Ilkley 11

Moortown 12

ILKLEY'S run of poor performances continued as lowly Moortown snatched victory in the dying seconds.

The game started well for Ilkley. Their enterprising play was rewarded with two successful penalties from Paul Gray, 6-0.

The visitors responded, attacking Ilkley's line. Following a good break by a Moortown winger one of his colleagues was obstructed while going for the ball. This resulted in a penalty try being awarded. Amazingly, this was not converted and Ilkley led 6-5 at the interval.

Moortown started well in the second half but Ilkley's defences held. When Ilkley's backs were given good ball they looked dangerous with centre Sean Atkinson making a number of attacking runs. They were rewarded 20 minutes into the half. Following good line out ball Atkinson provided young winger Phillip Merkin with the opportunity to score in the corner. This was not converted and so Ilkley led 11-5.

A further miss from a kickable penalty was to prove costly. With seconds to go Moortown were awarded a penalty in Ilkley's 22 following a feeding decision on their scrum. The visitors made the most of this.

Two more penalties were given for not retreating 10 metres. Finally the Ilkley defences were breached. The game hinged on the conversion. The ball crept over the bar to the delight of the Moortown players and fans.

Ilkley continue their league programme on Saturday with an away fixture against local rivals Otliensians.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.