Scintillating Display as Ilkley Topple Driffield in Final Home Game

The Dalesmen produced a scintillating display of backs-play at Stacks Field for their last home game of the season, resulting in a bonus point win against their old East Riding rivals, Driffield. The outstanding pair of Charles Morgan and Ben Magee bagged a brace of tries, one each in each half, all converted by Louis Anderson.

However, the win came about primarily because of an outstanding defensive effort from the whole team, as Driffield had the lion’s share of possession for much of the match. The pressure exerted by the visiting pack did result in four penalties against Ilkley, three of which Napier converted.

The weather conditions were perfect for an hour and following a sumptuous lunch, courtesy of Club President, John Barwick, the sizeable crowd was treated to a highly entertaining game.

Driffield set up camp in the Ilkley 22 for what seemed an age, until a break-out saw Jordan Cummins, Anderson and Magee combine to put the latter under the posts after 7 minutes.

The visitors then spent a full 20 minutes pummelling the Ilkley defence, until another break-out and some fancy footwork from Morgan led to his first of the day, again under the posts with Anderson converting.

The visitors couldn’t believe they were so far behind, despite the amount of possession they were enjoying, so redoubled their efforts. These were duly rewarded when Ilkley transgressed twice in quick succession, allowing Napier to kick two penalties.

They were not far off adding to their score, when Napier kicked his side deep into the Ilkley 22, but Ilkley won the line and Ed Brown ended the half with a kick to touch. 

The first 20 minutes of the second half belonged to the visitors, as the Ilkley defence started to creak a little. Another penalty was despatched by Napier before Driffield pack finally got their reward when Nellen rumbled over for a try. Napier’s kick put the visitors into a 14-16 lead.

Ilkley had a chance to retake the lead, when they were awarded a rare penalty 30m out, but Anderson’s kick was sliced. The full-back more than made up for the miss with a great catch, setting up Magee, who delivered the scoring pass to Morgan with 20 minutes to go.

Five minutes later, more Magee magic and another score under the posts. The scoreboard had ticked over to 28-16 to Ilkley, but there still remained 10 minutes to go and Driffield had not quite finished, as the rain poured down.

Inevitably, with their next attack, Ilkley were penalised at the breakdown 25m out. The kick hit the right hand post and bounced back into play. A counter-attack was on the cards, as Ilkley broke out, but then disaster, as the pass out to the left wing was intercepted, allowing Blacker to run in unopposed. Replacement Stanyon added the extras and Ilkley were suddenly in danger of losing this one with 7 minutes to go.

Back came Driffield and up went Ilkley’s defensive work rate, each assault being repulsed with vigour. Eventually, Driffield knocked on and that was it. Five points in the bag for Ilkley and one for Driffield, guaranteeing their safety for another year. It also means Ilkley will finish above them.

So, two of Selby, Percy Park and Blaydon will be relegated in two weeks time and either Scunthorpe or Huddersfield will be crowned Champions. Ilkley face Heath, their nemesis in recent seasons, but beaten at Stacks Field, back in September.

Doing a double would be a great end to an intriguing season and depending on Cleckheaton’s result, might even mean a best ever finish in this toughest of leagues.