Photographs from Sundays Under 14’s Yorkshire Cup Final, Ilkley vs Harrogate have now been uploaded to Ruggerpix. Please use the link to view photo’s www.ruggerpix.com. Enter the site and then go to Photographs and then 2008-2009 Events. Some viewers may have problems using the View Slideshow button in the photobox gallery, if so click ‘view collection’ first, then click ‘view slideshow’ from there, it works!.

UNDER 14's win Yorkshire Cup Final in tense match against Harrogate. Well done lads!

pics to follow on Tuesday.

Sunday 19^th April 2009

Ilkley RFC 15

Harrogate RUFC 12

Ilkley RFC U14s met arch rivals Harrogate in the final of the Yorkshire Cup at a sunny West Park ground last Sunday. Both teams were missing key players through injury, but the tense game saw Ilkley prevail over a Harrogate side that had been their Nemesis in the preceding two years of the competition.

Ilkley faced an enthusiastic Harrogate attack after the kick off but a kick out by Ilkley fly half Jake Duxbury relieved the pressure and a further kick by full back Luke Freer saw pressure mount on the Harrogate side, culminating in a scrum close to the Harrogate try line on Ilkley’s right wing. A quick break from the scrum by Ilkley forward Dan Grange resulted in their first try and a lead of 5 points.

The restart saw a period of even play around the half way line with little advantage emerging for either side. A lengthy stoppage for injury to a Harrogate player was followed by a quick break through the Ilkley lines by Harrogate, with a try following an excellent run from the half way line. A missed Harrogate conversion saw the sides remain on level scores.

Ilkley faced continuing pressure from Harrogate after the restart, punctuated by occasional opportunities for attacking breaks. Generally good defensive play by the team and accurate kicking by Jake Duxbury saw them withstand the pressure and eventually a break by Ilkley back Rob Rekis from just within the Harrogate half saw Ilkley move ahead, with Duxbury kicking the conversion to make the score 12 – 5.

Again Ilkley faced intense pressure from Harrogate after the restart and their defence was tested repeatedly. Good kicking by Duxbury and Freer, together with a team defensive effort that saw solid defensive tackling by many, including notable work by Pete Gouldesbrough and a superb take of a high ball by Callum Doherty whilst retreating at pace saw Ilkley again withstand the Harrogate attack. A penalty awarded just inside the Harrogate half saw an apparently ambitious kick by Duxbury in blustery conditions sail comfortably between the posts to put Ilkley ahead 15 – 5 at half time.

The second half saw a renewed Harrogate offensive, ultimately seeing a converted try put them at 12 points, with the sides separated by Duxbury’s first half penalty. With occasionally tense defending, Ilkley held off Harrogate but managed few attacking moves. Nevertheless when the final whistle came they were worthy winners at 15 – 12, finally winning the Yorkshire Cup and beating their long-standing tournament adversaries.

Sundays rugby union games, Ilkley vs Sheffield U/14’S and Ilkley Ladies vs Loughboro, photographs have now been uploaded to site. Please use the link to view photo’s www.ruggerpix.com Enter the site and then go to Photographs and then 2008-2009 Events.

Sundays rugby union game game, Ilkley vs Guisborough, Yorkshire Cup, Under 14’s, semi final photographs have now been uploaded to site. Please use the link to view photo’s. www.ruggerpix.com Enter the site and then go to Photographs and click on Events. Please explore, there are many other rugby related photographs and usefull links

Ilkley RFC U14s Tour (12-13^th April 2008)

Having enjoyed a successful season the 22 Ilkley boys and 20 parents set off for a weekend break out west. All travelling gathered at Stacks Fields dressed in a smart “club colour” uniforms courtesy of the tour sponsors ‘Chippendales Plant Ltd.’. The polo shirts we presented on the day by Neil Matthews, Keighley Branch Manager of the local supplier of plant hire. Neil was there to see the party off in their club regalia and wish them well on their venture. After a high spirited journey first stop was the Wirral Club, based at Thornton Hough near Heswell. After a closely fought game the outcome was debated in the bar, where the Ilkley parents enjoyed the local hospitality. Certainly in their years of touring this was the friendliest club yet. Definitely recommended for others considering touring in these parts. The tour party then marauded north to Leyland were they made camp for the night. After a keenly contested game of bowls the squad camped for the night. There were no reports of any misdemeanours to blot the clubs reputation although the hotel cleaning staff may have been gainfully employed on Sunday morning.

