Saturday 9th February 2008
Saturday 5th January 2008
Ilkley 3rd XV 25, Keighley 3rd XV 12
Ilkley thirds put Christmas celebrations behind them with a hard fought match against local rivals Keighley. Keighley, came boasting numbers that could have fielded two sides but on this day it would prove to be their downfall. The first half saw Ilkley facing a strong wind which Keighley used to full advantage keeping the Dalesmen firmly camped in their 22. A solid defense however kept the visitors from scoring and despite all that stood in Ilkley’s path the home side pushed forward and put the first points on the board. The score came from a whole team effort keeping ball in hand and J McNeice pushing over to add to his own increasing talley.
Now Ilkley with a taste for the line showed that superior numbers would not be enough to stop them and with a surging run A Moffatt cleared a channel to the line to top an exemplary man of the match performance. S Gilbert added the conversion. Keighley hit back with scores but could only be put down to Ilkley taking their foot off the gas which was soon put on again.
Key combinations came from the partnership of S Gilbert and A Mathews in the center bursting through tackles and providing good position. M Dowling and J Lee dominated the lines adding to an all round excellent team performance. The final phase of the game saw L Jarvis score showing his confidence is building with every game and penalties from Gilbert and McNeice gave Ilkley the margin of safety they so rightly deserved to claim an impressive victory.
Saturday 1st December 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 5, Bradford Salem 2nd XV 12
Ilkley suffered another disappointment in Saturday’s encounter with Salem 2nd. Previous weeks had seen a rapidly changing team, fluctuating numbers and many occasions that called for players to play out of position. However regardless of the upheaval the Ilkley men’s work rate and commitment had been building week by week and this week’s effort was no exception providing the performance of the season so far.
J McNiece kicked off and continued to provide excellent position for the forwards to mount their attack. A whole team effort saw Ilkley pin Salem to their own half for the majority of the match however indiscipline gave Salem the opportunity to find good position then with forward momentum they muscled over for a tri in the corner.
A welcomed appearance from S Gilbert provided a boost to the whole team as well as some devastating runs. His partnership with L Jarvis inspired Jarvis to produce a Man-of-the match performance and to claim a solid place with the Ilkley thirds. Other individual performances worthy of a mention came from Richardson, Ferguson and Fisher who were excellent in all areas. R Bastow also stepped up to produce a gutsy performance at hooker.
After half time although the pressure was all on Salem they found Mountcastle out of position and snapped up an easily converted tri much to the skippers disgust.
Ilkley as with every match this season never gave up and were finally rewarded with a tri by T Beard which finished the match with every player knowing they had given their all
Saturday 24th November 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 5,Selby 3rd XV 23
Ilkley 3rd XV set out to turn around their recent losing streak on Saturday but with the opposition being the consistently strong Selby third team this was always likely to be a tall order. Up against the biggest opposition pack to be faced all season the young Ilkley side knew they were in for a tough match but battled throughout, particularly during a determined rear guard action in to the wind in the second half.
The game began with Ilkley facing their bane of this season - a completely changed line up from the previous week. Despite this lack of continuity Ilkley surprised themselves and probably the opposition by starting strongly with some quality rucking that produced good ball. However a lack of penetration and sound Selby defence soon began to tell. Selby's game plan was simple as they used their big forwards and centres alternately on crash balls. Although Ilkley's defence was generally sound the weight of the Selby charges eventually led to a score out wide. Ilkley continued to battle and consistently demonstrated that by securing quick ball they had the speed around the park to worry the visitors. Strong runs from Simon Smith, on his return from injury, Dave Richardson and Adam Westhead set-up promising positions but these were lost through 'school boy' errors that were unsurprising for a scratch side. A further score was conceded resulting in a half time score of 0-10.
