by REPORT BY: NICK DOYLE
HULL Ioanians returned to Cross Green this season and secured a 45-22 victory over Otley, matching last season’s result but this time in their favour.
From the start the visitors demonstrated their attacking threat and defensive prowess, dominating as Otley struggled to gain momentum.
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The early stages were exciting when Otley was awarded a line-out from eight meters after a hack striker against an Ionias player. Despite the early pressure, the home side were held up by a resolute defense. Hull conceded a penalty, allowing Joe Rowntree to open the scoring after 10 minutes, giving Otley a brief 3-0 lead.
The Ionians reacted immediately. From the start, Kieran O’Meara carried the ball down the left flank, fending off two defenders before releasing the ball to Sam Pocklington. The exchange ended with a try from former Otley player Ben Smith, which gave the visitors a 7-3 lead.
After a line out, Adam Brankley’s strong run created a scrum and a quick tap-and-go allowed Cam Burnhill, another former Otley player, to cross into the corner, extending the Ionians’ lead to 14-3.
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Otley showed resilience and hit back when Ryan Gibson overpowered the ball from close range. Rowntree’s conversion reduced the deficit to 14-10 but the Ionians quickly regained control.
A Smith penalty gave the visitors a further lead and a sweeping move in the backline led to James Watts touching down in the corner. After Otley’s offside infringement, Watts crossed again for a bonus point, leaving the Ionians with a half-time score of 26-10.
The second half began with Otley retaining possession in the Ionians’ half. Dan Reed took advantage of two offside penalties and fired into the corner before Rowntree set up Adam Malthouse to score under the post. Rowntree converted to make it 26:17.
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However, the Ionians’ attacking skill remained evident. Moments later, Maliq Holden broke through from his own half and ran 50 meters to score, with Smith converting to extend the lead to 33-17.
The Ionians continued to dominate the territory and possessions. Josh Thundercliffe crossed from close range, Smith converted to make it 40:17. Otley responded late when Josh Sarsfield finished in the corner of the clubhouse after a scrum penalty, increasing the score to 40-22.
But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as the Ionians’ force stormed over the line again, Adam Brankley touching down and Smith converting to seal a comprehensive 45-22 win.
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Throughout the game, the Ionians’ mix of structured forward play and incisive defensive movement proved to be crucial. Brankley’s physicality, Burnhill’s wing play and the leadership of Smith and O’Meara were key factors, while their defensive organization kept Otley under pressure for most of the contest.
Otley, in turn, showed determination, with Rowntree orchestrating much of the attack and Gibson and Malthouse making strong individual contributions, but ultimately they were unable to control the visitors.
The result gives the Ionians a perfect record and cements their status as one of the league’s most formidable sides, while Otley will reflect on the missed opportunities and defensive errors that proved costly.
With both teams displaying attacking prowess, the game provided an entertaining, fast-paced spectacle for the Cross Green crowd.
