Marshall double sees Huddersfield bounce back in emphatic fashion

HULL Ionians ran in seven tries as they notched up a 43-15 victory over Preston Grasshoppers and pulled level with leaders Ampthill to maintain pressure at the top of the table.

Centre Chris Reakes scored in the opening minute, No 8 Alex Campbell added another on 19 minutes, and scrum-half Isaac Green added the conversion.

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Second row Joe Sanders also had a try converted by Green on 24 minutes, and then Green himself ran in to bag the fourth and put his side 24-0 ahead.

After the break, lock Joseph Makin scored for Ionians on 52 minutes, Green again on target with the extras, and replacement Josh Thudercliffe scored just after the hour to take the scoreline to 36-3. Reakes bagged his second try on 69 minutes, stand-off James Ferguson converting to cap their domination.

Inconsistent play from Hull – who lost 39-17 at Leicester Lions – cost them dearly.

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Trailing 22-0 at half-time, Hull matched their hosts in the second half but couldn’t eat into the deficit.

Tries from Murdoch, Constant (2) and Spital helped the Lions to a 22-0 lead at the break with Hull looking off the pace. After the break, Hull opened their account through centre Jamie Broadley before prop Mike Jobling added another from a lineout catch and drive. Hooker Jonny Matthews scored a late try for Hull.

Otley fell 29-22 at Caldy having conceded far too many penalties, including one in the final minute when hammering the home line.

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Playing into a strong wind Otley played the first-half proficiently and appeared to be about to turn round 24-12 down only to concede a try in the 40th minute to make their situation difficult.

Harry Hudson raced over for Otley’s first and James White was darted over for their second, Stephen Depledge converting.

The Caldy forwards showed their power to give their side the half-time advantage, and after the break it looked to be a matter of time before Otley took over but sadly all they managed were tries from Freddie Watson, driven over, and a second for Hudson.

Harrogate edged out Sedgley Park 21-19 in a tight game.

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Individual brilliance from Callum Irvine split the visiting defence for their first try, Joe Rowntree converting. Rowntree kicked two penalties before collecting a pass from Luke Edwards and crossing. Harrogate’s superior fitness told and Rowntree kicked the decisive penalty.

Ben Mitchell grabbed two tries as Huddersfield beat Broadstreet 27-14.

Huddersfield led at the break with a try from backrower Adam Malthouse, converted by Chris Bell, adding to Mitchell’s first.

Bell landed a penalty before converting Mitchell’s second. Joel Hinchliffe’s try of the match sealed the win for Huddersfield.