Ilkley broke their six-game losing streak against Heath on Saturday, as they floored one of the Regional One North East title favourites in a thrilling game at Stacks Field.

In an opening game that will live long in the memory, a sensational Harry Harrison converted try with just moments to go ensured the hosts emerged as 27-25 winners.

Heath only just missed out on promotion last season, coming second to Harrogate, and this game saw them come up against an Ilkley side shorn of injured skipper Joe Lowes.

That meant Ilkley were led by Ben Magee on this occasion and they started well, only for Charles Morgan to pull an early penalty attempt wide following a high tackle.

A good run from Magee followed, which came to nothing, but Heath hit back, and the evergreen Chris Johnson put his side ahead with a penalty from 25 metres out midway through the first half.

Ilkley were then grateful for a Heath knock-on close in, and it took some good defending late in the half to stop the visitors from adding to their lead.

However, the Dalesmen were rewarded with a score just before the break when Heath were caught offside.

With the half drawing to a close, Morgan landed a penalty to leave the game all-square at the end of the first 40 minutes.

Ilkley endured a difficult start to the second half, as Morgan was forced off injured and had to be replaced by Matty Sheard.

But they went in front after Magee fell victim to a late tackle, with Sheard’s penalty earning an attacking lineout.

This was well won and the ball spun left through many pairs of hands, before Pete Erskine touched down on the left through a melee of players.

The conversion fell short, but Ilkley were soon back on the attack, with some great passing leading to debutant Freddie Clark scoring a great try.

Again the conversion was missed, but Ilkley were now 13-3 in front.

Freddie Clark gets in to score a fine try on his Ilkley debut.Freddie Clark gets in to score a fine try on his Ilkley debut. (Image: Ruggerpix)

The visitors roared back with a vengeance and despite Ilkley producing some magnificent tackles, eventually the pressure told on their defence and Erskine was yellow-carded.

Ilkley’s problems were compounded five minutes later, when Jamie Slator was also given a yellow as Heath piled on the pressure.

Taking full advantage of their numerical superiority, left-wing Jack Haynes went over despite Harrison’s attentions, Johnson adding the extras to bring his side to within three points heading into the final quarter of the match.

Just three minutes later, depleted Ilkley conceded again, as Tom Clough battered his way through to score.

That left Johnson with the easiest of conversions, as he edged his side 17-13 in front.

Magee then departed the scene with a shoulder injury and though Erskine returned, Heath’s momentum was still there.

Following yet another penalty, centre Ezra Hinchcliffe scooted over, though Johnson could only hit the post with the conversion attempt.

Back to their full complement, Ilkley were also boosted by the return of full back Magee, and the skipper quickly combined beautifully with Jack Maplesden.

That allowed the scrum half to score under the posts, with Sheard kicking the goal to bring his side within two points.

Johnson then hit back for Heath, as he despatched a long-range penalty to make it 25-20 to the visitors.

With just three minutes to go, a loose ball popped up to Harrison, who took possession at speed.

At 40 metres out with half the Heath team in front of him, he embarked on an incredible mazy run before going over under the posts to give his side a try bonus point.

Sheard landed the subsequent conversion to edge Ilkley in front, and they held out to claim victory.

Ilkley face Alnwick this weekend and they can go into this game brimming with confidence now.