Waterloo 10 Ilkley 13

FOR many of the Ilkley players and meagre band of supporters, this was the first visit to this former bastion of Lancashire rugby, but thanks to last week’s victory guaranteeing another season in National Three, it won’t be the last.

With nothing to play for in terms of promotion or relegation issues, the winners were going to be the side that wanted it more and that was Ilkley.

The flat and apparently well-drained playing surface belied the fact that finding a firm foothold was difficult and the condition of the pitch wasn’t improved by a generous soaking from a heavy shower just before half-time.

There was a lively start to the match, with the Ilkley backs handling well and looking sharp. Ed Brown’s chip ahead was fielded and returned with interest to the Ilkley half, but a scrum to Ilkley followed the line and JH Johnson broke blind. Unfortunately for the winger, his chip ahead rolled dead.

The pressure on the home side continued and when Ilkley were awarded a penalty just over the half-way, skipper Josh Kimber took a quick tap. The defence hadn’t retreated the obligatory ten metres and the second penalty was well within Joe Rowntree’s range and the scrum-half duly obliged to make it 3-0.

Then it was Waterloo’s turn to turn up the heat. They exerted heavy pressure but the Ilkley defence held firm as the home side tried to find an opening with both their backs and forwards.

Both sides had shown early enterprise but a heavy downfall soon increased the error count.

The breakthrough came when Ilkley won a line-out 25 metres out. A superb drive proved to be unstoppable and Will Davies claimed the touchdown. Rowntree’s conversion sailed over to establish a 10-0 lead.

Waterloo responded when Ilkley lost possession on the half-way line. They kicked ahead and Matt Crow won the chase to touch down Liam Reeve’s conversion attempt failed.

Ilkley weren’t unduly worried by the setback and responded in a positive manner. Pat Power collected the kick off and stormed up the middle of the park. When he was finally halted, Waterloo were penalised and Rowntree made it 13-5 at half-time.

The first ten minutes of the second half were more of the same, both sides doing their best to provide the crowd with some running rugby, with Ilkley perhaps just on top. Then Question Time started with half an hour to go.

Ilkley had not been able to take advantage of a five-metre scrum after a kick and chase from Ben Magee had been carried over the line by the home defence.

The move had broken down when they were adjudged to have gone accidentally offside five metres out. From the scrum, Waterloo advanced up the field with a series of well-controlled rucks and mauls, making a good 60 metres.

Under the cosh, Ilkley transgressed and the ball was kicked into touch eight metres out. A further penalty saw Waterloo opt for a five-metre scrum.

More battering from the home side and it was time for the replacements to make an appearance. On came Nick Carolan for Charlie Davy and Jon Hutchinson for Davies.

Still Waterloo attempted to smash their way over and still the Ilkley defence stood firm, a stray boot finding touch on the 22.

When Ilkley eventually forced their way out of their own half they had a chance to extend their lead. Josh Kimber’s grubber kick gained good ground before Elliot Morgan set winger Declan Jackson free. He looked set to score until being hauled down just short of the line.

Waterloo finally managed to get over the whitewash Crow forced his way over despite the attentions of the Ilkley cover defence.

Reeve’s kick missed and that was it so far as the scoring was concerned, but there were still seven anxious minutes to play which Ilkley played out to secure another away win.

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