The next morning after a hearty breakfast they played a keenly contested game with Preston Grasshoppers. This was followed by a presentation ceremony, shared with their hosts, with tour awards made to Player of the Tour – Alistair Roberts and Players Player was James Newton. Howell Anthony received a special merit award for the defensive prowess he demonstrated throughout the tour. The tour ended with a trip to the Pleasure Beach. Highlights included “The Big One” and fish ‘n’ chips before a soporific ride home back to Ilkley. A great celebration for a great season.

The games

Ilkley RFC U14s 5 vs. Wirral 5; 12^th April

Ilkley were kicking themselves for not securing a win to open their tour. After a first half played into a stiff cross wind they could only show a Nick Lockyear try as result for their considerable effort. The second half saw them press to assert their ascendency but forward domination went unrewarded as the backs put in an uncharacteristically sloppy performance. After several overlaps were squandered the home side converted one of their few periods of pressure with a well taken try. Fine tackling by the Wirral ensured Ilkley could not then secure further points and a draw was a fair result, given Ilkley’s profligacy and their opponents dogged resistance.

Ilkley RFC U14s 0 vs. Preston Grasshoppers 19; 13^th April

The tour second and final game was a step up in class. AS the players marched out both players and parents of Ilkley studied their opponents with trepidation and some concern. They were huge! As the game commenced the gargantuan Hoppers showed some good interplay, adding skill to their formidable mass it seemed a long morning would be in store for the tourists. However Nick Lockyear raised the standard for the young Dalesmen with several bone crunching last line tackles. As a man Ilkley responded as belief and resolve coursed through the team. Collectively they put on their most resolute defensive display against a side processing several county players. The forwards gave an awesome performance with the tackling of Newton, Nicholson and Richards catching the eye, and the mauling of Scott Mears was also vital. Playing three 20 minute periods Ilkley conceded one try in each third. In truth they rarely threatened to score but the later two scores had a large element of fortune. Firstly Ilkley were driven back at a 5 metre scrum, possibly further than the laws permit, and then after taking another 5 metre scrum against the head a slight lapse of concentration gifted Preston a closing score. At the end the players were in celebration as they knew in this performance they had extended themselves to achieve a new level. This match augurs well for the future,, and next season in particular.

April 22nd 2008

Our valiant under 14's carry out litterpick at Ilkley Grammar School playing fields. Well done lads. It was an eyesore! It isn't now!

pic courtesy of image and style www.image-and-style.co.uk

February 24^th 2008

Ilkley RFC U14s 41 vs. Pendle 0

Ilkley scored their seventh consecutive victory and their second in three weeks against Pendle.

The score suggests a one sided affair but for periods Ilkley had to resort to resolute defence against a combative Pendle pack. Major contributors in defence were Scott Mears and Matt Frost who tackled often larger opponents with great courage. Man of the match Paddy Godden had a sterling game both in set plays and in the loose and Adam Brumfitt had one of his strongest games of the season with some bone shaking tackles. The Ilkley packs performance ensured Pendle remained scoreless and their light weight peers could shine on the broad pastures of the first team pitch.

The backs produced a more one sided affair with Ilkley faster and more creative. However it was a second row who delivered the first points. A bullocking run from the previously soporific Nicholson saw him cross for a try. This was followed by two tries from Selkirk, one of which he converted to ensure a 17-0 half time lead. The second half saw two early tries from the backs as Selkirk completed his hat-trick and the excellent Matt Naybour ran strongly to cross for his first score of the season. Try of the match then game as Ben Iliff’s deft step left him clear to run in from 60 metres for his first try. The final points game as James Selkirk crossed for his fourth and Ilkley’s seventh. With conversions Selkirk registered 26 points in the game and now trails Ben Crossley by only one try in the total for the season. A great first season for the winger.

A special mention goes to Howell Antony who guested for Pendle who arrived with only 14 players. He enjoyed the opportunity to put in several hard tackles against his team mates and ensured a far closer contest than would have been the case had he not given his all. This current winning run has seen Ilkley amass a total of 190 points for and 26 against. The toughest test of the season awaits with a semi final at Moortown. Ilkley go into that game aware they must be on their game but with confidence from their recent run.