With the change of ends putting Ilkley into the face of a strong wind, which was clearly going to be exploited by the big boot of the Selby stand off, the home side knew that they would have to maintain control of the ball. This they did to good effect as they drove the Selby pack back through a varied game plan. Several drives from the forwards resulted, and with Smith drawing the wary Selby defence Ilkley were able to create space for their wings Westhead and Richard Tilley. Clearly Ilkley had an advantage in this area of the game and threatened when they were able to secure good quality ball. This was not frequent enough but eventually Ilkley broke through and forced a lineout on the opposition 22. A steal against the throw from the Ilkley lineout, which edged the more experienced pack throughout, resulted and the ball was rapidly transferred down the line with Richard Tilley receiving it 10 yards out. With a demonstration of the potential that has not always been evident the winger was able to muscle his way over in the corner. At 5-10 the Ilkley tails were now up and they sensed that an unlikely result could be on the cards. However Selby tightened up their game and forced Ilkely back on the defensive. Following several rolling mauls Selby found space on the Ilkley 22 and showed their concern by opting for a drop goal. This swung the match again and with the Ilkely pack starting to tire the Selby were able to work two further scores.
Although a similar score to recent weeks Ilkley showed encouraging signs. Enthusiastic youth (Josh McNiece, Will Bridge and Seb to the fore) combined well with returning old heads. With a more consistent turn out this team will improve and build its role as a team to develop players for the senior side.
Thanks are due to referee Bob Adamson from Selby who came over to watch his son in the first fifteen but kindly stepped in to enable the match to go ahead, the originally booked official having been called away for other duties.
Saturday 8th September 2007
Ilkley 3rd 12 Bradford and Bingley 12
Ilkley arrived at Bees impresive ground full of nerves and doubt. Just managing to pull a side together in the last hours leading up to the fixture didn't boost confidence for the forth coming season.
The match started with Ilkley winning the toss, electing to kick providing positive momentum. Bees fumbled the ball giving Ilklley their first test. However the inexperience of Ilkley's front row had been their most troubling thought but as they packed down it was evident there was no cause for concern. Richardson, Dowling and Whitely although away from their prefered positions dominated in every scrum giving the Ilkley backs a secure platform to work. Late stand in at 10 A Davison dictated the back line without fault and with quick hands A westhead was let loose scoring under the posts. A Davison added the conversion.
From the restart the Ilkley backs were off again T Davison executing a diseptive miss move popping to skipper Mountcastle who held the Bees diffence offering Westhead easy pickings for his second tri.
12 - 0 at half time Ilkley were busy patting themselves on the back but reality soon hit as Bees thundered through for a converted tri. The remainder of the game resembled a tennis match with both sides defence being tested to the limit. Bees were rewarded with a scrappy kick throu tri leveling the scores but as the final whistle blew both sides knew it was a good result. Definately one to look out for on the return leg.
Saturday 14th April 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 28, Old Brodleians 0
With the season drawing ever nearer to a close Ilkley embarked upon their final home fixture. Old Brods who Ilkley had suffered a very disappointing loss to earlier in the season presented a team full of youth and arrogance. Ilkley were keen to show their potential which so many times this season had failed to materialise and with a few old troopers looking at the possibility of hanging up their boots this was an opportunity to brand Stacks Field one last time.
With soaring temperatures tempers were short and before long handbags were flying. A Tilley with more of a hay-maker than handbag showed that the old dogs of Ilkley were made of strong stuff and Brods would think twice before loosing discipline.
Ilkley constantly probed Brods defence hunting for the line. Glory finally came from Ilkley’s future stars and a great passage of play between S Wilson and L Copsey who went in under the posts for which Wilson converted. Wilson went on to provide a faultless performance dictating the play and kicking for position giving Ilkley great advantage earning him self man-of-the-match.
Brods weren’t without their chances but Ilkley’s defence was solid with tackles going in and pressure being exerted. E Hoad was the next to cut the Brods line and even though they had him held he pushed over for a well disserved tri, again Wilson converting.
The second half brought much the same as the first. Ilkley using a combination of experience and youth continued to dominate, frustrating the Brods side. Further scores came from an excellent chip and chase from R Boardman and then to finish off an outstanding team performance A Tilley hacked through and as if there was all the time in the world scored the tri, Wilson converting both.
With possibly only one game left Ilkley need to keep up the momentum if they are to finish with their heads held high, bring on Aireborough.
