ILKLEY’S decision to leave out skipper Joe Rowntree was the main talking point as they suffered their fourth-successive National Three North defeat at Kendal last Saturday.

Former England under-20 scrum half Jack Mapplesden took his place with Elliot Morgan handed the captaincy.

Rowntree watched the 19-8 reverse from the terraces as head of rugby Rhys Morgan made one of the biggest calls of his five-year reign.

Explaining the decision, Morgan said: “I just thought that Joe needed to have a rest. The whole pressure of captaining the side was affecting him and his game

“We have a young side and at times they aren’t easy to captain. With Jack Mapplesden available on a regular basis we felt it was right to make the change.

“It wasn’t an easy decision and we were careful as a management team to explain it to Joe.

“It says a lot for him as a person and his commitment to the club that he came along to Kendal to cheer the lads on.”

Morgan has stressed that one of his objectives now is to help Rowntree to recover his form.

“It is important now that we work with Joe to help him find his way back into the team,” said Morgan.

“He might be involved in some capacity on Saturday at home to Rossendale, but we haven’t discussed selection yet.

“This wasn’t something I liked having to do, but I am sure Joe will respond to the challenge and will benefit from having some of the pressure lifted off him.”

Although his side were beaten again and are sliding down the table, Morgan felt it was a better performance.

“It was a tough game and the lads gave their all. Kendal are a tough side and I felt they deserved their win. Having said that, our kicking game was much better and weren’t far off. I am sure we will soon start turning our results around.”

Second row Keiran Dannett, who has only just returned from injury, suffered a blow on the head and is set to spend more time on the sidelines. New second row Adam Newman and forwards coach Nathan Smith are candidate to replace him.