Sunday 10th February 2008

Ilkley 21, Pendle 0

Armed with passports and compasses Ilkley’s Under 14s set off for the foreign territories of East Lancashire. This was Ilkley’s first away fixture since November and the first ever game between these clubs, Ilkley founded 1899 and Pendle 2006. The match resulted in an epic encounter as the White and Red roses clashed on the muddy fields of Nelson.

From the off the Ilkley forwards battled to maintain ascendency and new players Alistair Roberts and Tom Bromley starred in ensuring the superior technical play of Ilkley was not undermined by the strength and power of their combative opponents. Locks Nicholson and Newton made strong breaks with ball in hand and the back row ensured every yard Pendle made was costly in effort. Scrum half Tom Cripps assumed ever greater confidence in controlling the ball from the pack and Ben Crossley demonstrated his most effective decision making. Consequently the Ilkley backs received a steady supply of quality ball, much of it quick and what was a makeshift back line functioned with excellence and precision. Centres Thompson and Iliff made breaks, but always with an eye to the outside and wingers Bearpark and Selkirk therefore had ample opportunity to display their strength and speed. Two first half tries by Selkirk gave Ilkley a platform. They had played downhill first half so against a strong pack in muddy conditions and a wide pitch the second half Lancastrian challenge had to be met with even greater vigour and resolve. This Ilkley managed and possibly their best try of the season was scored by Matthew Thompson as Ben Iliff and James Selkirk created the space for the loop which Thompson exploited. Pendle were not to be taken for granted and several attacks were defended with effective commitment. Players who put their bodies on the line at crucial moments included Robbie Cooper, Scott Mears and Howell Anthony.

It is now six consecutive victories for this side who absorbed several absences to produce their most fluent performance of the season. Man of the match was James Selkirk for a classy performance on the wing but every young man gave of his all against opponents who played with fierce commitment and resolution. In addition to their on field play Pendle must be warmly congratulated for their hospitality. This is a young club and they have not acquired all the facilities some established clubs take for granted but the warm welcome and hospitality provided was greatly appreciated by the players and travelling supporters of Ilkley. Both sides will now look forward to what may well be a closer encounter when these sides meet again at Stacks Field in two weeks.

Sunday 3rd February 2008

Ilkley 22, Rishworthians 0

Due to in part to the recent inclement weather this was Ilkley’s fifth consecutive home match and also their fifth consecutive victory. The large squad played with vigour and a competitive edge to restore their self belief after a less convincing performance against Baildon. With a full squad now comprising of 24 boys, including new acquisition Alistair Roberts (also soon to be pursued for his subs) the team are developing a formidable edge which on this day clearly intimidated their opponents from Halifax.

After a close start, in which several penalties awarded to Rish kept Ilkley from the line, Ilkley eventually crossed the line as Patrick Godden flopped with his self styled panache. Nick Lockyar converted. A second score came when a blind side move released James Selkirk for his seventh try of the season. He swept in from his wing to touch down a try that combined both strength and pace. The half saw several strong breaks from the Ilkley three quarters who were successful in getting full back Locklear clear down the middle. Nick Lithgow breaking from No. 8 was also making good gains against a defence under constant pressure.

The second half saw Ilkley making numerous substitutions, eight on this day, but their dominance remained unchallenged. Rish were unable to probe the Ilkley line and with two further tries for Ben Crossley (number 14 for the season) and Nick Lockyar a twenty point gap was reflective of the balance of play. Man of the match was Patrick Godden who combined skill in securing several strikes from prop with some deft passes from behind the rucks.

This game was possibly the best to date from this side. They dominated a strong side and were convincing victors. Purists may have liked to see the ball reach the wingers with more frequency and precision but the forward dominance, combined with incision from the midfield was sufficient on this day. The squad now plan a cross border encounter with the newly formed Pendle in search of their first away victory.

Sunday 27th January 2008

Ilkley 17, Baildon 12

The improving U14s secured another victory extending their run of victories to four, and retaining their unbeaten home record. In truth this was not their strongest performance of late and a lot of credit was due to their committed opponents. Baildon ran what relatively scarce ball they had with commitment and pace, and as a result kept the score somewhat closer than the balance of play may have indicated.