Saturday 24th March 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 15, Leo’s 3rd XV 46
Saturday’s match with Leo’s was one of devastation for the Ilkley side. With late cry offs Ilkley only just managed to piece together a team. With weeks gone by Ilkley had boasted impressive numbers but without warning, Saturday would ask questions of the state of the team’s passion and commitment. Within the first ten minutes Leo’s had converted two tris and already heads were going down which has never been the Ilkley way. Ilkley was saved embarrassment as they suddenly switched on putting pressure on Leo’s every move, gaining momentum and ground. Ilkley started to realise that it wasn’t Leo’s outclassing them it was that Ilkley were playing with a total lack of respect for themselves and their opposition.Ilkley started to answer back and with a great team effort H.Mograby went in under the posts which D.Fisher converted. The restart saw Ilkley come back but again through miss-tackles and poor communication Leo’s were let in for an easy tri. Ilkley answered back with another outstanding passage of play through backs and forwards, the dependable D.Richardson bullied his way through.The second half started strong with D.Fisher kicking a penalty taking Ilkley within one score, however, just as Ilkley seemed to take control a number of penalties for discrepancies obviously not yet printed in the rule book were given against Ilkley to the point of frustration. C.Hems voiced his opinion well but to no avail; the game had already been decided. Ilkley realised that they had lost the game in the first vital minutes and for as long as memory served, this was a lesson that previous captions had always made clear and one that will be taken into all future games. Those first ten minutes are crucial.
Saturday 17th March 2007
Ilkley B 36, Otley Vets 0
A late change to the fixtures saw Ilkley return to Otley for what must have
been the fourth time this season. Otley struggling for numbers were
complimented with a few of Ilkley's future stars which suggested a hard but
well spirited game.
Ilkley who for a refreshing change had made the effort to turn up in good
time. This gave them the opportunity to make some much needed improvements
to their game plan which would turn out to be time well spent.
With a strong cross wind, a well placed kick took Ilkley roaring into
Otley's half. G.Fergusson was the first to make his mark stomping up the
field clearing the way for the rest of the Ilkley team to deliver the blow.
D.Richardson opened the score sheet with his usual "take no prisoners" style
which A.Cowgill converted.
Otley fought hard and with the addition of Ilkley's Will Greene had some
damaging runs. It was to be Ilkley's day though with Skipper M.Mountcastle
showing his blistering pace scoring two, E.Hoad showing power to take one
and T.Davidson regular as clockwork to claim one for himself. The play of
the match came from a set piece which J.McNeice remembered to tap, M.Dowling
demonstrated perfect timing and N.Keighley scored a text book tri again
A.Cowgill converted.
All in all a good day's work and one that just goes to show practice makes
perfect.
Saturday 3rd March 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 8, Huddersfield YMCA 2nd 36
Another long journey took the experienced Ilkley side to the heights of Huddersfield and matched them against a youthful team with many first team potentials. After the previous weeks humiliation Ilkley were keen to improve on such a poor performance.
Ilkley started strong with a kick deep into their opponent’s half putting pressure on the Huddersfield number 9 to make the clearance. Despite the positive start Huddersfield showed that they were a well drilled side and also may have been to a training session or two, a disgusting thought to a true third teamer. Huddersfield took the first points with a hard fought tri showing Ilkley that support play is key. This made Ilkley even more determined to raise their game. Huddersfield were well organised but their discipline was poor giving Ilkley many opportuniities. Ilkley were brought back into contention with a penalty kick at goal which prop D Fisher slotted.
Even though the score line ran away from Ilkley it by no means reflected on their performance and a grate team effort. A Tilley, N Keighley and C Hems formed a solid back row partnership and a new centre combo of H Mograby and T Davison impressed. Davison showed hunger and power taking the ball on at any opportunity and was finally rewarded with an unstoppable tri which lifted the spirit of the whole Ilkley team. Other individual performances came from M Hargreaves who made the most of some difficult lines, A Williams with his unique running style and G Heartly fighting hard hard when the pressure was on.
Still Ilkley are struggling to regain their passion for the game but this performance shows that the penny has dropped and Ilkley will undoubtedly come back blazing.
Saturday 24th February 2007
ILKLEY B 19 YARNBURY 24
Ilkley thirds travelled to Yarnbury in this hastily rearranged fixture only to have to travel the same distance again to an alternate pitch, the home pitches resembling a moorland bog The team set off for Rodley Rockets rugby league pitches, and as it turned out the match went on to resemble a league fixture.
