Irresistible force meets immovable object? Well almost, except that as hard as Huddersfield huffed and puffed, and it was mightily hard, they did little more than loosen a few roof tiles on the bastion that is the I’s defence, so perhaps it would be best to downgrade the adjective a notch and remark that ‘field were a very powerful side.
Huddersfield, to their credit, came to play rugby and they gave an object lesson in ball retention during the first half; the trouble was they couldn’t do much with it, give or take the odd half break, thanks to some aggressive front foot defending.
When I’s got their hands on the ball they created opportunities and made ground virtually at will. The last thing the visitors could afford to do was present I’s with anything, but they put two tries on a plate and they were readily accepted. I have to say it was a bit like watching last season, except the boot was on the other foot.
I’s first score came after 17 minutes of obstinate defending. It was Sally’s lad at his best; instinct and brutal pace, worth the entry fee alone according to one knowledgeable observer. His Dad whole-heartedly agreed and has given Sam the freedom of Scalby.
Torky’s try, on the half hour, was one of the aforementioned donations but he showed some nifty reactions to catch the ball as it hurtled at his head. Huddersfield were still plugging away but conceded a penalty on the I’s 22. Fergie found touch five yards into the ‘field half and reliable line-out ball was carried up to the visitors 22 by a powerful run from Chris Reakes before being swept back across the pitch and into contact. Ruck ball was spun back left where Fergie found a gap to sidestep into before passing onto Joe Barker who transferred on to Laurence Cowen supporting at pace to run in. Marvellous rugby.
The second half set off at a frenetic pace and errors crept in, an horrendous misjudgement from the ‘field scrum-half put the ball in Fergies’ hands and he had the speed and the swerve to cross from 10 yards out.
I’s had the bonus point in the bag and confidence and fitness began to tell; they had more of the ball and showed the visitors how it should be done. Sam Wilson added a second try with an easy run in as the ball was transferred quickly across the back-line and then Santi, looking adept at 8, took route 1 from the base of a scrum and bulldozed his way over.
I’s had total control in the final 10 minutes and finished the match in style, Keane Naylor cutting in off his wing to take a deft pass from coach Crockett to score.
It’s a team game, possibly the ultimate team game, and I’s put in a team performance. It takes two to tango and eight to scrummage; all eight Ionians “put in a shift” on Saturday, in the set and in the loose. Certain lads steal the headlines but Sacca, Alex Campbell and Lav, who handled like a fly half at times, matched the more illustrious, eye-catching members.
It was a great performance from the backline ; rugged Ruggy, Fergie controlled proceedings despite the close attention of Huddersfield skipper, Nick Sharp, who clung to him like a cloak, there was assured displays from Nev and Reako. Joe Barker epitomises proficiency, peerless in defence and does the simple things so well. Both wingers offered a constant threat, Keane elusive, dancing and darting and Sally’s lad back to his best, if not better than that. Give him the ball and watch him go (don’t give him time to think!). We will not mention box kicking, Mother told me it was impolite to point out peoples inadequacies.
So it’s not quiet all or nothing next week, not shit or bust, but a simple 3-0 win will be enough to see I’s up as Champions and avoid the play-off fixture, nothing more than recent performances deserve. See you all at Paton Field.