Ilkley opened strongly and scored their first try when Ben Crossely broke from outside half. With a combination of pace and strength he ran through the Baildon midfield with sufficient ease to suggest this could be another easy victory for Ilkley. The try was converted by James Selkirk. However Baildon stuck to their task and the second Ilkley score was reward for a smart back row move against a more organised defence. The ball was switched to the blind side with disguise and Selkirk crossed in the right wing. The later part of the first half saw Baildon grow in confidence and after several challenges to the Ilkley line they crossed for a deserved try. It was converted from 30 metres out, which in the swirling wind was an excellent achievement and applauded by spectators from all sides. The third Ilkley try, a second for Crossely, saw Ilkley take a convincing ten point lead into half time.

The second half was a scrappy affair with Ilkley retaining most of the possession but, partly due to the windy conditions, reluctant to shift the ball wide. Several kicks over the defence lead to Ilkley gaining ground but failing to convert their territorial advantage into points. In fact it was Baildon who scored the only points of this half when a smart inside break lead to an excellent try. Ilkley pushed on with forwards Lithgow and McGurk catching the eye, but their final attacks were unconvincing. Tom Cripps continues to improve at scrum half bit the backs lacked creativity when presented with the ball. The main plaudits on the day were the Ilkley front row who gave the team a strong platform for controlling possession of the ball.

At least having secured a win over their local rivals, who had held them twice to a draw in the most recent encounters, this was another statistically successful Sunday morning. A side winning when not on top form is a clichéd measure of success. How reliable this is as an indicator will be tested as the season progresses.

Sunday 13th January 2008

Ilkley 41, Ripon 0

This fixture was quickly arranged when the home side were awarded a walkover into the Semi Final of the Yorkshire Plate. On this showing they will be hopeful of making a serious challenge for that trophy.

Ripon arrived to be welcomed as both sides were eager to play their first match of the season. The visitors were immediately on the back foot and remained there for the whole game. Although the set pieces were evenly contested throughout once the ball was contested in open play Ilkley were totally dominant. First half scores from Ben Crossely, James Selkirk and Matthew Thompson were rewards for the backs who ran the plentiful supply of ball directly and effectively. Nick Lockyear was successful with one conversation. Ben Iliff and Kieran Mitchell ran well with quick feet that left their opponents in disarray. Nick Lockyear was also able to make several excellent contributions from full back, and Tom Cripps provided quick ball for the Crossely who once again exhibited excellent decision making. However this match was won by the forwards who secured quick ball, advanced and then released it with forward momentum consistently assured. Patrick Godden and Adam Brumfitt were highly effective, James Crowther as always dynamic and lock forwards Linford Nicholson and James Newton pillars of strength.

Keen to give all the squad a game the coaches made seven substitutions were made at half time. This however made no difference to the flow of the game and further tries were added by James Newton and Nick Lithgow, with Selkirk and Crossely completing a brace. Selkirk also kicked two conversions. The tackling from Ilkley was fierce with Matt Thompson and Matthew Naybour catching the eye. Man of the match was Nick Lithgow who was one of several back row forwards who excelled. These included Matt Frost, Scott Mears and Jonnie McGurk.

This was an excellent performance with every player making notable contributions and providing top entertainment for the watching spectators.

Saturday 8th December 2007

Ilkley RFC Under 14s 19 v Halifax 14

Ilkley recover from a slow start to win an epic encounter with the performance their recent form had promised.

Although aware from last years matches of the strength of Halifax’s backs Ilkley were caught cold by two early scores. After first being out flanked they were then sliced down the middle. 14 – nil after ten minutes. As the artic conditions closed in it looked like it would be a long, cold morning for the Ilkley boys and their shivering parents.

However the forwards had started well, winning the early encounters and this proved to be a platform for strangling their creative opponents. As the game progressed Tom Cripps and Ben Crossely were able to release their backs with a supply of good ball. From midway in the first half the strong running of Matt Thompson and James Selkirk started to exploit holes in the tiring Halifax defence. It was therefore no surprise when Selkirk cut an inside line to run clear, followed by the first of Nick Lockyear’s two conversions. Half time score 14 -7 to the visitors.

