Spirited Ilkley Colts Overturn Strong Keighley Side

Ilkley 12 v Keighley 7

The rain relented to provide the first dry window for what feels like weeks. The pitch was in amazing condition. Fresh from the sponsors team photographs with Mike Picken (Attis), Mike Simms (Cardinal), Joe Widdop (Ripon Ground Care), Mark Hall (Business Waste) and David Shaw (Ilkley Pride) all supporting local youth rugby with a spanking new strip, training tops and bags.

The lads ran out as firm underdogs.

A scratch side with many absentees, Jacob Smith filled in at 9 for the first time and Will Newberry and Stanley Moffat were a brand new centre combination.

The forwards despite missing familiar faces were up for it, having narrowly lost on Keighley's concrete pitch.

Images courtesy of Yorkshire based Peter and Cecile Clark (Ruggerpix). View the full album here.

Early encounters went well. A young fit referee was able to keep up with play, which helped Ilkley's fast game. Charles Pinky Charock and Tommo Edwards carried the ball with menace. Stand off Jack Eastell marshalled the troops well, kicking shrewdly pushing Keighley into their 22. Releasing his backs, Moffat showed great pace, attempting a kick chase which Keighley defended well. The pressure still on, the ball went wide to Jimmy the Juice Murphy. He showed electric speed to beat the cover defence to dive into the corner.

The conversion was missed. Honours were even with Keighley ramping up the pressure to be hit by wave after wave of solid unforgiving tackles. Captain Freely led by example refusing to let the bigger opposition through. Frustration meant tempers frayed and the referee was forced to step in to calm matters down. This gave the opposition a rest and having cooled their jets they played some good phase rugby culminating in a five yard scrum. A quick delivery to their bullocking centre saw him crash over the line. The try was converted.

Not to be dismayed, Ilkley set up shop in the Keighley 22. Several attempts to get over the line by Titan Tom Hoggett were successfully thwarted by excellent defence. The half ended.

Not to be dismayed Ilkley were revved up ready for the best 35 minutes of their rugby lives. Josh Stallion Kendrick, Oisin Higgins and parabulating lighthouse Wilf Thatcher clearly enjoyed the close attention from their rivals with the odd compliment being exchanged.

Ilkley ramped up the pressure forcing Keighley back again. Deep kicks were fielded by Will McDonnell and Jimmy the Juice. Both made excellent solo runs carving through plenty before being hauled down. Ilkley could taste victory. Archie College Drive Nisbet made some wrecking ball runs into the heart of the defence and carried out what appeared to be the perfect show and go to scoot under posts only for it to go to the TMO and be disallowed.

Jack Eastell shook off a bang and produced top quality rugby, guiding the side up the field and into the red zone. Keighley were like Jake Paul on the ropes and Eastell delivered the knockout blow, running under the sticks.

The conversion sailed over the crossbar and Ilkley were home and hosed.

This was the first time they had ever beaten Keighley. Last season they lost 50 nil to them.

The improvement in these lads is nothing short of fantastic.

They are a credit to the club and to rugby itself.

They play with smiles on their faces, never chuck in the towel and they are all improving. Bring on Cas.

Special mention goes to Logan Shorts Tordoff, Dylan Jones, Leon Amor and John Morgan, you all played your part in one of the team's best ever victories. The rest of the lads will hopefully be returning after the trip to Lourdes.