Ilkley 38 Firwood Waterloo 29

AT 3pm on Saturday, there was the possibility that Ilkley could finish the afternoon on top of National Three.

The mathematics involved in reaching these lofty heights would not have troubled Euclid, but the theory did involve those four teams lying above the Dalesmen achieving particular results - and the Dalesmen winning at Stacks Field.

In the event, Ilkley did notch up five points and three of the clubs above them obliged by losing, but with Huddersfield’s magnificent second-half performance at Hull, the Dalesmen had to settle for moving up to second, again their highest-ever league position.

This was an 11-try treat and Waterloo certainly gave a performance that belied their lowly position. Ilkley’s pack wasn’t able to boss the opposition eight as they had done in other games this season and conceded three forward-led tries in the first half.

Rhys Morgan’s half-time roasting clearly had the desired effect. Ilkley’s backs though had a definite edge and in full back Ben Magee, they have a talismanic presence.

Waterloo were left to regret kicking the ball to him on several occasions and this carelessness was severely punished, as not only did Magee score two dazzling tries himself, but he also set up those for Elliot Morgan and Pat Power in a virtuoso performance.

This was a day for running rugby and Ilkley started like the proverbial train, with slick passing and enterprising moves. Skipper Joe Rowntree contrived to miss a penalty in front of the posts, before stand off Ed Brown strolled in under the posts to open Ilkley’s account after some good work by Dion Hendricks and Nick Carolan. Rowntree added the conversion.

Carolan had replaced Kieran Dannatt after only 13 minutes, but only lasted 10 himself, leaving the field with a nasty-looking mouth injury. In the meantime, Waterloo had countered and notched the first of their tries when hooker Scott Robson completed a rumble. Liam Reeve added the extras.

The Waterloo pack repeated the move minutes later to take a 12-7 lead but then Magee took centre-stage, fielding a ball in his own 22 and then passing to Morgan in the opposition 22 after a silky run. Rowntree's conversion edged Ilkley ahead.

With their pack disrupted by the loss of two ball-winning forwards it was no surprise when Waterloo cashed in with another catch and drive and try by No 8 Jack Weare.

It wasn’t long before Magee took control when another scintillating run ended with a try on the right wing to make it 19-17 in Ilkley's favour at the break.

Centre Morgan, who had taken an off the ball hit shortly before half-time could not continue and was replaced by Charles Ramsey.

His partner in the centre, Lewis Johnston made a good break and Magee was on hand again to chip over the defence and touch down under the posts. Rowntree's conversion made it 26-17.

Ilkley extended their lead when new winger Dion Hendricks scored for the second-successive game after superb handling and passing has stretched the Waterloo defence.

Waterloo responded with Then it was Robson going over for his second try after excellent support play. Reeve added the extras.

Both sides were playing attractive, enterprising rugby, but it was Ilkley who made the breakthrough with ten minutes to go, as Magee again ripped through the despairing Waterloo defence to feed Power who went over under the posts. Rowntree improved the score.

Back came Waterloo deep into the Ilkley 22 and when Adam Crooks had to leave the field, Ilkley went down to 14 men, all replacements having been used. From the ensuing scrum, Power infringed and was yellow-carded and hey were down to 13.

Waterloo took full advantage and replacement Dave Gairn scored his side’s fifth and final try in the corner. Reeve had the chance to sneak a deserved losing bonus point with the conversion, but was way off the mark.