Defence holds firm for Ionians to win

AN OUTSTANDING contribution from the back-row provided the platform for this bonus point win for Hull Ionians.

Openside James Sanderson sidestepped his way to the opening try in the first minute but it was the visitors who then held sway and Elthamians’ persistence finally gained reward with a penalty for Joe Carlisle in the 12th.

Mistakes disrupted play during the middle phase of the half with Carlisle adding a second goal to narrow the lead to 7-6 at the break.

The hosts opened the second half with winger David Clark squeezing over in the corner, a wonderful strike from Isaac Green pushed the Ionians lead to 14-6.

The visitors continued to press forward but were thwarted by the home defence and hampered by their own indiscretions.

On the hour the industrious Clark added his second try, following a good build up from the pack, but Elthamians finally crossed minutes later; replacement scrum-half Oliver Claxton burrowing over to finish off some fluent play down the flank.

Chris Bell added a straightforward penalty for the hosts before Clark earned his third try as he looped round to latch on to a neat pass and slide over, to seal a deserved win for Ionians that draws them to within three points of their opposition in the league table. Elthamians in tenth and Ionians 12th.