Six Try Ilkley Too Strong For Driffield

A cloudy and cool day awaited Ilkley at Driffield but the Dalesmen warmed their faithful supporters with a lively and competent performance to gain a well deserved win.

Despite missing  three players from last week's side, Ilkley made a bright start playing up the slight slope when from a scrum the ball went quickly right and Harry Harrison slipped his tackles and good interpassing gave Blake Morgan an unconverted try.

Driffield came back but were repulsed and Ilkley were again on the attack via 2 good lineouts and driving play before a knock on brought their gains to a halt. Driffield's kick from defence was caught by Ilkley and smart play and good passing put Harrison away on a great run ending with a well taken try by Jack Hamilton. 

Driffield hit back with a penalty to bring the score to 3 - 10.

There followed a period of midfield tussling from both sides before an Ilkley lineout gave Ilkley the chance to move the ball to Harrison who broke through again to score, converted by Charles Morgan. Ilkley's scrum was dominating and providing good ball but then the tide turned when Charles Morgan was sin binned following a touchline misdemeanour.

Driffield then put Ilkley under pressure and a poor touchline kick led to a succession of Ilkley mistakes resulting in Driffield forcing Ilkley back to their line where they collected 7 points.

The half finished at 10 - 17 to Ilkley.

The second half started well and from a scrum the ball went out from a restored Charles Morgan in control and Freddy Brown scorched over for an unconverted try. Then, from a Morgan chip forward Jack Hamilton caught the bouncing ball and swift passing saw Harrison go over for his brace, converted by Morgan. There followed more midfield tussling with Driffield never easily giving an inch.

A midfield scrum put Max Jones away on a forceful run giving Brown a dash for the line. He was hauled down short but the attack continued for him to get a second chance which he put away. 10 - 34.

Ilkley were playing well and they followed up with good scrum ball and passing to put Harry Taylor away for a try in the corner when he had to retire with a pulled hamstring. They swept downfield again with good interpassing and only excellent defence by Driffield kept them out. Max Jones had then to leave with hamstring injury and Ilkley's bench was like a turntable! 

Ilkley's largesse then came to the fore once more with Blake Morgan invited to take the last 10 minutes off. 

Driffield took their opportunity helped by a missed tackle to break through for a deserved converted try. They followed this with a further try when an Ilkley attack broke down and their extra man went covering the corner for their last try. 22 - 39.

Ilkley's defence was very good in this match but the clear lesson was that 3 tries were scored when down to 14 men. Discipline is vital. 

Ilkley's 2^nd team had a good game against a strong Driffield 2^nd team who ran out very convincing winners. Rugby was the winner of the day and it is always a pleasure to visit old friends at this very friendly Club who are generous hosts.

Ilkley now have a rest week before playing League leaders Heath at home on the 21^st March when all members are requested to come and support both 1^st and 2^nd teams against Heath. Be there early to get your preferred position at the bar and around the field!!

Image courtesy of Trevor Owen Photography.