Fylde kick off their new campaign with a stalemate at the Woodlands

FYLDE 22 HULL IONIANS 22 Will Hunt's late penalty secured a draw for a Fylde team who had led 19-5 at halftime on day one of the new National Two North season, writes ALLAN FOSTER.

- by Sports Reporter

Hull Ionians' gutsy second-half display had seen them chip away before taking a 22-19 lead with 13 minutes to go.

The home side regathered and pressurised Ionians' excellent defence in the final minutes, with Hunt's penalty earning what was probably a fair result.

Although both defences were strong, Fylde's backline was dominant in the first 40 minutes.

They opened the scoring on four minutes, Danny Cassidy finishing off a lovely move in combination with Sam Stott for a converted try.

His dream debut came to an early end with a rib injury, having seen Lewis Minikin spurn a penalty chance for the visitors.