Ilkley A 18 West Leeds A 3

Due to frost and frozen puddles the first XV league match at West Leeds was called off early because of the travel commitments of the referee who was scheduled to travel from North Yorkshire.

This appeared somewhat of a travesty because Ilkley's pitch was in perfect condition by kick-off time.

In glorious winter sunshine Ilkley's second string could not have had a better setting in which to consolidate their winning run and their position at the top of the second XV league.

David Duxbury's side was cheered on by a good crowd which included most of the firsts from both clubs. There is a spirit and confidence in this Ilkley side.

Their outstanding results this season have been achieved on the back of a combination of experience and youthful exuberance that has seen the rejuvenation of such notable players as Justin Hewitt, Mike Leeson and BJ Fowler.

It has to be said, though, that some of the second strings they have played have been substantially below standard and reflect the growing problem of lack of numbers coming into and staying in the game at this level.

Thankfully this is not the case at Ilkley where the spirit in the club is high, the numbers at training are good and three teams on a Saturday is the norm rather than the exception. The club now really needs its first team to put together a winning run and all will be well with the rugby world in Ilkley.

This was a thoroughly absorbing match played in good spirits despite some debatable refereeing decisions, especially in the first-half when Ilkley found themselves frustrated at the last by some dubious back row work and a number of very off-side looking defensive plays by West Leeds.

Ilkley did, however have themselves to blame for their failure to ram home the advantage in the first period.

Too many times they lost the ball in the turnover just as the scoring opportunities were opening up. Too many times over exuberance and mistakes proved costly.

Ben Murgatroyd was at the forefront of the Ilkley defensive action all game.

His presence was particularly important at this crucial stage. Indeed it was the Loiners who took an early lead. After a sustained spell of pressure they were rewarded with a penalty which was put effortlessly away.

Ilkley had a chance to draw level but missed from 30 metres.

Influential centre Ned Taylor was injured with 30 minutes gone, Andy Matthews replaced him. Even without Taylor Ilkley were finishing the half stronger and on the stroke of half-time they got back level with a penalty after Duxbury had been tackled five metres out.

A score of 3-3 at half-time was a fair reflection.

Ilkley again found themselves under pressure as the second period opened. Only a courageous tackle by young Matthews and a fortuitous hack on saved the day as West Leeds attacked.

Then the game turned in favour of Ilkley. A mistake by skipper Duxbury was well recovered and somehow popped out to BJ Fowler. Fowler broke and set the ball well. It came out to Smith and on to Duxbury who was bundled into the corner.

A scrum was given to West Leeds, and Ilkley's formidable front row sensed their chance. The scrum was pushed off the ball which flew out and loose over the line.

Ollie Coughlan pounced and that elusive lead was at last established at 8-3.

It was the Ilkley pack who set up the next score. This time the line-out was secured after a penalty had put Ilkley back in the Leeds 22.

A great drive off the line set the ball nicely for Coughlan. He sent it out to Duxbury who shrugged off two tacklers before releasing Phil Merkin to put rampaging full-back Justin Hewitt in in the corner for try number two.

West Leeds did not give up and were unfortunate to be penalised for crossing with the Ilkley line beckoning.

Now Ilkley's pack realised they had the upper hand and were driving the Leeds side off at will. Add to this the line-out superiority of Fowler, Bate and Shamlerdene and the platform was in place to deliver the killer blow.

Another Loiners' scrum was disrupted and won. Fowler picked up and charged. The ball was squeezed out to Hewitt who bullocked over for Ilkley's third try making it 18-3.

With Dan Webster on for the injured Duxbury it was now all Ilkley. Merkin had two chances to score and Hewitt another but no further score was added.

This was a fine victory set up by a front row of real presence. Ray Dennis and Mike Leeson are formidable scrummagers.

Both will be pushing hard for first team slots this week when Ilkley entertain Northallerton who are firmly anchored at the bottom of Yorkshire League Two. Kick-off is at 2.15 pm.

Both Fowler and new boy Shamlerdene must also be in the frame when the selectors get down to contemplating their strongest side in this hugely important battle in the basement of the league.