Pete McGlynn fielded the resultant restart and showed good strength and pace to score again down the right putting I’s two tries up within the first 5 minutes. A brief period of Bees pressure following a break up the middle led to I’s recovery of the ball close to their own try line before the ball was worked to Alex Wilko who scored a long range effort outpacing the Bees defence in typical style. This was followed by yet another strong break only for Wilko to have the ball stripped in an excellent cover tackle just short of the line.

Following a line out, I’s pressure from the quick breaking flanker Joe Barber saw a spilled ball close to the Bees line collected by Jack Stanny to score a short range effort and stretch the lead.

There followed a period of strong rucking and good handling by I’s in which Jack towns several times made good ground as the ball worked it’s way out wide.
Further I’s pressure saw Jack Stanny charge down a Bees kick on half way and from the subsequent ruck I’s worked the ball back well, fly half Olly Martin kept a cool head to draw the defence and spread the ball wide to utilise the overlap and put James Norton in for his second try. Not to be outshone by his brother, Ollie Norton made a strong stepping break through the middle beating half of the Bees side before setting the ball well and linking with the backs for James Norton to score with a flourish in the corner just before half time.
Half time : 36-0.
Ionians made a number of changes both individual and positional at half time but this did not seem to affect the performance from the reconfigured team. The second half opened with the fired up Bee’s best period of pressure on the I’s line but strong defence weathered the storm. The solid I’s scrimmaging which was evident throughout the game with the forwards clearly benefitting from working with the 1st team, saw the ball worked out to centre Jack Johnson who went on a typically strong and elusive run down the left before cutting back under the posts to take the I’s score past the decisive 40 point mark and the game, as a contest officially over. The plucky Bees agreed to continue the game and never lacked effort in a game which was played in good spirit despite the mounting score line.

More I’s pressure from Ollie Martin’s fine break up the middle who was unlucky not to break clear saw the ball worked off the ruck to Ryan Courtney who with two side steps, a dummy and a props turn of speed scored under the posts for his first try in I’s colours.
Straight from the restart Jack Stanny entertained the crowd with a spot of juggling as he took the kick before cutting his way through the middle of the Bees defence shrugging off numerous challenges to score next to the posts. The I’s scoring was rounded off with good work from the backs which saw fast hands and good support play release Jack Johnson to score under the posts. This final score was converted by Ryan Courtney to round off an impressive Ionians performance from minute 1 until the final whistle. If the form showed today can be carried forward into the rest of the season the team and supporters can look forward to a fine remainder of the season.

HullIonians (U14) vs Thorne (U14) Sunday 16th November

2008-11-17T18:39:00.001Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Thorne (U14) Sunday 16th November

On a perfect day for rugby Ionians under 14’s played some great rugby which culminated in a 19-17 victory against a spirited Thorne side that never gave up.
Both sides played some open rugby and it was 15 minutes before the deadlock was broken. With the ever improving I’s pack securing clean ball it was left to the backs to execute a sublime move straight from the training pitch. Tyler Heelas called the target ball for Jack Johnson who cut a lovely line through the Thorne defence to score under the posts. Ollie Martin converted to give I’s a 7-0 lead. I’s kept threatening but let a couple of overlaps go begging. However it was not long before the lead was further extended. Elliot Armstrong collected a loose ball on the left wing and rather than driving the ball back into the Thorne forwards he saw space out to the right and delivered a long pass of 20yds to the free backs. Peter Ferguson who found himself in the centres used his speed to out pace the Thorne defence and score under the posts with Ollie Martin converting again. With half time approaching Thorne started to pressurize the I’s line. A series of scrums followed, with I’s just managing to hold out with the whistle going and the line still not breached.
The second half started strongly for I’s and within 2 minutes had scored another try. Good ruck ball set up by the ever improving Jo Barber released Jack Johnson on another break with Peter Ferguson on hand claim his second try and give 19-0 lead. Little did I’s realize how important it was going to be that they had 2 tries under the posts.
A series of injuries to Thorne then saw uncontested scrums become a part of the game which seemed to have a negative impact on I’s. It was from a scrum that the Thorne scrum half picked up the ball and race to the corner for what was a deserved score. Thorne continued to come back into the game and after I’s were penalized several times for not retiring, Thorne eventually scored their 2nd try. With about 6 minutes left I’s supporters were surely thinking they were not going to throw this one away. The tension got even worse when with 1 minute remaining Thorne scored their 3rd try after sustained pressure on the I’s line. This made the score 19-17 and I’s hanging on for victory. From the kick off Thorne’s centre who had been their best player all day set off on another run. It took 3 players to stop him and when the Thorne number 8 knocked the ball on, it was all over and I’s could breathe a sigh of relief, probably the supporters more than the players who had very few nails left.

