Leodiensians 29 Ilkley 20

THIS was a very disappointing performance by a lack-lustre Ilkley team. Ill-discipline led to the award of a penalty which set up Leos first try which was unconverted. The Ilkley forwards had the upper hand in the scrums but were second best in the line.

It was a line-out that led to Leos second try following a catch and drive. Right winger Ben McDonald was proving a handful for the home defence and it was his run that led to the first of Justin Hewitt's four penalties which kept Ilkley in the hunt at half-time.

Ilkley had the best possible start to the second-half when they forced a lineout on the Leos line straight from the kick-off and Shane Coley wrestled his way over. Hewitt just missed with the conversion, which would have given Ilkley the lead.

The turning point of the match came shortly afterwards when a loose clearance by Leos was picked up by Hewitt who struck a magnificent 40-yard drop goal which cleared the crossbar comfortably in everybody's opinion but the referee. A missed tackle gifted Leos a soft try which sealed their victory.

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