Yarnbury playing down hill and with the wind, pegged Ilkley back throughout the first half, kicking deep into the corners, but the Ilkley defence was so good that Yarnbury could not cross the try line and soon started kicking for goal at every opportunity. Ilkley’s pack had the edge in the scrums even up the slope but when Yarnbury lost their prop after thirty minutes the advantage swung to the home team. Unable to field a replacement front row player the scrum went unopposed. These league type scrums suited Yarnbury, however Dennis, Dowling and Ferguson the Ilkley front row did not appreciate their fun being spoilt.
With only one penalty score to show for Yarnbury by half time, even the referee commented that it wasn’t enough when Ince restarted the second half. However Ilkley could not keep the ball in hand during the second half, deep in the Yarnbury half a knock on or an infringement by the Ilkley forwards would lead to Yanbury clearing their lines. This proved to be Ilkley’s undoing, when Ilkley passes failed to go to hand the faster Yarnbury backs pounced on loose ball and sprinted up hill past the chasing Ilkley players. Dave Richardson showed the right spirit by running hard at the defensive line crossing for two excellent scores and Tony grey added the last score for Ilkley. Sadly Ilkley contributed to their own downfall in this match handling errors and an inability to adapt to the uncontested scrums allowed Yarnbury to play to their strengths and take the win.
Ross Smith showed real promise on his debut, a South African born player showing some fleet of foot on the soft Yorkshire turf. The rest of Ilkley’s team need a Rodley Rocket up their shorts for loosing this one.
Saturday 17th February 2007
Some good pics of the inter club game on Saturday 17th at www.image-and-style.co.uk
Remarkably photogenic, some of you lads. A few framed prints on the mantleshelf would be money well spent!
Saturday 3rd February 2007
OLD CROSSLEYANS RFC 3RD XV 7pts v ILKLEY RFC 3rd XV 49pts
CROCS LACK SNAP AS ILKLEY PROVE TO HAVE TOO MUCH BITE.
Ilkley ‘B’ team travelled over to the Calder Valley on Saturday, in glorious spring like conditions, to take on the Old Crossleyans.
Despite the weather conditions being in A1 condition, it was the only bright spot of hospitality offered by the men from Halifax. For some years now a trip to Crossleyans has held about as much enticement as a wet weekend in Cleethorpes, and last weekends jaunt to Broomfield Avenue proved to be no exception.
The game that ensued was something of an anti-climatic non-event with Ilkley running out more than worthy winners by 49 – 7. The only surprising thing was, firstly, that Ilkley failed to score more points, especially in a dour second period, and secondly, that the very little talent and skill levels shown by the hosts resulted in them breaching the Dalesmens try line.
The Ilkley forwards took a little time to master their inferior opposite numbers, but once they managed to gain the ascendancy it was all one way traffic. Kershaw, Tilley, Fisher and the effervescent Dowling were all to the fore, securing good ball for the quality Ilkley back line, orchestrated by young Rhodes at fly half, who ran tries in at will throughout the first half.
Left winger, Modoti, helped himself to a first period hat trick and with additional scores from the evergreen Keighley, after a good break from Mountcastle, and Richardson, who’s power near the line was far too much for the ineffectual Crocs defence, the visitors were 35 – 0 in front at the break.
The second half was a dire period with Ilkley, taking their foot of the gas and the game degenerating into an error strewn non-spectacle. Matthews increased the Dalesmens lead following good play from Beard and Lam, and then, somewhat surprisingly, Old Crossleyans put their first points on the board with a try out wide.
Ilkley were stung back into action again and Dennis made a marauding centre field break, showing a previously unseen turn of pace, which resulted in the veteran prop having to leave the field with a leg strain.
With time running out it was left to Modoti to complete the scoring with his fourth personal try of the afternoon. Rhodes once again added the conversion to make it a perfect seven from seven, and the game ended with Ilkley clear winners by 49 points to 7.
The player of the match award was shared between Hargreaves, who gave his usual, no nonsense, steady, if unspectacular display, and centre Peck, who formed a first class midfield trio alongside Matthews and Rhodes, and was prominent both in attack and defence when called upon.
