Stacks Field has rarely looked so resplendent, the green sward basking in early Autumn sunlight and eagerly awaiting the first belated home match of the season. After their disappointing trip to the seaside last week, the Dalesmen certainly had something to prove and this they did with aplomb, putting on a dazzling performance that left their visitors reeling and their supporters wondering where that had all come from. Well a lot had come from a rejuvenated pack that played out of its skin,...

Thanks to the never-ending bone-headed decisions taken by the RFU and the tin-eared Yorkshire RFU, Ilkley’s season was due to finish today at around 4.30. Instead, the Dalesmen decided to pack it all in thirty minutes earlier, squandering a commanding lead, to fold and lose by 48 points to 43. What a shame for retiring players Blake Morgan and Tom Dickinson, who could and should have had a far more memorable last game for the club they have served so well. Both played the full 80 minutes as...

With fourth place in the League nailed on, Ilkley travelled up to England’s northernmost rugby club with nothing to play for but pride. Their hosts on the other hand were anxious to secure second place in order to have home advantage in the forthcoming play-offs, which will be against Harrogate, whose demolition of Sandal means they will finish third. There were various changes in the Ilkley side , which could not be described as being at full strength, but they made a lively start and looked...