A very young and inexperienced Hawks team competed manfully for the vast majority of the game, but were ultimately undone by a lack of numbers, playing the majority of the game with 14 players and a large percentage of the final 50 minutes with 13.

The problems were apparent early in the first half when Otley moved the ball out wide and scored within the first few minutes, shortly afterwards prop Ian Irvine was forced to leave the field with an ankle injury that saw him play no further part.

The young Ionians pack continued to compete well and matched their bigger more experienced counterparts in the middle of the field, forcing Otley to move the ball wide where their powerful backs were finding a lot of space, Centre Will Reid was the next Casualty as he took a knock to the head and despite attempting to continue was ultimately forced to retire, Otley managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over and the Hawks cause wasn't helped when flanker Tom Brice was sin binned on 30 minutes for an unfortunate challenge from a kick off, being adjudged to have tackled his man in the air. Otley scored once more before half time again finding space out wide amongst the Hawks depleted backs. Half Time Otley 29- I’s 0

In the 2nd half The I’s forwards led admirably by Chris Darley & Chris Donk managed to at last exert some pressure and started to command some territory but unfortunately just couldn't find the cutting edge to get over the white wash, as fatigue and mistakes crept in the scoreboard once again started to tick in Otley’s favour, the retirement of Andy Barrass not helping the beleaguered Hawks cause.

They say the score board doesn't lie, but in this case it certainly didn't do justice to a magnificent effort from a young hawks team fielding 9 Academy eligible players. Callum Aro had a baptism of fire at scrum half but showed his huge potential remaining calm and confident throughout, Chris Darley & Chris Donk carried the ball in hard, Lucas Owen & Tom Brice worked themselves to a standstill in defence, whilst Chris Darley dominated the line-out once again. Jonnie Clark put in a huge shift in the front row, and John Marshall playing his first Senior game in the 2nd row will be better for the experience. All in all a lot more positives than negatives despite the scoreline.