Ilkley 27 Rossendale 13

A DANK Spring day did nothing to dishearten the Ilkley faithful as the Dalesmen duly delivered a late Easter treat by overcoming a very competent Rossendale side at Stacks Field.

The spirit that has permeated this young side through a long and arduous season shone through. Two cracking tries from man of the match JH Johnson, plus one from the forwards, courtesy of Nico Nyemba, saw off a strong challenge.

The home team was also blessed with having three very experienced players on the bench and when they came on, Ilkley profited. This was in stark contrast to the visitors’ fortunes, whose replacements seemed to disrupt their side’s performance.

Both sides were determined to play a fast and open game which was aided by the exemplary refereeing of Ben Rayner.

Stephen Nutt pulled a penalty wide for the visitors while Ilkley's Declan Jackson was just bundled into touch after a trademark Ben Magee burst.

Rossendale opened the scoring when No 8 Dominic Moon went over for a try in the corner after a good handling move.

Ilkley responded when Johnson barrelled his way over in the corner after a scrum. Joe Rowntree’s kick from the touchline made it 7-5.

Rossendale then threw the kitchen sink at Ilkley but were repelled. Centre Sam Atiola caused problems every time he had the ball, but even he failed to break Ilkley's excellent defence.

Rossendale regained the lead before many of the crowd had taken up their placers for the second half. Confusion at the kick off led to a penalty which Nutt slotted over.

A Magee chip rolled agonisingly over the goal line and Dale cleared, much to their relief.

A poor passage of play from Ilkley saw them lose a line-out and Rossendale threw it wide for George Peel grabbing a try in the corner.

The tide began to turn Ilkley's way with the introduction of Ollie Renton for Nathan Smith.

James Spencer, who had a massive game, stole a line-out and made good ground. The maul formed and careered towards the Rossendale line where Nymeba claimed the try. Another magnificent kick from Rowntree put Ilkley back in the lead.

Rowntree extended the advantage with a penalty for an offence that could have justified the award of a penalty try.

With Steve Nolson on for Jackson, an Ilkley attack was halted illegally five metres into the Rossendale half. Up stepped Rowntree and another thunderous kick increased the lead to 20-13.

There was a sense of astonishment when Rowntree finally missed a penalty, but Ilkley soon made victory secure.

A training-ground move from a great line-out take had the crowd purring as Johnson completed his fine game, coming into the line from the blind side to score under the posts.

The extras were a formality for Rowntree and Ilkley had won at Stacks Field for the first time since October.