Huddersfield YMCA 15 Ilkley 37

ILKLEY bounced back from their disappointing defeat at Cleckheaton to record their fourth National League Three North away win of 2016.

As expected, head of rugby Rhys Morgan made changes. Declan Jackson was selected ahead of Paul Petchey on the wing while skipper Josh Kimber started at centre in place of Steve Nolson with Ed Brown coming back in at stand.

The home side made a fast start. Scrum half Simon Wilson sliced one penalty attempt wide before opening the scoring when Ilkley were penalised for interference at the breakdown.

The lead was to last less than five minutes, as Joe Rowntree blasted over a penalty for a similar offence.

Having weathered the early storm, Ilkley patiently built a move which was to produce the first try. Ed Brown’s pass found Kimber at speed. A nice half break followed and a perfect pass sent J-H Johnson crashing over in the corner. Rowntree’s conversion was a real bonus.

The score sung the home side into action. A series of penalties were awarded in the Ilkley 22, but no yellow cards appeared as they survived the battering.

The pack were having their problems but the Dalesmen managed to extend their lead in fine style.

Rowntree linked with JH Johnson from a scrum in Ilkley territory. When the ball was recycled it was moved via Brown and Kimber to young winger Jackson. He took the long pass from Kimber at pace just over the halfway line and showed impressive pace as he raced away for his first try for the club. Rowntree extended the lead to 17-3 with the conversion.

Rowntree missed a penalty before prop Dan Lawrence added a third try. He emerged from the pile of bodies that had driven well to cross the whitewash. Rowntree’s form returned and Ilkley were 24-3 up at the break.

Ilkley started the second half well and were rewarded with that rare beast in modern rugby, a drop goal, from Brown. Then an increasingly desperate home side turned up the heat.

Will Davies saw yellow for a trip and despite the welcome return to Ilkley colours of replacement forward Ollie Renton, winger Gavin Stead powered his way over in the corner.

Ilkley should have calmed things down, but this was not to be and a rash of penalties were conceded, plus another yellow card, this time for a deliberate knock-on by Johnson. YMCA couldn’t capitalise.

Still with 14 men and on the attack, Ben Magee’s kick ahead was fielded by YM’s full-back Sam Fletcher. His clearance kick failed to make touch and the ball was snapped up by Rowntree. A long pass out to Elliot Morgan on the wing gave the centre an opportunity to beat three men to score a great try. Rowntree again added the extras.

YMCA were now down, but not out and after conceding more ground via penalties, one of which led to a card for Rowntree, Fletcher went in almost unopposed for a try. Wilson’s conversion gave the hosts some consolation.

Nolson replaced Brown and Kimber moved to ten. Magee deputised for Rowntree and did well in the time remaining. Kimber showed his subtle side with two delightful kicks. The first dribbled over the line, only for the onrushing attack adjudged to have knocked on.

Ilkley won a scrum and Kimber took aim 30 metres out. Referee Nick Ramsden – and only referee Nick Ramsden – judged the kick had gone over and a drop goal was awarded to complete the scoring.