Blaydon Battle Ends Ilkley’s Winning Run

Ilkley travelled to Blaydon with a good number of supporters on the coach as well as in cars, all hoping to see another entertaining Ilkley victory. However, it was not to be.

They met a determined, young Blaydon side who clearly had their sights on a home victory and they set about their task from the outset, running hard and moving the ball quickly between backs and forwards. They kept Ilkley penned in their own half for most of the first half scoring three tries to none using the high ball to good effect. Ilkley only had one missed penalty kick.

Ilkley never really looked like scoring as they were hassled and pushed backwards by an aggressive Blaydon without let up despite them suffering a yellow card. The first half finished badly with Blaydon being awarded a penalty try and Jamie Slator given a yellow for coming in at the side to thwart a pushover try. Score 19 - 0 to Blaydon. A tall order to overcome but not impossible.

Ilkley had the breeze in the second half but promptly found themselves under pressure when lack of backup meant Blaydon regained possession and, not for the first time, knocked on in full view of the referee who allowed play to continue resulting in Blaydon's winger going over. 24 - 0. At last Ilkley came back strongly and a penalty kick pushed them into Blaydon's 22.

Harry Harrison made a clean break and good interpassing by Ilkley gave Will Martindale a sniff which he took, muscling his way over the line with attendant opposition players to score well, Charles Morgan converting. Although they used their bench Ilkley were unable to add to their score mainly due to being unable to keep possession resulting in more Blaydon pressure and they were happy to see the game out on top.

This was a very disappointing game for Ilkley and in total contrast to their first five games. However, credit to Blaydon who fully deserved their win with an energetic performance and excellent teamwork. Ilkley will have to wait to record their first victory at Blaydon.

Next week Ilkley host Cleckheaton and look forward to a much improved performance against old adversaries who will not give an inch lightly.