After the disappointment of the postponement of their away fixture with West Leeds, a frost bound pitch put paid to Ilkley's second league fixture of the New Year, this time a home match with lowly placed Northallerton.

After probably the worst display by an Ilkley side for some years losing 20-6 at Northallerton in October, Ilkley were really fired up to put the record straight last Saturday. However, at 10 am it was deemed unplayable and with little likelihood of a thaw the match was called off.

David Duxbury then set about the task of calling up his all-conquering second fifteen to duty as the match at Northallerton was declared on. He was able to call on three of the selected first team for a well-needed run out to complete his side but was shocked to find that the home side had called up eight or nine of their senior side. A tough encounter was edged by Ilkley seconds by 12-8.

Whilst mid-season lay offs due to weather can be an opportunity to allow tired limbs to recover and injuries to heal it does not compensate for the lack of a game. Ilkley's first team squad must now be champing at the bit ahead of Saturday's league fixture with table topping Keighley at their Uttley ground.

Keighley edged home by three points in the exciting home fixture early in the season and a tight and fiercely contested encounter is assured when Ilkley cross over Cringles into Airedale this week.

Long term injuries to key players have always been a problem to clubs with relatively small squads. Ilkley is no exception. Charlie Cudworth was Ilkley's man of the season last time and to lose him with a knee injury so early on was blow to the club.

Those who have deputised have given their all to the cause but there is no way a man of Cudworth's class can easily be replaced. The loss of skipper Anthony Cadman to essential surgery during October and November also did not help Ilkley's cause. Flyer Brendan Kelley unfortunately broke a leg last month and will be out for the rest of the season.

Just past the half way stage of the season, Ilkley find themselves with only eight points and fourth from bottom of the table.

However, the results have not always reflected the solid performances of a side which has only twice in their eight defeats looked well beaten.

The other losing results have been close and games could easily have gone either way. There are some good young prospects in the senior squad and more to come through in the second and third teams.

As has been said many times this season Powergen Yorkshire Division Two is a tight tough league. It was amply illustrated when West Park Bramhope were beaten for only the second time this season by Ripon in the only fixture to survive the frost last week.

A good run now and Ilkley could soon see the position changing with a climb up the table. On their day Ilkley can beat the best in the league. Their cause should be greatly assisted by the arrival of Simon Smith from Otley. His presence will give the back line a sharper edge. Nick Brook, who has also returned from Otley, is due back from extended absence by the end of the month. His presence will be welcome in the tight five area. Others coming back are Chris Pring after a broken cheek bone and Allan Moffatt.

All in all the spirit at the club is good. All that is required is a good run in the league and the up-coming Yorkshire Shield.

Off the field the club is in good shape too. The gang of volunteers who clean up and enhance facilities on a Thursday morning have done a great job. Notwithstanding that the car park is in urgent need of renovation. It is pitted with potholes that seem to increase in size weekly. This is a major project requiring urgent attention. Any member or benefactor able to help in whatever way is asked to contact the club secretary. It is also intended to refurbish the clubhouse during next close season. A similar request is made for this.

It is appropriate to reflect on the financial problems that appear to be worrying the clubs at top level of the sport of rugby union. Ilkley can stand proud that it has never entered the paid player arena but has always put out a side that has entertained, and, yes, at times frustrated their loyal supporters. It could not have done this without the support of its many sponsors and benefactors.

Its facilities are worthy of a club higher up the league structure and Ilkley may again be on the march.