Hull Ionians 50, Tynedale 1st XV 14

TYNEDALE’S dismal start to the season continued with a half century hammering at the hands of Hull Ionians on Saturday.

The home side ran riot, racking up eight tries, with the four try bonus point secured when the game was barely a quarter of an hour old.

After only two games, Tynedale’s points against tally is 98, and they are rock bottom of National League Division Two North. However, the two sides who have beaten them, Ionians and Fylde, both have maximum points, and future opponents may not be as formidable.

Ionians took the lead in the opening minute, with an unconverted try from winger Sam Wilson. Flanker James Sanderson got the second on seven minutes before hooker Ben Stephenson added the third four minutes later, both tries converted by fly half Ben Smith for a 19-0 lead.

Centre Lewis Minikin added the bonus point try on 16 minutes, after which Ionians rather took their foot off the gas.

Tynedale finally opened their account on 34 minutes, when Ionians lost possession in their own half, and a chip over the defence saw winger Guy Pike touch down for centre Jonny Burden to convert, and make it 24-7 at the break.

Hopes of a second half revival were soon snuffed out, as Ionians stretched away with three more tries in quick succession.

Replacement prop Chris Morton grabbed the first on 42 minutes. Minikin converted, and three minutes later crossed for his second try, which he converted himself. The onslaught continued with a try by full back Will Edwards on 50 minutes, and the lead was up to 43-7.

Tynedale kept plugging away, with the forwards more than holding their own. A kick to the corner led to a series of pick and goes which ended with skipper Matty Outson touching down for Burden to convert on 65 minutes.

However, it was Ionians who had the last word, when a well judged chip brought a try for replacement Paul Evision, Minikin’s conversion bringing up the half century.

Tynedale hope to break their duck on Saturday at Tynedale Park, when Herefordshire side Luctonians are the visitors - if they have overcome a covid scare which saw their scheduled game against Chester last Saturday postponed. The game kicks off at 3pm.