ILKLEY will play in the fifth tier of English rugby for the first time in their history after clinching the North One East title among joyous scenes at Stacks Field on Saturday.

A 33-12 win over Pocklington was their 14th straight victory and had the champagne corks popping to celebrate.

Ilkley also extended their unbeaten home record to two years and 29 matches but those figures, impressive as they are, were overshadowed by the club climbing to its highest-ever position in league rugby.

Coach Rhys Morgan, the architect of an amazing run of success which now includes back-to-back championships, a Yorkshire Shield win and an appearance at Twickenham, admitted he experienced a wide-range of emotions.

“Obviously I was thrilled that we had become champions because that is a massive achievement for everybody at the club, but it was all rather surreal," he said.

“It wasn’t as if we scored a dramatic late try to win the game – in fact the match ended with Pocklington scoring two late tries – and there was the knowledge that this team will not play together again.

“I guess this has all happened so quickly that it hasn’t quite sunk in. The previous week we were planning for the possibility of a promotion play-off at Kirkby Lonsdale.

“Then came Sheffield surprise defeat at Percy Park and we were playing for the title. It seems incredible that it is all over now.

“I am sure it will sink in more in the coming weeks. I need to take a break to recharge the batteries, but we are already looking at recruitment and strengthening the side for next season,” Morgan added.

Three of the championship-winning side who will not be around next season are skipper Stuart Vincent, centre Alastair Monks and scrum half Tom Collard.

Vincent and Monks are both retiring while Collard is moving from the area to take up a teaching appointment.

“The three of them have been superb this year,” said Morgan. “I am sad to see them go but I hope we will still see Vinnie and Monko around the club.

“Vinnie has been a great captain. He has been at the club 11 years and he is going out on a real high – mind you, I had to persuade him to carry on this season.

“He has provided a great example as captain and led the squad well both on and off the field. He has played a huge part in the amazing progress the club has made over the past four seasons.

“I am sure he will have some wonderful memories of his time at the club and I am sure the unexpected bonus of winning North One East has crowned a fine career.”

l Match report – Page 68