Visitors sunk by Ionians’ lineout tactics

HULL Ionians scored a comeback win in this basement battle as they eventually overcame a dogged Esher to score five welcome points.

The visitors landed the first 21 points in the first 26 minutes without response, but after a magnificent fight back the hosts turned the game on its head.

Esher started the game well, with Stephen Boatman, Hugo Seccombe and Thomas Trotter scoring three tries and the former adding three conversions.

But when Esher gave away a penalty, kicked to the corner, a catch and drive from Richard Stout resulted in a try, converted by Isaac Green.

Six minutes later Hull placed another penalty towards the corner for another catch and drive, scored by Ali Thompson and converted by Green.

And shortly after, the same trick paid dividends again when James Sanderson went over and again Green again added the extras to tie the scores at the break.

Hull were down to 14 men shortly after the break, with Ali Bone taking advantage to score a converted try and put Esher back into the lead.

But yet another Stout catch and drive equalled things up, before a Green penalty but Hull ahead.

Esher then also saw a man sent to the bin, allowing Sam Wilson and Joe Allott to score tries in the final ten minutes – Green converting one to seal the win.