Hard Fought Derby Goes Harrogate’s Way

There was a big crowd of supporters at Stack's field for this local derby match and conditions were good and dry. As expected the match was hard fought with Ilkley throwing their all at Harrogate. Ultimately though, Harrogate's very big pack held the upper arm and swung the day for the visitors. 

Ilkley had a dream start when Ilkley's forwards regained lost scrum ball to release full back Freddy Brown who left Harrogate with a great view of his back as he scorched through for seven points! The game was very energetic with play moving to and fro as each side tested the other. It became clear that Harrogate's pack pressure was going to make life difficult for Ilkley and this was compounded somewhat with Ilkley's line outs not functioning well which it generally has been this season.

Images courtesy of Peter and Cecile Clark at Ruggerpix. View the full album here.

Despite this, Ilkley had a chance to increase their lead when Harrogate dropped the ball and Ilkley kicked through deep into Harrogate's 22 where they managed to scramble the ball clear. Ilkley's cause was not helped by strong centre Freddy Clark having to leave the field with concussion after 21 minutes, Ed Brown replacing him. Harrogate then hit back with an unconverted try by winger Sharma following a break by Ilkley old boy Dobson. 

Harrogate tails were up and they pressurised Ilkley whose defence held but succumbed to a yellow card for Tom Reavey on 26 minutes. Ilkley were then penned in their own half and Kristan Dobson took advantage of the overlap to score a converted try to put Harrogate ahead 7 - 12. Ilkley fought back with a Charles Morgan penalty and then forward pressure on their line resulted in Matty Sheard going over in the corner. 15 - 12. 

Harrogate hit back straightaway with a forward rumble for J Brady to score an unconverted try for a half time score of 15 - 17 to Harrogate.

Harrogate kept on the pressure in the second half but after 6 minutes Ilkley had a promising break into the Harrogate half with a long kick ahead and chase which was just cleared by Harrogate. This preceded some Ilkley pressure and good running by Blake Morgan got Ilkley into a strong position but a dropped pass meant Ilkley lost the initiative. Harrogate came back with more pressure resulting in Sebouai going over for a converted try. 15 - 24.

Ilkley responded well and forced a penalty which Morgan converted to put Ilkley in with a chance of victory at 18 - 24. However, Harrogate's forwards kept possession and the win.

This was a disappointing result for Ilkley who had several scoring chances in the game. However,  Harrogate's pack took the day for them in what was a close fought derby and an exciting one. Ilkley must now regroup for the final very tough four games starting with Driffield away next Saturday when all members are encouraged to make the trip and support both 1^st and 2^nd teams.