Saturday 27th January 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 20, Otley 4th XV 10
Saturday’s game saw Ilkley continuing their winning ways with a four tri stomp over Otley. Otley started strong with their number 10 dictating the play and took full advantage of Ilkley’s bad habit of knapping in the first ten minutes. Ilkley who had been given the rare treat of playing on Ilkley’s first team pitch knew that embarrassment was looming. Ilkley turned the game around and the forwards steamed down the field to the chant of R Dennis’s one, two, one, two! Then with the line in sight D Richardson broke free levelling the score and adding to his ever increasing tally. From here on Otley seemed to loose all focus giving the Ilkley back line the chance to show their potential. Ilkley’s very own Peter Pan N Keighley pulled on the number 13 shirt and had a faultless game earning him man-of-the-match and through him the ball was delivered to T Davison who burst through tackle after tackle letting momentum carry him over the line. The second half saw T Davison go in again strengthening Ilkley’s position. Otley however had not entirely let go and with their forwards pushing their way over Ilkley’s line gave the Ilkley pack a taste of their own medicine. Ilkley did manage to finish in style though with T showing his uncontested pace touching down for Ilkley’s final tri.
Saturday 20th January 2007
ILKLEY MIX OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE PROVES TO BE POTENT COCKTAIL
After a week of high winds and heavy rains it was not a journey to be relished when Ilkley 3rd XV travelled to Grassington to play the Green Machine of Wharfedale.
With rain and sleet blowing almost horizontal, the temperatures dramatically plummeting towards a level almost akin to the IQ level of a certain Ms.Goody, it was the hosts who started the brighter and they put sustained pressure on the Dalesmens line. Stoic defence from, amongst others, Mograby, Lam, Dennis, Dowling and Ferguson saw Ilkley repel the Wharfedale advances and with skipper Mountcastle leading from the front, ably supported by his deputy Ince, the game was beginning to warm the hearts of the massed gathering.
However, with the home side pack gaining the ascendancy it came as little surprise when the Wharfedale No.8 charged through the Ilkley defence to score the opening try. The conversion was added and the home side lead 7 – 0.
Ilkley, playing into the elements, acquitted themselves well for the remainder of the half, and with second rowers Lee and Richardson securing quality line out ball, and Davison and Matthews, in the backs, showing some neat touches in attack, it looked, to the casual observer, that the visitors would be in with a fine chance of snatching a victory in the second half.
After the interval it was Wharfedale who looked the more prominent side, and they enjoyed the bulk of the territorial advantage. Unfortunately for them they could not turn their pressure into points and Ilkley came away from this period with their line intact.
Ilkley slowly began to claw their way back into proceedings, and it came as no surprise when replacement fly half Rhodes weaved his way through the not so mean Green Machine defence to put the visitors on the scoreboard. The try scorer added the conversion to give the scores parity at 7 – 7.
The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides having purple patches, but neither side able to break the deadlock. MacColl and Hoad both made encouraging breaks for the Dalesmen but neither could find the final pass required for the winning score.
It was going into the final minutes of the game the Ilkley managed to gain the winning score. A strong break from Cummings and Kershaw set McHugh free to score near the posts, The try scorer was incapacitated during the act of try scoring and had to leave the with a leg injury.
Rhodes again added the extras to give Ilkley a deserved win by 14 – 7.
Both sides should be complimented for their endeavours and for Ilkley the old war horse back row of Keighley and Hems were prominent throughout. The years seemed to roll back as the two veterans found themselves time and time again foraging and scavaging at the bottom of rucks and mauls to secure quality ball for the club they have graced with distinction for numerous years.
Or alternatively it could have read like this! Thanks to both correspondents - you managed to fool the Gazette too!!
Ilkley 3rd XV 14, Wharfedale 4th XV 7
The journey to Wharfedale showed the effects of Thursday’s gales and a sky that looked determined to drop a blizzard and even though the weather resulted in many club’s fixtures being cancelled Ilkley thirds decided to soldier on.
Ilkley never looking for an easy start elected to play into the wind hoping they would have the legs to last the duration. Wharfedale always being a side that demand respect showed Ilkley very early on that any mistake would be punished and before long had sliced through Ilkley’s defence with the greatest of ease giving them the first points of the game.
