It’s a nasty taste in mouth for hosts

By MALCOLM KNOWLES 

Hull Ionians………… 18 Hull……………………….23

SEVERAL hundred good folk sat down to a firstclass pre-match lunch.

They, and those unable to join them, were then treated to a less palatable spectacle, in a game in which the result was more important than the performance.

For the home support it was the same fayre as last week. An early lead was established, with Lewis Minikin ghosting in for a try, before the opposition hit back to establish a narrow advantage, thanks to a try from Liam Regardsoe and a trio of penalties from Reece Dean.

Minikin was unable to match Dean off the tee, pushing several attempts wide, but the hosts hit back to nudge in front, with a Sam Wilson try and Minikin conversion and penalty.

With minutes remaining Ionians held a slender lead and were building a bit of momentum

Tom Shbut they lost possession and allowed Hull into their 22, after a comedy of errors they were able to clear to touch.

Hull conjured up a throw to the front of the line that set Charlie Beech on a charge.

He was hauled down, but Joe Barratt set the ball down the line and the visitors swept it across to the opposite touch for David Davidson to score. Dean converted for Hull to claim the points and the bragging rights.