Ilkley 27 - York 17
The ground conditions were good and the sun shone although it was cool. Everything looked right for a repeat of last week's performance at Sandal against high flying York as the Ilkley faithful flocked to Stacks field. The pre match lunch for the Club sponsors was full and the crowd gathered to watch the teams warm up.
Then came the first blow as Harry Harrison pulled up with a hamstring injury. The reliable Will Marlow was swiftly brought over from the 2nd team preparations for their match to the wing and Will Martindale moved to centre.
However, Ilkley began the game as last week with entertaining attacking rugby and Charles Morgan slid through an inviting gap to score and convert for a 7 - 0 lead after only 2 minutes.
It was all Ilkley and after a further 7 minutes of Ilkley pressure Ed Brown scored a try converted by Morgan. This was nectar to the cheering Ilkley supporters especially as York hadn't seen the ball.
However, York are a quality side and not 2nd in the League for no reason. They gained possession and their strong running backs, aided by a missed tackle, saw them force their way over for a converted try. Ilkley steadied the ship with a Morgan penalty but York were settling to the task and putting pressure on Ilkley who stood up well in defence. Then came the second blow when Martindale's hamstring went just as he was relishing his work in the centre. Signs of Ilkley creaking as they regrouped against strong York attacks with their big pack pushing Ilkley back and gaining a scrum penalty for the first time.
York kept up their pressure and on 31 minutes went over for a well taken unconverted try. Ilkley brought on Jack Popely at scrum half with Brown moving to the wing. York were working hard for another score but Ilkley kept them out and, just before halftime, after good team play Ilkley forced a penalty just inside the York 22 when the crowd expected a kick for goal. No, Morgan kicked to touch and lo, the old Ilkley rumble was resurrected after many years and Ollie Ham powered over much to the relief and delight of the Ilkley support.
The second half brought renewed attacks by the powerful York side who made ground with forwards and backs combining against a resolute Ilkley defence. They were under great pressure with outstanding defence until finally breached by slick handling by the York backs who sent their winger in at the corner. Back they came with the score finely balanced at 22 - 17 to Ilkley and it must be said that Ilkley displayed great discipline and determination in keeping York from scoring again.
The third blow came with 10 minutes to go when the referee gave a team yellow to Jack Hamilton! However, Ilkley were determined and with their line out functioning well they caught and rumbled well once more towards the York line before releasing Ben Walker to run in Ilkley's bonus point try and seal the game. Both teams earned appreciative crowd applause for their play throughout what was an absorbing and exciting game.
If Ilkley can maintain this standard for their remaining games then they should achieve a mid table finish at least. Lineouts were good and scrums solid against a well drilled and heavy York pack. Their defence in the second half must rank as the most determined this season against York's formidable pack who virtually camped in Ilkley territory for most of the second half.
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