National One: Green key as Ionians hold on after red card

Scrum-half Green kicked three penalties and four conversions as Ionians, who lost No 8 Phil Eggleshaw to a late red card, made a winning start with centre Alexander Campbell going over for the crucial try midway through the second half.

Hartpury established a 12-3 lead through tries from scrum-half Robert Shaw and winger Mark Harrison, before centre Alexander Crockett and winger Aquile Smith put the home side in the ascendency.

Green’s kicking kept Ionians in touch at the break despite a try late in the half for Hartpury, before converting full-back Michael Bateman’s try shortly after the interval.

A tight second half saw Hartpury retake the lead when full-back Gareth Thompson kicked his second penalty before Eggleshaw’s late dismissal left Ionians with their backs to the wall. The 14 men survived a late onslaught and once Campbell had slipped them in front, they held on.

Wharfedale lost 41-14 at Coventry after conceding five tries and going 36-7 behind in the first period.

Strong play from the Coventry forwards created overlaps and space for Rob Knox and James Tincknell to score. Matt Price crossed for their fourth and drive with Matt Jones adding two conversions and a penalty Coventry were ahead by 29 points in as many minutes.

Wharfedale reduced the error count and Huw Morgan’s try was converted by Jamie Guy. Former Wharfedale player Tincknell grabbed another try before half-time but Wharfedale improved in the second period and a try from Maxime Labasse was converted by Lloyd Davies before a try from Devlin Hope.