Ionians hold on as Morley are consigned to drop

Hull Ionians withstood a second-half comeback from Morley to win 27-25 to escape relegation from National Two North at the expense of their opponents.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd May 2011, 09:59 BST

Morley came into this winner-take-all match on the back of four straight victories that had seen them claw their way out of the bottom three. But the occasion got to them and it was Ionians who settled quickly and took command.

Full-back Sam Wilson went over for their opening try and even though Ben Johnson put Morley on the board with a penalty, Ionians quickly crossed again through Mark Wigham, converted by James Ferguson.

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Johnson landed a second penalty but once again the visitors quickly hit back, Wilson touching down to make it 17-6. Morley lost inspirational captain Craig Field with a rib injury and then conceded another try by Rob Kench.

Morley were a different side after the break, hooker Mark Chivers crashing over within five minutes of the restart and centre Chris Hall went over on the hour to raise hopes of a great escape.

Ferguson landed a penalty but with two minutes remaining flanker Tom Moody fought his way over the line. Johnson landed the conversion to put Morley within two points but they were just unable to produce another score.

Huddersfield’s season ended in a 38-19 home defeat by third-placed Leicester Lions. Harrogate player-coach Mike Aspinall, who is retiring on medical advice, led the way in a 55-24 home win against relegated Manchester.

Yorkshire avoided relegation from Division One of the County League with a 54-10 win over Warwickshire.