Following a very brief light shower the match kicked off in bright, sunny weather with referee Tom Hurdley officiating. Ilkley's travelling support was substantial and made their presence known after each superb Ilkley try. Harrogate's pitch was a clear improvement from Ilkley's last visit and held up well. After an early exchange of penalties when Mr Hurdley's whistle made clear who was in charge, Ilkley's Harry Harrison caught Ilkley's kick off and scorched through several Harrogate players...

Ilkley travelled to Blaydon with a good number of supporters on the coach as well as in cars, all hoping to see another entertaining Ilkley victory. However, it was not to be. They met a determined, young Blaydon side who clearly had their sights on a home victory and they set about their task from the outset, running hard and moving the ball quickly between backs and forwards. They kept Ilkley penned in their own half for most of the first half scoring three tries to none using the high ball...

Ilkley 42  Sandal 24 Despite the avalanche of rain up to kick off and all through the game this proved to be an exciting and entertaining...