Ilkley's preparations for the new season were tested to the full on Saturday when they entertained Harrogate's reserve squad, many of whom will be pushing for first team places in the National League Two side.

The game was of three sessions giving both sides the chance to ring a few changes.

Whilst Harrogate were physically bigger up front and had had a rich array of rugby talent on show Ilkley were never overawed and despite spending much of the first period defending were only a try down at the end of it.

Solid defence was the real plus point as they only once got into the Harrogate 22.

In the second and third sessions Ilkley showed much more attacking flair and were rewarded with three touchdowns. However, as they tried to break out of defence the inevitable holes opened up and one or two poor decisions cost them four tries, all of which came from sucking in the Ilkley defenders then whipping good out wide where the centres found space to score.

Ilkley's scrum held firm throughout. The line-outs were satisfactory. Tackling was tenacious and effective in all departments. If there is a problem it is getting past the gain line but this Harrogate side was probably a cut above those Ilkley will meet in their league programme.

There are still a number of players to come back into the side from holidays and cricket and the optimism arising from a good build up to the season remains strong.

Clearly coach Richard Midgeley has a number of positional issues to resolve before this Saturday's first league encounter with local rivals Skipton (kick-off 3 pm) but no one at the club can afford to be complacent. This season in the Powergen Northern Division Yorkshire League Two will be no less tough than previous seasons. Only 100 per cent effort will take the spoils.

Meantime, off the field it was pleasing to see the new car park full to bursting and the general appearance of the club reflecting the efforts of all the members who have contributed to the summer work programme.

l RIGHT: Action from the

Harrogate game.