In the fixtures played on January 16th 2025 the programme showed two Yorkshire County derbies and one Roses clash and we start at Brantingham Park where Hull Ionians gave the league leaders Leeds Tykes a very testing time in a very entertaining game which the visitors won by 33-28 after leading by 14-10 at half time. The Tykes scored five tries to the Ionians three, three of which were converted by fly-half James Watts. Ionians kept the scores always close thanks to Lewis Minikin who landed two conversions and two penalty goals. They fully deserved a try bonus point when scrum-half Sam Pocklington scored after four minutes of added time, which also gained them the losing bonus point. The Tykes centre Tom Williams took the Man-of-the-Match award. Attendace 344.
The match between Wharfedale and Otley, described as “an excellent game of rugby” at the Avenue Ground resulted in the home side victorious by 42-28 after leading by 21-7 at the break. Wharfe scored six tries, five of which were converted by fly-half Robbie Davidson. Otley scored four tries to gain a bonus point and all of them were converted by fly-half Edward Crossland. Oliver Cicognini, the Otley centre was voted Man-of-the-Match. Attendance 585 which was the biggest of the day in N2N.
Hull RUFC travelled north to Billingham and were defeated by 34-17 after trailing 19-10 at the break. Billingham scored five tries to Hull’s three and fully deserved their victory and although Hull came back strongly in the final quarter they could not break a resolute home defence. The Hull centre and Captain Ali Heard passed the club appearance record when he played his 243rd game for Hull RUFC, beating the total set by former full-back Guy Martinson which had stood for several years. The Billingham back-rower Tom Campbell was awarded the Man-of-the-Match honours. Attendance 312.
Sheffield RUFC entertained visitors Tynedale at Abbeydale Park and after being second best during the first half during which Tyne built up a 33-28 interval lead, they staged a fine second half recovery scoring 22 unanswered points to post a 50-33 victory. Sheffield scored seven tries to Tyne’s five to win a very good game of rugby. The Sheffield back-rower Alex Fawdry took the Man-of-the-Match award. Attendance 275.
Sheffield Tigers pushed high-flying Lymm all the way when they travelled to Cheshire where they belied their lowly league position to nearly pull off a shock win. The home side won the game by 30-26 after leading by 23-14 at the break. Both sides scored four tries and whilst Mark Ireland
converted three of his side’s tries he was outshone by Lymm’s Matthew Sharp who landed two conversions, one penalty and one drop-goal. The Tigers were full value for their two bonus points after coming so close to a victory. Lymm back-rower Josh Hadland was declared Man-of-the-Match. Attendance 250.
Preston Grasshoppers ended a five match losing run when they beat bottom side Harrogate by 38-31 after leading 17-14 at the break. They scored five tries to ‘Gate’s four with full-back Greg Smith converting all of them and also landing a penalty goal. Harrogate went home with two bonus points after this very close game and full deserved them. Tyler Spence, the Hoppers left-winger was Man-of-the-Match. Attendance 327.
Finally, Chester got their Centenary Year of to a good start with a very close 25-19 home win over Fylde at Hare Lane. They were leading 22-12 at the interval and two well-matched sides both scored three tries, but while Fylde had two converted Sam Rogers the home fly-half landed two conversions and two penalties, and took the Man-of-the-Match award for full measure. Attendance 427.
The situation at the top of the table remains unchanged with Leeds Tykes on 70 points, followed by Lymm also on 70 points and Sheffield RUFC on 69. A big gap in placings has opened up with fourth-placed Fylde now on 48 points. In the nether regions Hull RUFC have 29 points, Sheffield Tigers have 28 while Billingham and Harrogate are both on 24.
The top games for matches to be played on January 25th (according to league placings) are;
Fylde v Hull Ionians – 4th v 7th , Tynedale v Preston Grasshoppers – 6th v 9th, Sheffield Tigers v Chester – 12th v 8th, Hull RUFC v Wharfedale 11th v 5th.
Wherever you are, enjoy your rugby
Ferensian.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 