Ilkley knew this could make or break their game which resulted in a fierce battle between the two very evenly matched sides. Ilkley now had firmly closed the door on all attacks which were relentless but through pure grit and determination form every member of the team at half time the score remained at 7 – 0.
The second half continued in much the same manor with many tri saving tackles from E Hoad and T Davison but it was A Rhodes who demonstrated why he is a hot prospect for Ilkley’s future with a weaving step and blistering pace scored Ilkley’s first tri and then added the conversion.
The defence on both sides was excellent and proved very entertaining for both side’s spectators. Both knew that eventually one side would buckle and as Wharfedale’s defence seemed to open up like the Red Sea F McHugh slammed through for Ilkley’s glory which A Rhodes again converted.
Wharfedale gallantly fought on but Ilkley refused to bow down and as the sky opened up the final whistle blew ending a hard but enjoyable match for both sides.
Saturday 13th January 2007
Ilkley 3rd XV 24, York 3rd 12
The arrival of York 3rds veiled Ilkley with apprehension. York with a strong team and Ilkley unable to capture form in past games saw York go into the match confident.
Ilkley elected to play into the wind and were given the kick, however the ball did not make ten and Ilkley were on their heals straight away. This played in Ilkley’s favour as the Ilkley forwards let the opposition know they would push them around all day. Play, after a lot of ‘Type Writer’ offence edged into Yorks half with a barrage of hits from Keighley, Mason and Hems. The ball was whipped to Cowgill who ran a dummy scissors and popped out to S Ince who with no less than four men hanging off him touched down, Cowgill added the conversion.
York came back infuriating Ilkley because of how easy they had been let back into the game, York taunting Ilkley saying their defence wasn’t up to the job provided the wake up call.
Again Ilkley forwards marched up the field and with a penalty Ilkley were given the line. J Lee who dominated the line and who would steel most of Yorks ball collected and set up a rolling maul that Sean Fitzpatrick would have been proud of. Left to right York could not stop or even slow the Ilkley pack and celebrating his birthday F Mchugh scored Ilkley’s second tri.
Half time saw the scores level and all to play for but it was to be Ilkley’s day who didn’t let York back into the game. M Crowther injected pace into the Ilkley side with a grate run away tri, pace the Ilkley old boys hadn’t seen for some time. This show of pace however must have rubbed off on hooker M Dowling who found himself on the wing with a twenty yard dash which he completed touching down for Ilkley’s final tri. A good day for the club all round.
HUDDERSFIELD YMCA 3RD XV 10pts v ILKLEY 3rd XV 31pts
STRONG ILKLEY ‘B’ TEAM PROVE TOO MUCH OF A HAND FULL FOR Y.M.C.A.
After a major detour via Saddleworth Moor, the Ilkley 3rd XV, on arrival, were already 7 points to the good when, apparently, the elusive Shanks had opened the scoring following a strong centre field break. Rhodes added the extra points and the Dalesmen were up and running.
Huddersfield YMCA clawed their way back into the game with a penalty, which followed good forward play, and midway through the opening stanza the score was 7-3.
An error strewn contest, with both sides seemingly unable to hold onto the ball, was brightened slightly when Merkin and then Moore crossed for Ilkley tries. Rhodes added a conversion from wide out to the latter try, and a the half time whistle came as a welcome break with the visitors leading 19 – 3.
The second half followed the pattern of the first with the skill level from both sides, at best, negligible.
Ilkley increased their lead with a second try from the industrious Shanks, but Y.M.C.A. bounced straight back with a converted try. Brief glimpses of something resembling quality play from Moffat, Hinchcliffe and Matthews, lit up a very dull period of play, and, following a deft chip and chase from Rhodes, it was Merkin who completed the scoring just on full time. The young fly half added his third success of the afternoon and the final score was Huddersfield YMCA 10pts Ilkley ‘B’ 31pts.
Very few of the Ilkley side had their usual high level performances, but Fisher won some quality line out ball, as did replacement Lee, and Hartley, Tilley and Dennis had useful moments in the forwards.
Man of the match went to second rower Hargreaves who went about his game in his usual quiet, unassuming, business like way.
It was one of those pre Christmas days when a longer stay on the bleak, windy Saddleworth Moor seemed inviting, and possibly a better option.
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