STOCKSBRIDGE 10

Ilkley 20

IN this re-arranged first round Yorkshire Shield game Ilkley took on Stocksbridge whose ground is quite high up in the Pennines so players not only have to compete against each other but against the elements.

Saturday was no different with the weather a mixture of penetrating cold, wind and some rain and sleet.

Ilkley welcomed back full-back Ian Moffat after a long lay off.

The game started well for Ikley with Stocksbridge being denied ball. Ten minutes into the game after continued pressure Ilkley's skipper Jimmy Carr opened the account with a well taken penalty.

This was quickly followed by Ilkley's first try of three. Following a good ball at the lineout in Stocksbridge's 22 the ball was released for centre Chris Easton to go over. Carr converted to make the score 0-10.

Stocksbridge now started to get into the game. Good pressure at rucks and mauls upset Ilkley's momentum. In fact they had difficulty coping with Stocksbridges main strength their physical presence. Their reward was a well worked try from the back of the scrum. A successful conversion made the score 7-10.

This score seemed to motivate Ilkley. A good rolling maul started just inside Stocksbridge's half saw Stocksbridge's pack disintegrate. Flanker Guiseppe Rogers broke free passed to Moffat for him to run aggressively for the corner and score. This was not converted but gave Ilkley some breathing space with the score at 7-15 at half time.

The second-half saw Ilkley play the better rugby with Stocksbridge feeding off mistakes. One penalty was missed and Stocksbridge were the next to score with the most bizarre event of the game. A drop goal was awarded following a punt over the bar. The referee seemed to bend to Stocksbridges claims.

They then followed this with another penalty to make the score 13-15. With minutes to go Ilkley increased their lead with a well worked unconverted try from No 8 B J Fowler breaking away on the blind side of a scrum. This was the final score 10-20.

l Ilkley now move onto the second round of the cup but this weekend take on title challengers West Leeds away. Kick-off 2.15 pm.

Old Modernians..29

Ilkley B.................5

A DEPLETED Ilkley third XV travelled to face a strong and experienced Old Mods second XV.

Playing up the slope in the first- half, Ilkley were under pressure from the kick off. However, they only trailed by two tries until the dying seconds of the half - when the home side added a third.

Ilkley were reinforced with the additional of an Old Mods player for the second-half. However, they were unable to turn the slope advantage into points. Their only reward was an excellent breakaway try by number eight David Richardson - his first for the club. Old Mods completed the scoring with two further tries.

Ilkley B.....................14

Kirkby Lonsdale......34

WITH the luxury of 15 players after the week before, Ilkley took the field in good heart against strong opponents from the North West.

The first-half was a close fought affair with the two sides sharing the territorial advantage. Half-time arrived with Ilkley trailing by two tries to one. The home score coming from a Simon Ince try, duly converted by Paul Witherington.

Ilkley held their own for the opening 20 minutes of the second-half but the constant pressure from their opponents began to tell.

Further Lonsdale tries followed and Ilkley's only reply came from an opportunist try by scrum half Steve Williams. This was converted by full -back George Obank.

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