Goole (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 9th November

2008-11-09T16:40:00.001Z

Goole (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 9th November

Despite a penetrating, chill-to-your-bones, gale blowing across the pitch and making playing conditions far from ideal, the visitors served up a fine lesson in how to ignore the elements and just get on with game, running out comfortable winners by 20 points to 5.
Once again I’s took to the pitch with a much smaller pack than their opponents, and in the early exchanges realised that this was a day to face up and show commitment from first whistle to last.
No player encapsulated that approach more than prop James Heap who was in the thick of things throughout, making some fearsome tackles and penetrating drives, continually getting his team going forward and on the front foot against a physically superior opposing set of forwards.
I’s opened the scoring after 10 minutes when, from his own 22, Jack Johnson made a superb run almost the entire length of the pitch. As he was brought down just short of the line by a great cover tackle he delivered a one-handed offload inside to James Norton, who cantered in for the remaining 10 yards to touch down in the corner.
Goole replied soon after, when a couple of missed tackles allowed them to make sufficient yardage to attack the I’s line and close out with a try by the corner flag, and leave the match tied 5-5 with halftime approaching.
However I‘s were soon back on the attack and took the lead once more with a well worked try. From a position wide out on the right between the 10 metre and 22 metre lines first Peter Stone and then Ben Willingham each picked up and brought the ball back inside to set up a ruck centre field just to the right of the posts inside the Goole 22 . Quick ball to fly half Tyler Heelas, who initially feinted left and then cut back right, seeing the overlap. Two quick passes were enough for winger Ollie Martin to run in unopposed and touch down wide out.
With only a 5 point lead at half time and turning to face the strong wind, the muttering amongst the visitors supporters was whether 5 points would be sufficient to hold out against the home side.
Playing sensible, possession based, rugby, I’s were, however, soon stretching their lead to 15-5 as their forwards worked a series of good field positions, allowing fly half Tyler Heelas to side-step his way past the Goole defence to touch down for I’s third try.
A bad injury to one of the home players meant that the match was held up for 20 minutes whilst he received on field treatment, but on the restart I’s were soon back on the attack. Picking up from the base of the scrum the I’s captain, Rees Middleton, took off like a scalded cat and having outpaced the initial cover defence handed the ball to centre Jack Johnson who stretched away to score unopposed under the sticks.

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Malton and Norton (U14) Sunday 2nd November

2008-11-02T18:00:00.001Z

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Malton and Norton (U14) Sunday 2nd November

With both sides missing regular first choice players, who were attending East Yorkshire selection trials, this game provided an opportunity for squad members to show what they can do. And on a miserable wet and windy day they put on a feast of rugby for their parents and supporters who had braved the elements.
Given the first team pitch at Brantingham these two sides went at it hammer and tongs from the first whistle to the last, ignoring the dreadful conditions, and serving up 11 tries with I’s eventually running out clear winners by 42-24.
On top in the early exchanges, aided by 3 I’s players on loan for the day, Malton moved into what appeared to be comfortable 10-0 lead. This simply increased the determination of the home side, and with centre Jake Claughton, on his first appearance in an I’s jersey, making some crunching tackles and showing strength and pace on the counter-attack, I’s were soon back on level terms after two solo efforts from fly-half Tyler Heelas. His second try was converted by scrum half Matt Humphreys, and I’s edged into the lead at 12-10.
Back came Malton to lead 17-12 at the break after Jack ( “Stanny”) Stansfield, one of the on loan players, scored a fine try carving his way through the home side’s defence.
In the second half, with the strong wind at I’s backs Matt Humphreys consistently put the visitors on the back foot with some telling box kicks, and I’s soon moved into a 24-17 lead as first Ollie Norton and then his twin James scored tries for the home side.
Once again Malton forced their way back in to the reckoning with another try to level the scores at 24-24. With only 10 minutes to go, I’s now upped the pace and first Ollie Norton, then Jake Claughton , and finally Sammy Clough crossed the Malton line to see the home side move past 40 points.
The lengthy applause given to both sides at the final whistle was more than well deserved

