Dalesmen show true grit, determination and lashings of pride, but lose Shield semi by a solitary point at Brods

Having come to terms with playing this match at 3.30 p.m. on a bank holiday Sunday and the consequent non-availability of a raft of first fifteen regulars, Ilkley got their noses to the grindstone and made the trip up into the soggy Pennine hills to battle out a Shield semi final against their EDF trophy conquerors and undefeated all season in Yorkshire 2, Old Brodleians.

A junior match had been played on the wet pitch that morning leaving a mudbath down the clubhouse side. As it transpired, this probably played into the Dalesmens’ favour as a tremendous forwards battle in the second period almost pinched the tie.

The Dalesmen were 13 – 0 down after 15 minutes, succumbing to two tries and a penalty goal.

The tries were of some quality, both engineered from set pieces. One was a classic wingers try in the corner scored by Hoyle, the other a break through the centre by Standeven. The other Standeven brother kicked the penalty to start the scoring. At this stage it looked dire for the Dalesmen and the worst case scenario seemed likely. However no Ilkley side capitulates these days. Coach Kay has injected mettle, guts and determination into every player that pulls on the shirt.

They put their heads down and got on with the job. Brods, on the other hand, began to leak penalties and suddenly it was Ilkley who were calling the shots. Playing up the substantial slope Ilkley camped in Brods 22 and went close two or three times only to be foiled by a knock-on, a forward pass and a penalty for crossing.

Still Ilkley pressed. They were over the line twice only for referee Mr Downham to rule held up. Brods were forced to interfere with play once too often and, to add to their problems, they lost prop Taylor to a yellow card. Brods defended like tigers and kept the visitors at bay for the full 10 minutes to half time.

Pete Turner was sent into battle to replace Andy Cromack.

Ilkley now had the advantage of the slope and with only 13 points to make up the omens were far brighter than after the opening minutes of the game.

They suffered an immediate setback as a scrum from deep in Brods territory was well won and fed to their very excellent backs. Centre Standeven managed to slip through two Ilkley tacklers and send in Hoyle in the corner for an unconverted try. The deficit was now 18 points.

Would the Ilkley revival fade on the vine? Fading is not for this vintage of Dalesmen.

They took the game straight back to Brods and five minutes later Simon Smith was over to score. 18 – 7.

Brods missed a penalty shot from a distance kick and back went Ilkley to get a shot at goal of their own. Brendan Kelley made no mistake. 18 – 10.

Now it was all Ilkley. The scrum began to take control. The lineouts were secured well. The loose play around the ruck and maul was outstanding.

A second try was added by Smith after superb work by Kelley. Kelley added the conversion.

The final ten minutes were enthralling as Ilkley’s phenomenal pack threw everything at a tiring Brods. They went close but just failed to grab the winning score.

This could have been an inglorious exit from a Shield competition that has been devalued by teams failing to honour fixtures, walkovers and arguments about when games should be played. It was far from that. Every player can be proud of their contribution to a good game of “proper” cup rugby.

Brods now have to keep their interest up for another 3 weeks before the final can fitted into the busy end of season calendar.

Ilkley’s annual dinner has fallen victim to the unavailability of suitable dates. The annual awards will therefore be presented at a special awards luncheon to be held on Sunday 1^st June.

It will be an informal lunch with Pauline and Elaine’s famous shepherds’ pie or fish pie on offer, followed by puddings and cheese and biscuits. The bar will open throughout and charge “happy hour” prices.

The function will start at 12.30 a.m. for a 1.30 p.m. lunch and be followed by the awards presentation. The ticket price for the event will be £5 per person.

Anyone wanting to attend should contact………, but, as it essentially a players’ event they will enjoy priority bookings.

It should be a great day and one in which the achievements of this memorable season can be savoured to the full.

Sunday saw the awards for the junior and youth section of the club. Players from age six to 18 were there in force to receive awards from Leeds Carnegie star…………..

The enthusiasm for the game and the comradeship it inspires were evident for all to see. These young players are a credit to the club, their parents, and their colleagues.

This year, for the first time, awards were handed out to the Ilkley girls’ team.

Details of the awards were:

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