Ionians complete hat-trick of victories

HULL Ionians under-18s girls completed a hat-trick of early season wins with a 25-7 victory over Old Crossleyans.

The game started as expected, a battle over the middle ground of the pitch with both sides wanting to stamp their mark and putting some big hits in on one another.

However, when you have players like Martha Brown on your side you have to be grateful.

Brown soon exploited gaps in the opposition defensive line and opened up the game by being a handful for the Old Crocs side and putting Ionians well on the attack.

The backs took the opportunity to move on at pace, putting Kaya Acton in a good position to go over for the first try. Old Crocs responded immediately with a quick kick off, trying to catch the home side off-guard but Ionians were quick to respond and showed they can defend as well as they attack, soon winning the ball back and pushing on again.

Jaz Little put herself in the perfect position to score for Hull.

Before half-time the visitors took advantage of one of their very few chances, a fast player with a good sidestep breaking away to score under the sticks and securing the conversion.

The second half began fiercely, Old Crocs were strong in the tackles and rucks but the Ionians forwards are showing they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

They dominated with their scrummaging, pushing the visitors backs and securing the ball to again allow the backs a run out.

Brown moved the ball around whilst drawing in opposing players and opening the gaps for players like Acton who are happy to step up to take the ball and punish the visitors. Acton went on to score twice more.

The game ended with the home team camping on the visitors’ try line, the forwards determined to have the last word. Each driving the ball in over and over, wearing the defensive line down until captain Rachel Hobson scored the final try.

Overall it was good day for Ionians Ladies and Girls Section, all playing at home at the same time.

Ionians Ladies hosted York, winning 27-5, and the U15 Girls also hosted Old Crossleyans with the home team taking the win at 39-29.

If you are interested in playing girls rugby please contact Marie Frayne on 07903 766782, no experience necessary.