Aire Wharfe Cup, Wednesday 16th April 2024, Venue: Burley RUFC, Kirkstall, Leeds, Result: Burley 0 pts, Ilkley 70 pts
Another big win puts ILKLEY into semifinals of Aire Wharfe Cup!
Firstly, it’s a credit to both sides that they got 18 players per side at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening. Secondly, a massive shout out to the twenty or so senior ILKLEY players who turned out to cheer on their second XV colleagues. Thirdly, thanks to all the Dalesmen supporters present.
Burley put on a spirited display but they were never good enough to get across the ILKLEY try line despite coming close on several occasions. They stuck to their formidable task with determination, particularly at the start of the second half.
The strong ILKLEY pack dominated affairs at scrum time and the whole unit set up some great ball for a young and talented back line to run in five of the ten tries scored in this quarter final tie.
These occasions present the opportunity to give the young players who have learnt their rugby at ILKLEY a run out in senior rugby. The two young Dalesmen Fergus Ramage and Dylan Shinn grabbed their opportunity in fine style.
Another recent graduate from the Age Grade section, the now well established Max Jones ran in three of the forwards’ five tries. One from behind his own line, another smashing through the whole Burley side from half way and the last a simple walk in off the back of a scrum.
Harry Smith had plenty to contribute with his hard running a silky skills but it will be his ten out of ten conversions that will go down in the record books.
The Dalesmen march on to the semi final which will be played at Home on Wednesday 24th April, KO 18:30 against Wharfedale.