Good second fifteen game provides relief from England’s woes

A last minute phone call to friends up the valley secured a fixture for Ilkley’s second fifteen against Wharfedale’s Development fifteen. After Moortown and Huddersfield had agreed to play then called off Wharfedale and their young stars of the future plus one or two of their senior squad rose to the challenge.

It was a challenge too, with a number of Ilkley first fifteen squad players having a well-needed run out to complement the strong second team squad. The slightly less charged atmosphere of a match like this one allowed players to express themselves as a result the Dalesmen produced a splendid performance laced with running rugby, slick passing and powerful forwards play. All this team either have played for the senior side this season or, certainly on this showing at least, would be able to step up the mark if necessary.

First half tires were provided by Richard Greenfield (2), the rejuvenated tiger Ian Moffatt and Brendan Kelley, playing in his new role in the back row. Young Greenfield is a prodigious talent and, with his scintillating display the week before at Otley where Saracens just beat the Ilkley Second 18 -15 in a league match, under his belt, he will surely be challenging for higher honours as the season and his experience progresses.

All credit to the Junior section for producing players of this calibre.

Ilkley were 22 - 0 up at the break, but the young Green Machine tyros never gave up. They were simply bossed by a bigger stronger pack and the experience of half backs Adam Faulkner and Tim Barley.

Andy Matthews, Faulkner and Rhodri Jones added second half tries to make the final score 39 – 0, Faulkner doing the business with goal kicking duties.

As it turned out this was rather more entertaining fayre than that offered up on the TV screen as England were routed 42 – 6 at Twickenham by South Africa. Those that braved the piercing cold were better rewarded outdoors!

Meantime Ilkley’s 3^rd fifteen travelled down the valley to Otley including Nigel Keighley and Bernie Connor in their back row. Enjoying a rebirth, with a combined age of one year short of a century, they guided and a team which was a perfect blend of youngsters learning the mens’ game and a few more experienced campaigners to grind out a convincing 29 – 5 victory. The game was officiated by a top referee who had been booked for the Saracens’ game with Beverley. Beverley had cried off late and no one had told the official. The players benefitted from some fine officiating and were extremely grateful to him for his troubles. Skipper Marcus Mountcastle commented that it was remarkable how excellence in refereeing can alter the perspective of the game.

The league programme for the Dalesmens’ first fifteen resumes next week with another long trip up the M6, this time to Penrith. Tired bones and joints will have had chance to recuperate and a tough match is in prospect, but with last weeks’ improved performance against Old Crossleyans a rising surge of confidence is evident in the camp.

The RFU, in their divine wisdom, have now announced how the league structure will be revised for the 2009-10 season. There will be a second tier fully professional league of 12 clubs below the Guinness Premiership and all other leagues below that will revert/change to 14 clubs per league with a play-off format at the season to replace the National knock-out competitions. How will that affect Ilkley who are playing at level 6 in the league structure?

The current statement reads:

“Level 6: Divisional Two (currently eight divisions of 12 clubs)
Eight champions and four play-off winners promoted, no teams relegated, two teams down from level 5, 26 teams up from level 7 depending on 14 or 12 team leagues in new structure.”

But as Dave Duxbury warns, “beware – the plan is not set in stone and discussions continue. There are still all sorts of permutations that could emerge, so it is vital we concentrate on winning every match we contest and we’ll see what really happens nearer the end of the season.”

Ilkley Ladies played their second match of the season against Hull & York Medical Students. The cold conditions did not deter some spirited rugby and Ilkley put in a fantastic performance to win well. The cold conditions did now deter a good crowd who must have singularly impressed with the commitment and endeavour shown by both sides. Some of the tackling was awesome and the athleticism out wide in the backs very impressive. One of the try scorers Rachel Muir will play for Yorkshire Ladies at Heath on Friday of this week.

Ilkley’s young England star Richard Rhodes was inaction for his country on Saturday. He played in the England Academy Under 18’s match against France in Paris. Whilst the young England stars made a better fist of things than their senior counterparts they came off losing by a single point 22 – 21. Richard declared himself happy with his game in which he played the full 80 minutes and was impressed by the huge crowd, the singing of the national anthems and being asked for his autograph. The game was played at Stade Francais. The next England under 18’s game is scheduled for 17^th December at West Park Leeds RFC.

Related Links:
2nd XV fixtures
2nd XV reports