Hull RUFC came within four points of the home side after 60 minutes and were dominating the scrummage but ultimately they conceded too much possession to a lively Hull Ionians side who pulled away in the last quarter.
The opening minutes were something of a stalemate with a lot of kicking for position from both sides with the home side dominating territorially but not looking likely to score .It took Hull indiscipline to offer up a penalty chance to Hull Ionians and break the deadlock with Lewis Minikin converting to see his side go 3-0 ahead and then just three minutes later as Hull gave away another penalty the Ionians kicked to the corner and having won the ensuing lineout kept the ball alive before giving winger Kirk the chance to touch down for their first try after nineteen minutes . Although the try went unconverted it was the home side that kept up the pressure and after thirty minutes a good line break was followed up by their number eight George Newburn who plunged over for an unconverted try .A Lewis Minikin penalty after thirty six minutes saw his side in apparent command at 16-0 with halftime approaching. Just prior to that kick Hull’s prop Charlie Beech came on for his one hundredth club appearance replacing Gareth Denman. A knock on from Hull’s kick off saw Hull make full use of this opportunity and shove the scrum several yards forward .With the referee waiting for the advantage to Hull having awarded a penalty Hull’s off half Reece Dean kicked 35yards into winger Tom Linman’s hands for him to catch the ball and run round towards the posts and score a good try on his debut. Reece Dean’s conversion seeing his side go in at half time 16-7 in arrears but well in touch .
The second half started poorly for Hull who conceded possession from the kick off and Ionians made best use of the ball as winger Greg Minikin raced over for a try converted by his brother Lewis.
Hull’s scrummaging was completely dominant by now and the penalties were going their way allowing them to gain good field positions. It was no surprise when after a line out and a driving maul from Hull saw tireless second rower Liam Regardsoe to get the touchdown for an unconverted try. With Hull now back in the game they had their best spell with a golden scoring chance coming immediately but going begging as the last pass went astray after a good backs move . A minute later debutant centre Vetaia Sunaki broke clear and he eluded three defenders on a forty five yard run and scored a great individual try which Reece Dean converted to see Hull within one score of the home side.
However yet again Hull conceded possession from the kick off and Ionians made no mistake retaining the ball and putting in winger Kirk for his second try . Just four minutes later the home side effectively won the game with a good backing up try that went to James Malcolmson with Lewis Minikin adding the conversion.
The better side won but Hull will have been encouraged by a solid pack performance and some excellent debuts fort their new recruits.
Report: Richard Gore
Photo Credit: David Winn
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 