York RUFC v Ilkley RFC

York travelled to the delightful spa town of Ilkley, which incidentally is where I was born, hoping to put behind them the disappointment of the loss to Heath the previous week and continue to put pressure on Harrogate sitting at the top of the table. Archie Fothergill again captained the side and throughout the game led by example and surely topped the tackle count. Toby Atkin returned at No 9. Ilkley have had a stop start to the season having won 3 and lost 3 and sitting in the middle of the table but last week had a good win away at Pontefract and were looking to put a run together. Their strengths are in the backs with their No 10 a prolific goal kicker and their top points scorer. The ground situated next to the river Wharfe is a delight to visit and the pitch, notwithstanding the heavy mid-week rain was in perfect condition. There was a sizeable home crowd bolstered by a large contingent of York supporters.

York elected to kick off and the early play took place in the Ilkley half with good interplay and driving from both forwards and backs which resulted in a penalty duly kicked by Liam Hessay. 0-3 after 7 minutes. Unfortunately, York failed to build on this early success and Ilkley spent time on the ball putting pressure on the York defence, a penalty was conceded and missed but from the kick out the home side worked an opening and the winger Ben Walker touched down, the conversion was kicked. 7-3 after 13 minutes. From the kick off York went back on the attack and had several promising attacks which came to nought. Ilkley then put phases together, York conceded a penalty 30 metres out which was kicked by the fly half Charles Morgan, 10-3 after 20 minutes. It did not take York long to put further points on the board, strong driving earning them a penalty after 25 minutes which Liam Hessay kicked. The score now 10-6.It wasn’t long before Ilkley responded, they missed a penalty, but York were penalised again but managed to steal the Ilkley line out before conceding another which the reliable Charles Morgan kicked. 13-6 after 31 minutes.

For the rest of the half both sides at times put the other under pressure and only desperate defence and poor ball control and retention by both sides meant no further score. York were not helped by the number of penalties they conceded. Whilst the score was close Ilkley’s backs were beginning to stretch the York defence and looked the more likely to score. York’s supporters were hoping for a better second half.

The second half began with constant Ilkley attacks and only strong defending kept the home side at bay but eventually the pressure told and after 6 minutes the No7 Joe Lowes touched down, the try was converted by Charles Morgan to take the score to 20-6. It was vital that York scored next otherwise the gap would be too great. York decided on a change of tactic and for the rest of the game kept the ball tight and in the forwards. Their task was made easier by Ilkley getting on the wrong side of the referee, conceding 14 penalties in the half and having 3 players sent to the bin at various times. York did however still have to work for the win as the home side refused to buckle and defended resolutely. The first try came after several penalties at which York opted for the scrum and eventually a gap opened for the ever-alert Toby Atkin who touched down near to the posts. The conversion was a formality for Liam Hessay. The score 20-13 after 19 minutes.

From the kick off York went back to the home sides 22 but failed to capitalise. Ilkley then had a period of possession and threatened to score before they infringed again, and York keeping the ball tight returned to their opponent’s 22. After several penalties and not been able to effect a push over try, numbers told and they made space for winger Mitch Ashman to touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed. 20-18 after 28 minutes. The away support wondered whether a final winning score would be possible in view of Ilkley’s refusal to buckle but their concern was misplaced as the home side continued to concede penalties and after further forward drives Archie Fothergill elected to kick for goal. Liam Hessay had no difficulty. 34 minutes gone, York now led 20-21 and it was the final score as they had no difficulty seeing out the remainder of the game which ended in the home sides 22.

All in all, a good win over a side who will trouble many teams over the course of the season. The margin could have been wider if York had been more clinical. The game was referred well by Sam Potts, he allowed the game to flow, was clear in what he required from the players and brooked no nonsense. York remain second in the league. There is no game next week but the next game, is a top of the table clash at home against the league leaders Harrogate on the 4th November. They will bring a large number of supporters so if you are free, come and support the team. It promises to be an epic encounter.