Driffield (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 26th October

2008-10-26T22:23:00.001Z

Driffield (U14) vs Hull Ionians (U14) Sunday 26th October

Despite a plucky effort from the visitors, the superior forward play of the home side enabled them to come out on top with a winning score of 36-5.
Once again the I’s forwards found themselves up against a bigger and more physical pack, which denied them possession and meant that their pacy backs had little opportunity to show what they can do.
In this age group one or two more physically mature players can have a disproportionate effect on the outcome of a game. This certainly proved to be the case on this occasion as the home side were, more often that not, able to dominate in the loose with a stand out performance coming from their number 8.
That said, the smaller I’s players never let their heads drop and, encouraged by another inspirational effort from captain Rees Middleton, I’s scored the last try of the match, as they battled all the way to the final whistle.
The sight of I’s scrum half Matt Humphreys, hanging on for all his life to a rampaging opposition forward at least a foot taller and several stones heavier than himself, encapsulated the true spirit which permeates this team.

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Doncaster (U14) Sunday 19th October

2008-10-20T07:04:00.000+01:00

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Doncaster (U14) Sunday 19th October

A fine game of rugby, played in great spirit by both sides, saw the visitors ease away in the second half to a 24-7 victory.
During the first half I’s forwards matched the well organised Doncaster pack, as both sides fought to dominate the other at the breakdown and in the tight. The visitors’ game plan, to compensate for perhaps a lack of out and out speed in the back line, was to keep things tight. With outside half Joe Shakespeare putting in some fine kicks with both feet, I’s found themselves turning and defending on several occasions.
Once again I’s had cause to thank full back Alex Wilkinson’s blistering pace as he picked up a rare loose Doncaster kick just outside his 22, broke left, and accelerated away to score under the posts without a finger laid on him. With the conversion I’s edged into a 7-0 lead.
Another well placed kick down the right touchline from Shakespeare had I’s defending once more under real pressure just short of their line and from the resulting scrum a pick up and drive saw the visitors over just to the right of the posts, and the game evenly matched 7-5 at halftime.
During the second half the Doncaster forwards began to turn the screw slowly but surely, and with Shakespeare using the wind at his back to pin I’s back with a series of well placed corner kicks, the constant pressure saw them cross the I’s line from close range on three further occasions to run out well deserved winners.
Every defeat, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve performance the next time so if the I’s forwards can learn to get to the breakdown more quickly, and secure good quality ball, their very pacy backs can run in many tries this season.

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

2008-10-13T06:57:00.001+01:00

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.

Match report U14 v Keighley 5th October 2008

2008-10-06T22:37:00.000+01:00

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Keighley (U14) Sunday 5th October

The saying goes that rugby and soccer are both games played with the head; soccer with the outside of the head and rugby with the inside.
That is a lesson which Ionians learned harshly today as they crashed 5-60 to Keighley in the first round of the Yorkshire Cup at Brantingham Park.
For the first 20 minutes this was a match which could have gone either way, but thereafter Ionians switched off, missed too many tackles, and as a consequence paid a very severe penalty as they allowed Keighley to run away with a match which should have been far more closely contested .
Even though they were without some first choice players, those who are selected still owe it to their coaches and their club to switch on from the first whistle, and stay switched on for the whole game.
On the positive side,the season is only just under way. There is plenty of time to turn things around, and this team has an abundance of talent in both forwards and backs. However talent without cool heads will not win matches, so they need to tackle, deny the opposition the ball, get on the front foot, and begin to take the right options in attack.
There is no bigger incentive than the next match against local rivals Beverley, so heads up and “lights on”.

