Ilkley's superb first half seals a good win

Saturday 24th October, Ilkley 1st XV 35pts, Blaydon 7pts

Any hopes of Ilkley escaping Storm Boelo were dashed as it swept in before kick off, the wind and rain lashing down. The game started with both sides testing each other out with high kicks ahead but not giving advantage. Ilkley then ran the ball and Jack Akiono broke through but the attack was stopped illegally, giving Louis Anderson a penalty chance which he uncharacteristically fluffed. However, Ilkley were seeing more possession with sweeping attacks side to side across the field until Magee's good approach work saw the returning Harry Harrison on loan scorch over for a try well converted by Anderson. Ilkley continued to pressure Blaydon yielding a penalty which then saw Ilkley use their new found forward drive for JH Johnson to score, again converted by Anderson. Ilkley were quickly back on attack securing good lineout ball for the forwards to cover 40 yards for scrum half Keith to score another converted try for a 21 - 0 lead.

Blaydon fought back gaining more possession and pushed into Ilkley's half. However, a dropped ball gave Ilkley some relief with a long kick out of defence got Ilkley back on attack. They pinned Blaydon in their 25 and just as another Ilkley score looked likely they dropped the ball. Handling from both sides was beginning to cause difficulties because of the very wet and muddy conditions. Ilkley came again and a solid scrum drive, followed by quick hands gave Harrison his brace near touch. Anderson coolly converted in very difficult wind and rain.

Ilkley were swiftly back on attack and driving forward, however, a lost ball gave possession back to Blaydon but they were unable to capitalise on it as the playing conditions worsened and dropped balls and knock ons meant no further scores as half time came.

The second half started with Ilkley's kickoff gaining a lineout which was then lost but then they drove Blaydon off their scrum ball. Despite the difficult conditions Blaydon were forcing their way back into the game playing with more purpose. As luck would have it for them, a superb interception by Harrison brought his hatrick converted by Anderson.

Then came a difficult period for the Dalesmen as Akio was yellow carded for a high tackle and Blaydon pressurised the Ilkley line. Ilkley repelled them but a drop out went straight into touch and the Blaydon drives resumed. They deservedly scored through their forwards as no. 8 Dynan went over for a converted try.

The rest of the second half was played in ever worsening conditions of rain, mud and cold with handling mistakes from both sides. A late tackle on co Captain Magee prompted a melee of players resulting in an Ilkley penalty. Several replacements by both sides were made to give the benches game time and it finished with no further score. Credit should be given to both sides for playing in exceptionally bad conditions which hopefully will be few and far between.

This was a well won victory by Ilkley against a very game Blaydon side who are always difficult to beat as are next week's opponents away at Driffield. No notice should be taken of their present league position as wins v Driffield are always hard to achieve.