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Sunday 28th September 2008
Ilkley 27 Baildon 17
This win over their old rivals was a testimony to the depth of the Under 15 squad. With seven players absent due to District Trials and other calls the reformed team ran in five tries to their opponents two. After repulsing an initial Baildon surge Ilkley began to take a grip on the game. With Ben Iliff deputising for Ben Crossley at fly half they looked to play an open game. Despite some initial errors in handling they established a pattern and scored when Matt Frost broke through for the first try. A second was added by Matt Thompson who, at inside centre, mixed his game up with strong breaks and subtle passes. Both wingers ran well and looked secure in defence. With better handling from line outs and in midfield Ilkley could have stretched their lead. Ilkley were also guilty of infringing at the breakdown and, from one of several penalties Baildon scored from the final play of the first half.
Half time 10-3
The beginning of the second half saw Ilkley play some of their most fluid rugby. A searing break from outside centre saw a great individual try from Jake Norton. Baildon then applied a period of pressure and scored a converted try. This was created by their own gutsy persistence and Ilkley’s inability to clear their lines. Then came the best try of the game. A great run from scrum half Tom Cripps saw quick ball presented to Iliff who then moved the ball from the base of the ruck to Thompson. The centre then showed great pace to cross on the right hand side. Nick Lockyer converted. Surely the game was Ilkley’s but once again hesitancy and poor passing saw Baildon immediately score their second try. Kieran Mitchell restarted with one of several handy drop kicks which elicited a knock on. From that passage of play Cripps, who was now beginning to enjoy himself, soon after broke to cross for the final try which put a safe distance between the sides.
Final Score 27-17
Once again a fine performance from the team with a few new faces, including the welcome return of Adam Fouda to Ilkley colours. The forwards worked hard with Ettenfield, Roberts, Godden and Lithgow catching the eye. Jimi Crowther is reborn as a hooker who now reaches every breakdown with pace, and the half backs linked well to provide a good platform. What delighted the coaches was a creative display by the centres who got the wingers away with more frequency than last week and made several incisive breaks. Matt Thompson was the Ilkley man of the match for a great display, topped by two tries.
Ilkley 27, Mortown 22
Ilkley U 15s started this season with a great win against well respected opponents from North Leeds. After a 38-0 cup defeat last season the Ilkley coaches were looking for a respectable performance from their improving squad. What they got was the best performance yet from this team who must have surprised themselves with the quality of their play and commitment right to the final whistle. From the outset Ilkley were clearly going to offer greater resistance than last season when the Moortown backs had run amok. However one moments lapse of concentration saw a Moortown winger run from left to right to cross in the corner without a serious challenge. Ilkley responded well with concerted pressure being rewarded with the great solo try from the dynamic Nick Lithgow. Ilkley were competing well in the loose, although struggling with a solid Moortown scrum. With solid ball from their own set piece Moortown looked to commit Ilkley in midfield, and once again managed to manoeuvre a midfield break for their second try. The half closed with another great solo try as Nick Lockyer broke to cross in the left corner with the last play.
Half time 10-10.
Once again neat play in the Moortown midfield saw Ilkley hesitate and then concede the lead for the third time. The Ilkley coaches had applauded their players at half time for their efforts but urged greater resolve and commitment. This was now forthcoming. Urged on by a large and vocal contingent of female supporters, who had camped themselves prominently in the main stand, Ilkley began to take a grip on the game. Their forwards were first to the breakdown, their centres were beginning to disrupt the rhythm of their talented opponents and their scrum was now contesting every play. Scott Mears was ball carrying into the heart of the defence. Tom Cripps was moving the ball away from the breakdown with some crisp passing and Ben Crossley chose his options well at Fly half. Crossley crossed for a try before converting Nick Lockyer’s second. When Ettenfield scored their fifth the victory was secured. A further try by Moortown was too late to affect the outcome.
Final Score 27-22
Overall the coaching team was delighted with this performance. Debutant Andrew Ettenfield and the returning starlet Brad Lawson have given the squad more depth in key positions. Man of the match contestants were Matt Frost, continuing to impress at second row, and Nick Lithgow for some great runs from the back of the scrum. Jimi Crowther led the team and contributed with some dramatic breaks around the fringes. However Nick Lockyer, with two tries, turned in a great performance which has set the standard for games to come and was worthy of the ‘MOM’ title. With four players unavailable next week the squad will require real cohesion when Baildon are the visitors.
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