Hull Ionians conquer the elements to defeat Wharfedale

Late withdrawals, snow and a heavy pitch made for an interesting afternoon.

Wharfedale started well and from an early scrum penalty in the 7^th minute went into the lead of 0-3 when Tom Davidson converted the kick. Continued pressure from Wharfedale saw another penalty awarded in the 15^th minute from a lineout but the kick fell short. Hull Ionians committed multiple penalties during this period but Wharfedale were unable to convert indiscipline into points.

In the 25^th minute Ionians were awarded a lineout on Wharfedale 10m line and from …

Fylde showed why they are near the top of the league with a determined and resolute display at the Avenue. They went in at half time with a slender lead even when they had been reduced to 13 men for 10 minutes after a red and yellow card.

It was a game marked by cards and Fylde ended the game with only 12 men on the pitch. The first half was a close affair but the visitors dominated the second half to run out worthy winners. Fylde coach, Alex Loney, said after the game that “We are very happy with …

The Dalesmen played up the slope into the wind in the first half.  There was well executed attack and defence by both sides in what can only be described as terrible conditions in which we saw powerful, blow by blow rugby.  Hard running from Yarnbury’s back line saw a converted try which broke the stalemate and meant that they went into the break with a lead.

The second half started in the same vein.  The Greens had made several changes and early probing attacks saw Ellison cross the line with Rhodes converting.  Sadly, an injury to Wharfedale’s Ellison saw the …

A superb first half display by the Dale saw a bonus point secured after 21 minutes and a hat trick for Rian Hamilton before the break. The very strong wind made conditions difficult; the journey up to the North East had been treacherous with the A1 littered with overturned lorries and long hold ups which meant the team and the faithful being delayed.

The first try came when Blaydon spilled the ball and Dan Stockdale cleaned it up and fed Hamilton who burst clear from Dale’s 10 metre line to score. Tom Davidson added the conversion. Blaydon replied minutes later …

Dale exploded into this match with a try in the 1^st minute. Ryan Carlson fielded the kick off and made some progress before going to ground. The ball was quickly recycled and passed by Sam Gaudie to Josh Burridge. Burridge found Ryan Hamilton who burst through Bournville’s line. Hamilton had the speed and strength to beat all the cover to score an unconverted try.

Bournville tried to get into the game but a 5-metre line out failed and Dale won a penalty at the resulting scrum. A series of penalties against Dale, a warning was issued to skipper, Dan …

After a lengthy lay off, the Rams took the field against their old rivals the Beavers in decent winter conditions.  Taking the option of playing down the slope first, the Dalesmen made hard work of it for the first 15 minutes, taking their time converting early pressure into points.

The deadlock was broken by scrum half Hayton, who opened the scoring.  Minutes later, Hayton crossed the line again and this time Rhodes converted, as he was to do after every score which followed.  Fast, open play saw Booth scoring next and then Hayton completed his hat trick.  It was, therefore, …