In appalling conditions Ilkley rang the changes with debutant Kieran Mitchell forming a revised but solid centre partnership with Ben Iliff. But it was the forwards who determined the course of the second half. Patrick Godden provided the tackle of the season to stop the impressive Halifax number 8 on a drive from a penalty move. With Adam Brumfitt and Godden in fine form the scrums increasing went Ilkley’s way. Hooker James Crowther was brilliantly combative in the loose and locks James Newton and Linford Nicholson made the hard yards look easy as their power forced their opponents to retreat. The back row of McGurk, Ahmed and Frost also worked to keep all the forward momentum with Ilkley. It was clear that as Ilkley asserted their dominance for three quarters of the match the lessons of soon to depart coach Dave Cheesewright are really starting to bear the fruit labour. Ball retention and commitment were paramount in these conditions and on this day, in this fixture, Ilkley excelled.

Two second half tries for Ben Crossely ensured the home side were justly rewarded for their endeavours. The final score could have been more favourable for Ilkley’s with both Frost and Nicholson held up over the line. Man of the match was Matthew Frost, who in the unfamiliar position of open side flanker, carried the ball with pace and aggression not previously seen. It typified the performance of this side who are growing into a significantly improving team. One is left wondering what the rest of the season holds for this squad?

Sunday 18th November 2007

Ilkley 29, Thornensians 0

Ilkley dominated this game to progress to the last eight of the Yorkshire Plate.

The game opened with an early score for Ilkley with Ben Crossely completing a fluent move by the backs. With Nick Lockyear completing the first of his two conversions the pattern was set. The visitors from Doncaster then contributed to their downfall with an uncertain clearence kick that Crossely returned with a 30 metre run to cross in the left corner.

This year has seen this squad grow in confidence and no player has grown more in stature than lock forward James Newton. Therefore their was delight on and off the pitch when Newton crashed over to give Ilkley a 17-0 half time lead, his first ever score for the club.

Thornensians had yet to impress but the second half saw them compete with more purpose. Strong running from the backs exploited the advantage given to them as Ilkley frequently infringed around the rucks. Therefore it was testimony to the Ilkley boys that they rode the out the reposte. Strong tackling kept out the visitors and then set the platform for a final surge that saw both Cossely and then Newton complete the scoring.

The side was well lead by hooker James Crowther but man of the match was hatrick man Ben Crossely for a classy performance combing strong run with good decision making. The award was presented by Chairman of Rugby Dave Duxbery, who congratulated the all seventeen boys on their display which combined skill and determination.

Ilkley 15, Wharfedale 27

A strong recovery by Ilkley ensured a close finish in this well contested game.

A slow start by Ilkley saw the visitors concede three early tries in what proved to be the decisive period of the game. However after strong words from the coaches the later period of the first half saw the forwards contesting the balll with more purpose. The introduction of Matthew Naybour into the back line also stiffened the Ilkley defence.

By half time Ilkley had established parity even though the wind was against them and the second half saw them immediately rewarded for their efforts. Fly half Ben Crossely, who became an ever growing influence, released Nick Lithgow and the number eight timed a good pass for Nick Lockyear to outflank Wharfedale. Wharfedale’s strong side soon replied with a try but this was their final score. For the majority of the second half Ilkley were dominant. Newton, Nicholson and Ahmed used their height to dominate the line out and their lighter pack secured parity at the scrum and increasingly edged the loose play.

A fluent back move saw Selkirk score on the right wing and a forward drive saw Nicolson crash over to cap a powerful performance. With Crossely’s kicking game turning and confusing the Wharfedale defense Ilkley were unlucky not to come closer. Tom Cripps was almost touched down a kick and Nick Lithgow appeared to have done so but the try was not awarded.

Man of the match for Ilkley was Matthew Naybour who led the away side’s recovery with a sterling display of midfield defence. Rory Stead also had his best game to date with improved distribution from scrum half. However this was a great boost for the whole team whose performance for three quarters of this match will have boosted their morale.

Sundays rugby union games, Ilkley vs Sheffield U/14’S and Ilkley Ladies vs Loughboro, photographs have now been uploaded to site. Please use the link to view photo’s www.ruggerpix.com Enter the site and then go to Photographs and then 2008-2009 Events.

Ilkley 15, Wharfedale 27

Sunday 30th September 2007

Baildon RUFC U14’s 17 v Ilkley RFC U14’s 17

Sunday 23rd September 2007

Ilkley Under 14s 32 pts, Wetherby Under 14’s 0 pts