After being on the road for our last two fixtures York were keen to remain unbeaten at home and welcomed Ilkley to a sunny Clifton Park, the ground looking magnificent, a thank you to our ground staff and match day volunteers. A minute's silence was held prior to kick off as a tribute to Martin Abel, who gave much to the Club over many years both on and off the pitch.

The first scrum was an indication of what was to come, as the York pack powerfully drove Ilkley backwards, that was the pattern for the whole game and ensured that York were on the front foot. Also the line out was much improved this week. This has been a problem in some of the earlier matches, but in this game the York line out gave a steady stream of quality possession. The crowd of just over 300 were entertained to some lovely Rugby from the home team, big carries fast flowing possession, handling that was top class, presenting Tom Woffendin with an opportunity on the right wing to squeeze into the corner, an exquisite conversion from the touchline for Harry Shackleton, 7-0 ahead, the perfect start.

Ilkley found themselves on the wrong side of the referee conceding a number of penalties in succession, eventually a deliberate trip 35m out in front of their posts gave Harry Shackleton a comfortable penalty. 10-0 to York. More penalties followed and the referee’s patience was being tested, finally stretched enough to issue a yellow card to Matt Tanner, the Ilkley hooker. With the extra man York pushed forward and camped in the Ilkley 22m zone, creating pressure and further errors for Ilkley. A drop out from under their posts resulted in York winning the ruck on the right side, Tom Woffendin spotting space, signalled to Harry Shackleton who put in a delicate kick pass which bounced favourably for Tom to retrieve the ball, a quick pass found his skipper Archie Fothergill on his inside with a clear run in to score near the posts, giving a simple conversion for Harry Shackleton’ 17-0 to York.

Whilst sitting quite comfortably in the lead, York found themselves pushing near the touchline, however a ruck infringement resulted in a yellow card for Shane Goulding. This gave Ilkley more room and they took advantage moving into the York 22 for the first time in the match, their lively backs showing what they are capable of. York found themselves having to dig deep to defend their line and eventually the pressure produced space on the outside, a clever chip from Aaron Jones Bishop and Ben Walker won the chase to touch down, Charles Morgan converted and Ilkley showed they were keen to get back into the team. Half time score - York 17 Ilkley 7.

York started the second half and from the kick off the York winger A J Peplinski pulled off a brilliant catch snatching the ball from in front of the nose of the receiving Ilkley forward setting the tone for a period of York pressure. Changes were made for the home team with Kym Russell coming on for Sam Croft and Kyle Consterdine for Lewis Jackson. York were restored to fifteen as Shane Goulding returned and a period of end to end action followed. York have developed a strong defence this season and with Ilkley keen to get back into the game they had to work hard to keep Ilkley at bay.

Ilkley were now in their purple patch with some strong counter attacking play lead by their Captain Charles Morgan. Ball in hand, their backs are a fast moving unit but a series of errors and poor discipline lets the visitors down and their penalty count, yellow cards and lack of possession prevented them getting back into the game. Having borne the brunt of the pressure York started to come alive again and from a line out on the 25m line set up a maul which was driven towards the visitor’s line gaining twenty metres. Toby Atkin shipped out to the back line and Zac Burlingham entered the line to free up A J Peplinski who used his pace to score in the corner, Harry Shackleton’s conversion attempt hits the upright. York 22-7 ahead.

Strong ball carrying from Will Scholey, Henry du Boulay and Lewis Jackson continued to give York forward momentum. With the game well under control the York Scrum Half Toby Atkin was replaced by Charlie Rae. York were now chasing the bonus point try. Following another great set of handling skills the ball was moved to the left and Charlie Rae appeared on the outside with a strong run, shaking off tackles to score in the corner to secure the bonus point. Harry Shackleton securing the conversion. Final score - York 29 Ilkley 7.

This was an important game for York to get back into winning ways, the pack giving the platform for the backs to complete the job, a rest next week then a testing trip to Percy Park, with four players returning from injury Joe Simpson, Eddie Westerby, Sam Forbes and Jonty Atkinson.
“This was the classic where the forwards decide who wins the match and the backs decide by how much.” Man of the Match – Tom Woffendin.