Yorkshire cup U14 draw

2008-09-23T18:10:00.000+01:00

2008/2009 Season
Under 14’s 1st round Cup Draw to be played by 5th October 2008

HOME AWAY
Scarborough Middlesboro
Pocklington Doncaster
Beverley Hull FC
Guisborough Thornensians
West Park Leeds Malton & Norton
Ilkley Moortown
York Wetherby
Acklam Pontefract
Rotherham Titans Morley
North Ribblesdale Huddersfield
Bradford & Bingley Otley
Harrogate Bridlington
Roundhegians Dinnington
Sheffield Driffield
Hull Ionians Keighley
Wharfedale Ripon
Heath Goole
Sandal Selby
Old Brods Barnsley

Remember the home team is responsible for the appointment via Sunday Appointments Secretary in the home area for the match official.
Please EMAIL team sheets, in Word format.

Ionians U14 Lexus tournament report

2008-09-21T20:26:00.000+01:00

Hull Ionians (U14) Lexus North of England festival
Sunday 21st September
Sunday saw Ionians U-14s travel to Sheffield for the prestigious Lexus festival featuring teams from across north and central England.
Their first two games against Lutterworth and Nottingham resulted in heavy defeats in part due to the strength of the opposition but contributed to in no small measure by poor tackling and uncharacteristically sloppy handling by Ionians. One of the few bright points was the solitary try scored by Alex Wilkinson using his pace to go round the Lutterworth defence.

Ionians restored some pride in their final game against Lincoln rugby club. In an evenly balanced, hard fought game and with captain Rees Middleton and breakaway forward Pete McGlynn leading by example they were unlucky to lose by one try to nil.
After starting the season with two losing Sundays Ionians will be looking to improve. Their next competitive fixture in two weeks time, the first round of the Yorkshire Cup, would be a good time start.

Hull Ionians U14 v Bridlington Match report 14/9/08

2008-09-19T18:56:00.000+01:00

Hull Ionians (U14) vs Bridlington (U14) Sunday 14th September

Perfect conditions for running rugby saw a close, and fiercely contested, game at Brantingham with Bridlington just edging Ionians by 40 points to 34.
The early stages saw Bridlington dominating at the breakdown and in the tight, driving Ionians off their own ball at the set scrum, and taking an early lead with a fine try under the posts.
With real pace out wide Ionians were looking to play to their strengths, and a quick hands through the back line saw winger Luke Johnstone released from halfway only to be hauled down just short of the line.
A series of try stopping tackles by Alexander Wilkinson, who had one of his best games in an Ionians shirt, inspired his team to contest more fiercely for the ball and work their way back into the game.
However, a series of missed tackles and dropped passes enabled Bridlington to wrest back the advantage and ease their way into a 24-12 lead early in the second half, with their stand out players Jamie Martin, Elliot Backhouse, and full back Spencer Day well to the fore in both attack and defence.
Far from letting their heads drop Ionians continued to work hard for the ball, and despite losing Luke Johnstone with a fractured collarbone, they showed real grit with Alexander Wilkinson, Jack Johnson and Peter Oughtred all crossing the line .
With only seconds remaining an individual break from halfway with a sidestep past the last Bridlington defender saw Peter Oughtred over the line for a second time take Ionians into a 34-33 lead.
That was time enough though for the versatile Spencer Day to open up the Ionians defence one last time, and cap an all round performance with the match winning try to see Bridlington home.

Ionians U14 2008/2009 season blog site

2008-09-19T18:26:00.004+01:00

More photos of 2008 Easter tour

2008-05-03T14:56:00.007+01:00

More photos of the spring tour U13's

2008-05-03T11:33:00.013+01:00

Photos Spring Tour 2008 (photos coming shortly)

2008-04-30T20:42:00.014+01:00

April 2008 the Under 13's enjoyed a weekend tour to Northumberland.
In addition to two excellent games of rugby against North Shields RUFC and Morpeth RUFC the boys enjoyed Wet n Wild Waterpark, dinner in Newcastle's China town, and the Newcastle Falcons v London Irish game.
Many thanks to both North Shields and Morpeth for their hospitality.
Enjoy attached photos which hopefully capture all those that played.