Fast-Starting Ilkley See Off Spirited Driffield

The Dalesmen’s disappointment in the manner of their defeat at Harrogate a fortnight ago was shrugged off for this clash with old foes, Driffield, a club cut from the same cloth as Ilkley.

As has become the norm this season, the home side had to withstand considerable early pressure before unleashing its potent attacking options and with five first half tries to just one from the visitors, the large well-lunched crowd could be forgiven for expecting more of the same in the second half.

However, that was not exactly the case and the Woldsmen came away with a try bonus point for their considerable efforts, as their hosts stopped scoring on the hour.

Blake Morgan was first on the scoresheet, as he was on hand to take a Ben Magee pass after the full-back had made a trademark break from just inside his own half. Louis Anderson added the extras.

Next up was Harry Harrison, speeding in from the left wing after sterling work by Jack Hamilton and Charles Morgan. No conversion, but 12-0 after just 8 minutes.

Driffield then came straight back, first winning a penalty 30m out that centre George Napier calmly slotted and then ramping up the pressure still further until the Ilkley defence yielded, allowing hooker Dan Ramsden to batter his way over. The conversion was good and Ilkley’s lead had been cut to just two points at 12-10 after 20 minutes.

The remainder of the half was all Ilkley’s. Magee’s magic footwork set up Harrison for his second, converted by Anderson, then a magic show from Charles Morgan provided Hamilton with a stroll in the corner, too far out for Anderson.

Five minutes later, Ilkley were at it again, Charles Morgan feeding Harrison, who in turn passed to the retuning Freddie Clark to go over under the posts, for his side’s 5th try. The conversion sailed over and Ilkley now had a 21 point lead at 31-10.

A clash of heads in the Ilkley pack halted proceedings for a while, but no harm done and there was no further score as Mr. de Beaux blew for half-time.

There was some chat on the terraces about how many more tries would be forthcoming and sure enough, four minutes into the half, Clark got his second following yet more mesmerising play from Anderson and Charles Morgan - 38-10.

A kick ahead by Ilkley’s 10 was misfielded by the Driffield defence and Anderson was on hand to pop the ball up to Harrison for his hat-trick.

At 43-10 down, many sides would have thrown in the towel, but not Driffield. Grinding their way towards the Ilkley goal line, Number 8 Will Hughes’ strength took him close to the posts and Napier’s conversion made it 43-17 after 15 minutes played.

It didn’t take Ilkley long to get one back and the second hat-trick of the day went to Clark, who combined well with Anderson to go over out on the wing. No conversion, but 48-17.

But that was it, so far as Ilkley were concerned and with a full 20 minutes left to go, a little malaise set in. A stream of rolling replacements did little to help the cause and Driffield got a whiff of blood, as the Ilkley pack’s performance dropped.

Sure enough, the penalties started coming, one taking the visitors 15m out. From the line, the Driffield pack powered its way over, replacement Henry Furbank taking the honours. Napier’s reliable boot did the rest - 48-24.

The Woldsmen’s never say die attitude earned them their bonus point when prop Angus Dinnell took full advantage of some sloppy defending, allowing Napier to get his fifth kick from five attempts.

Ilkley were now clearly rattled and it took a very timely interception by Charles Morgan, 5m from his goal line to save further embarrassment and despite conceding another two penalties, the match finished with no further score.

The result keeps in Ilkley in second place, with Harrogate breathing down their necks and next up is away at Heath, the league leaders and never the easiest place to get a result. Then there are two consecutive home matches against third-placed Alnwick, which will signal the season’s mid-point and then Kendal, where Ilkley won back in September.

Interestingly, Heath and Alnwick have the meanest defences in the league and Ilkley the second most potent attack. It’s getting interesting!