WEST LEEDS 19 Ilkley 8

THE conditions for this Yorkshire One fixture were quite appalling with a gale force wind blowing from corner to corner, and after heavy overnight rain, the pitch was very muddy. Ilkley kicked- off and had first use of the conditions, and it was evident from the start that the forwards would play the majority of the rugby with handling proving to be chancy business.

The Ilkley forwards with both regular locks unavailable, put in a magnificent effort mauling and rucking to good effect, they pinned West Leeds down in their own 22 metre area for twenty minutes and were awarded several penalties, but with the wind conditions kicking for goal was not an option.

At the same time, the West Leeds defence held out manfully and repelled all Ilkleys try scoring efforts, but after half an hour Ilkley were awarded a penalty right in front of the posts and Jimmy Carr converted to give Ilkley a three-point lead. West Leeds broke out of their 22 to half way and had the put in at a scrum, the scrum half J Chard broke clea, but was obstructed in Ilkleys 22. West Leeds chose to scrummage and the stand-off D Breakwell dummied his way over making it 5-3 at half-time.

The second half was fairly even for ten minutes, Ilkley won good ball in their 22, but the clearing kick was charged down and the West Leeds No.7 Jewell touched down near the post, 12-3 to West Leeds.

Breakwell converting. Ilkley kicked off but had a man in front, but West Leeds were penalised for feeding. Ilkley took a short penalty and after some good forward play, fed the ball to B McDonald who nearly made it to the corner, the resultant scrum to West Leeds saw Jimmy Carr steal the ball and G Rogers touch down. The referee said no and awarded a penalty to West Leeds who hoofed the ball 50 metres down the line.

The West Leeds forwards were now in control shoving Ilkley off their own ball at several scrums. The home backs ran at Ilkley and put them on the back foot, Ilkley failed to clear a rolling ball and No.11 Rumsey touched down in the corner, the No.10 D Breakwell converted on the wind, 19-3.

Ilkley kicked off and took the game to West Leeds with excellent combined forward driving. West Leeds showed some stout defence with occasional indiscipline. Ilkley continued to emply the same pick and drive tactics to reach the West Leeds line and prop A Johnson was on hand to touch down. This was a tough game against the league leaders, but the total effort and commitment from the Ilkley side was a pleasure to see.

l Ilkley entertain Scarborough next Saturday, February 5, kick off 2.15pm.

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