A disappointing end to a difficult season for DMPRFC, with the try bonus point scant reward on a day which by contrast belonged to Hull Ionians, the victory cementing their status in National League One at the expense of Blaydon RFC, who despite a sterling effort away from home, lost a close game against Old Albanians RFC.

It all started pretty comfortably for DMPRFC when first full back Jamie Bernard crossed after five minutes. A well executed catch and drive took the home side well into Hull Ionians territory and when the ball was spun out, skipper Chris AULD made ground towards the visitors line, feeding full back Jamie BERNARD who dived over for the score. (5 - 0) Garry LAW converting. (7 - 0)

On ten minutes, the match was stopped due to an injury to visiting hooker Alistair Thompson who was eventually stretchered off suffering from concussion.

The ten minute delay assisted Hull Ionians somewhat, who profited when the home side infringed at a ruck within kickable distance and visiting scrum half Isaac Green slotted the resulting penalty. (7 - 3)

A strong run by Shaun McCARTNEY brought a fine individual try for the winger, after further pressure was exerted by DMPRFC (12 - 3)

A mix up in attack by DMPRFC on half way, coupled with an off the ball takeout of home lock Talite VAIOLETI, the apparent recipient of a pass, allowed visiting lock Ed Falkingham to profit, running fully 30 yards to score in the corner. (12 - 8), Green converting well from wide out. (12 - 10)

So from a comfortable start to the game, DMPRFC found the score line too close for comfort and this was exacerbated when Hull Ionians took the lead with a well taken Green penalty, DMPRFC straying offside. (12 - 13)

Within two minutes of that penalty, DMPRFC were penalised again, but Green missed on this occasion, heralding the break for oranges.

On resumption of play, DMPRFC picked up where they started off the game, on the attack, with flanker Simon UZOKWE bulldozing his way through the opposition defence for the touchdown (17 - 13) and with LAW adding the extras (19 - 13), it looked as if the home side were gaining the upper hand.

Not to be outdone, Hull replied with a try from replacement forward Alex Forth, (19 - 18) again converted by Green, (19 - 20) enabling the visitors to edge the lead again.

The game turned on a couple of fronts, when firstly DMPRFC introduced replacements, also coinciding with the ten minute sin binning of influential flanker UZOKWE who infringed within the red zone on a Hull attack.

Both had a negative effect on proceedings, with Hull adding two further tries during that period.

Two tries from stand off Callum Irvine sealed the victory for Ionians, both converted by scrum half Green (19 - 34).

UZOKWE scored a consolation on his return to the game, converted by LAW (26 - 34) gave DMPRFC the look of respectability.

However, the last word was had by Ionians in the form of a try from Hull centre Andrew Humberstone, again converted by the influential Green, (26 - 41) who deserved their victory on the day and also the celebrations that followed.

DMPRFC

Tries: BARNARD (4), McCARTNEY (24), UZOKWE (41, 72)
Conversions: LAW (5, 41, 72)
No Drop Goals
No Penalties

HULL IONIANS RFC

Tries: FALKINGHAM (31), FORTH (47), IRVINE (52, 60), HUMBERSTONE (78)
Conversions: GREEN (32, 47, 52, 61, 78)
No Drop Goals
Penalties: GREEN (15, 35)

Half-time: DMPRFC 12 v HULL IONIANS RFC 13
Full-time: DMPRFC 26 v HULL IONIANS RFC 41

Man of the Match: Joe CRAGGS (DMPRFC)

Attendance: 1,407

Referee: Mr Gareth HOLSGROVE