Harrogate 26 Ilkley 15

This was Ilkley’s first visit to Harrogate’s facilities, new or old in terms of League

Rugby and with the comfort of knowing their place in the Northern Premier League was

secure for another season, Rhys Morgan’s men looked notably more relaxed from the

kick-off.

Harrogate on the other hand knew that nothing less than a five-pointer would do to

keep their season on track, with only a play-off place a possibility.

In the event, the home side got what they wanted, but not without some real scares as the Dalesmen showed the decent-sized crowd some classy rugby.

The first ten minutes set the scene for the rest of the game. Ilkley showed made clear their intention to run the ball whenever possible and Harrogate sought to impose their superior weight in the forwards.

When Ilkley got into the Harrogate half for the first time, the ball was turned over and the home side kicked for touch 10m into the Ilkley half. Ilkley lost the line-out and a series of good handling moves from left to right and back again eventually led to an overlap on the right, which winger Harry Jukes duly exploited to run in under the posts. Luke White’s conversion made it 7-0.

JH Johnson retired from the action for a head injury assessment, not to return in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Ilkley were penalised at a line-out and a deft kick from White over the Ilkley defence led to Jukes’s second try in the corner, the conversion missing.

Another line-out was lost by the visitors and when Johnson attempted to rejoin the fray,

referee David Charlton refused permission, to the evident displeasure of the Ilkley coaching staff, not least because of Harrogate’s coaches getting involved.

There was an indication of Ilkley's flair when they won a turnover and Ben Magee attacked the defence before being marginally beaten to his neat kick ahead.

Ilkley were playing the better rugby and had the home side on the ropes.

A Charles Morgan penalty took his side to the Harrogate five-metre line, but Ilkley were

penalised at the line-out for holding down a jumper.

Another line-out was stolen by Ilkley and Struan Connor had the first of a good few runs at

the opposition.

This led to a great team effort to secure ball and feed Magee, who in turn passed to the supporting Pat Atkinson 30 metres out.

A truly mazy, dancing run from the Ilkley centre finished under the posts and Morgan’s kick made it 12-7 at half time.

The second half started well for the Dalesmen. Harrogate obliged by passing the ball forward into touch in their first attack.

Then a crucial moment when Ilkley counter-attacked from yet another turned over ball.

A try looked nailed on as Jack Maplesden, Atkinson and Magee exchanged passes, but

the final pass didn’t go to hand and Harrogate had a scrum.

The home eight decided to show off a bit and bossed the Ilkley pack, earning a penalty

which took them back to halfway.

A knock-on handed the advantage back to Ilkley and when the Harrogate backs strayed offside, Magee notched up the penalty to make it 12-10.

Ilkley’s handling game was causing problems for the home defence.

Fifteen minutes into the half, Ilkley were unlucky to concede a penalty, which White rifled to the five-metre line.

A classic catch and drive led to a touch-down by

Harrogate No.8 Jonny Coser, converted by White.

Itching to get that fourth bonus-point try, the home forwards ground their way up the

field.

Ilkley conceded two penalties, but advantage was played and eventually, flying full-back Olly Rosillo delighted the home support. White’s conversion widened the gap to 26-10.

There was still time for more controversy, when Ollie Holtham was judged to have been

held over the line, a decision hotly disputed, not least because the build up had shown some magical handling by Ilkley in the move started by Maplesden.

A knock on at the scrum by Ilkley was disappointing, but their perseverance paid off as further good hands led to a try by Pat Power, too far out for Magee’ conversion to succeed and this

ended the day’s scoring .

Ilkley were worth a losing bonus point, having played some very attractive rugby and

whilst the Harrogate faithful were pleased with the result, most believed the same

fixture would be taking place next Season.

Birkenhead Park were relegated after their loss and Hull now look hot favourites for

the play-off berth.

Leaders, Preston Grasshoppers will be crowned Champions next week it they too can get a five point win against Ilkley.