MATCH REPORT: National League Two North: Hull Ionians 52-15 Stockport

Captain Joseph Makin scored a hat-trick; scoring two tries in the first-half and was backed up by Ben Winterburn and Alex Campbell.
Isaac Green converted three of the tries as the hosts led 26-3 at the interval after a laboured start from Stockport.

Winterburn got his second with Samuel Wilson adding his name to the score sheet just after half-time.

Stockport showed a lot of character, producing a much better second-half performance and were rewarded as centre Elliot Fletcher scored two wonderful tries in three minutes.

But that was the end of the scoring for Port who saw Makin touchdown for his hat-trick four minutes from time and replacement Steven Slingsby wrap up proceedings.

“It’s frustrating,” said Coach Matthew Bebbington. “We are giving teams who are potentially top three sides too much respect and the game is gone in the first 20 minutes.”

“I think we responded very well after half-time and scored two well worked tries and made four or five more clean line breaks, but at this level if you don’t start well the game is gone.”

“Technically we’ve played the top four already and now we have got teams outside that top four who are genuinely beatable so fingers crossed we get our first win next week.”

Stockport made four changes in their starting line-up with Ollie Longmore, Ben Marsland, Sean Street and Chris Tennuci coming in, but despite this, it was Hull Ionians who went ahead after a try from Winterburn.

Stockport’s fly-half Josh Longmore replied with a penalty, but Hull Ionians hit back immediately as blind-side flanker Campbell, crossed over on 17 minutes after a penalty advantage.

Port were slow to get going and had very little line-speed in the opening exchanges and once again fell foul of referee Benn Blain to concede another penalty. This ultimately lead to Hull Ionains’ third try of the game through skipper Makin.

The visitors were competing well at scrums and the only real bright sparks in the opening 40 minutes were from centre Elliot Fletcher and Tennuci who made line breaks, but the hosts stayed well organised and disciplined in defence.

It was easy to see why Hull Ionians are one of the top sides in this division as they moved the ball around with conviction all afternoon and they made it four first half-tries as Makin scored his second of the game as he gathered the ball to fall over the line in the corner.

Port began the second period well, keen to show they can put up a fight in this league. Tennuci made a brilliant break as he glided past the home defence for 40m before being stopped in his tracks.

But their brief spell of pressure ended with another try for the hosts as Wilson followed up a high kick and a mix up in the Port defence, allowed him to score with ease under the posts.

It went from bad to worse for Stockport as hooker Ollie Longmore dislocated his elbow on 49 minutes and moments later Ionians increased their lead as Winterburn scored his second try of the day.

Port responded brilliantly to this particular setback to once again show their spirit and positivity despite their tough start to the season.
Just after the hour things started to click for the Red, Green and Whites as quick thinking from full back Mark Edwards found Tennuci who again went on another mazy run to gain Stockport territory.

The ball found its way to Josh Longmore who stabbed a beautifully weighted kick through the Ionians defence and Fletcher managed to get on the end of it to touch down.

Straight from the restart Port had their second try of the game and arguably the try of the match. Fletcher again used his pace and quick feet to ghost past the home defence in Port’s own half and he raced away to score.

Makin then put a halt to Stockport’s scoring as he went over for his third try after good back-up support play by Adam Thomas. Christopher Reakes added the extras to put the score at 47-15.

Slingsby got Ionians’ eighth and final try of the game as he charged over after good build up play by the home backs to cap off a 52-15 victory.

Stockport’s next match is against Chester at Headlands Road next Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.

Click here to listen to Coach Matthew Bebbington's, Captain Andy Fuller's and double try scorer Elliot Fletcher's thoughts on the match.

Hull Ionians: Bateman; Steel, Winterburn, Barker, Wilson; Reakes, Green; Eggleshaw, Mursal, Campbell; Kench, Makin (capt); Quigley, Rice, Laverick.

Replacements: Johnson, Thomson, Thundercliffe, Thomas, Slingsby

Tries: Winterburn (2), Campbell, Makin (3), Wilson, Slingsby
Cons: Green (5), Reakes

Stockport: M Edwards; Cantwell, Fletcher, Kaciubskyj, Tennuci; J Longmore, Street; S Green, Marsland, Hibbs; Hopkins, A Green; Anthony, O Lognmore, Fuller (capt).

Replacements: Millea, Mitchell, Baldwin, Eccles, Bebbington.

Tries: Fletcher (2)
Con: J Longmore
Pen: J.Longmore

Referee: Benn Blain

Photo Credit: Hull Ionians