Perfect start for Ionians after a thriller

HULL Ionians made it three wins from three with a comfortable victory over newly promoted Peterborough Lions.

The visitors, who have had a challenging start to life in National League 2 North, had the lions’ share of possession but were unable to capitalise against a well organised defence and had difficulty coping with the cutting-edge Ionians had in their back division.

Ionians scored three well-taken tries, all from the back division, to establish a 19-point lead with quarter of an hour played but had to wait until the 68th minute before prop Benjamin Bell barged over to claim a bonus point. In between time Peterborough claimed two tries, from forwards Christopher Cutts and Jack Askham, that their hard work warranted.

There were several opportunities for both sides to add to the score in the final quarter, but Ionians were profligate when in possession, adding only one further try by winger Seremaia Turagabeci.

Peterborough were able to fashion just one opportunity that resembled anything like a chance in the second half but Ionians snuffed out one clear break from centre Rory White, who was shepherded into touch by his opposite number Lewis Minikin.

Both sides will need to improve in the coming weeks if they are to achieve their differing objectives of survival or promotion.