HULL IONIANS RFC 32 v DMPRFC 31

DMPRFC had a last minute penalty opportunity to win the game, but the ball squirted agonisingly wide from man of the match and fly half Grant CONNON and full time followed shortly afterwards.

In bright sunshine and on a day that was perfect for rugby, things started promisingly for the visitors, when after only 2 minutes, the home side were caught holding on to the ball in the tackle and Grant CONNON obliged (0 – 3).

However, things turned ominously in the opposite direction for DMPRFC, as Hull Ionians scored three unanswered tries, one of which was converted, via a familiar forward route, through catch and drives (17 - 3), as DMPRFC conceded too many penalties.

The visitors were not able to gain any possession during this time, as Hull Ionians big forwards dominated proceedings.

DMPRFC had to stem the tide, as the home side looked to overwhelm their opponents and put the result out of sight prior to oranges.

A rear guard action was mounted, starting with winger Chris McTURK, who fashioned a try for himself, when he looked to have been swallowed up by the home defence (17 – 8), the afters being added by the impressive Grant CONNON (17 – 10).

As Hull Ionians looked somewhat jaded, centre Chris PEACE, side-stepped defender and jinked his way t the line as the opposition seemed to allow his progress unhindered (17 – 15). Again Grant CONNON supplied the extras (17 – 17).

As the whistle was blown for the interval, Hull Ionians players and supporters and perhaps several of the visiting supporters, were looking at the scoreboard, asking themselves how the scores were level, after so much domination by the home side.

The situation was further exacerbated for Hull Ionians, when after the break, DMPRFC scored a try in the first minute of play, via Grant CONNON (17 – 22), which was further extended by the same player, who converted his own try (17 – 24).

With fortress Brantingham Park in danger of seeing its first defeat, the Hull Ionians players responded, with an unconverted try of their own (22 – 24).

Not to be outdone, as it looked as if the home forwards were finding the pace too intensive, DMPRFC No.8 Rory DUFF was on the end of a move, which took the visitors all the way to the try line (22 – 29) and again Grant CONNON converted (22 – 31).

Changes were made on both sides, as the last quarter approached and DMPRFC tried grimly to hang on for the win, however Hull Ionians were not to be outdone, scoring two tries in the last ten minutes to overhaul the DMPRFC total (32 – 31).

There was still time for more drama, as DMPRFC were awarded a long range penalty, which Grant CONNON unfortunately missed wide and Hull Ionians ran out winners, by the smallest of margins.

The game was thoroughly enjoyed by a decent group of spectators in glorious weather, showing two teams who could play decent rugby, albeit with disappointment for one of them.