Greens fail to keep pace as Ionians suffer late

With 18 minutes played the Greens led 12-0. A try by winger Oliver Fewtrell – capitalising on a kick-ahead by centre Cameron Hudson – was soon built on by No 8 Rob Baldwin’s mauled try, which stand-off James Guy converted. Fylde weathered that initial surge, however, and powerful forward play earned tries from flanker Mark Goodman and prop Adam Lewis, both converted by Chris Johnson, and the stand-off confidently added two penalties.

Despite another Guy penalty before the break, the hill for Wharfedale to climb steepened rapidly. First, full-back Max Labasse was yellow-carded. Then another mauled Fylde try was followed by winger Anthony Bingham’s touchdown. At 32-15, the Greens’ cause seemed lost.

Wharfedale fought on with spirit. Scrum-half Philip Woodhead finished off fine work and Dan Solomi crossed to earn two valuable bonus points.

An injury-time try from hosts Loughborough Students saw Hull Ionians go down 28-24.

Heading for the win with a minute remaining, Ionians conceded the late score which left them with just a losing bonus point. Aquile Smith raced in for Ionians’ first score, Isaac Green converting. Ionians led 14-9 at half-time after Danny Paul scored.

The Students crossed at the start of the second half but a Green penalty kept Hull in front.

When Ionians were given a penalty try for repeated infringement, Green’s conversion put them 24-21 ahead, after Jack Wardle had crossed for the hosts.

However, Eastwood bagged his second try in injury time, and the conversion from Daniel Watt saw Loughborough win.