Ilkley show their mettle to take win with steely performance

ILKLEY produced a performance laced with grit and courage to win an attritional National League Three North game in the North East.

It gave the Dalesmen revenge for the 34-29 defeat they suffered at home to Billingham.

But they had to dig deep and overcome three yellow cards to secure victory.

The Dalesmen repelled a strong start from their rivals before opening the score when Ed Brown launched a high bomb which Ben Magee plucked out of a crowded sky on half way and raced away for a try which Joe Rowntree converted.

After conceding several penalties, Ilkley had both Rowntree and Nico Nyemba sent to the sin bin.

The defence soaked up pressure before Billingham made their two-man advantage count with a try by Steve Smith which Joe Evans converted.

When Ilkley were restored to full strength they edged ahead. The returning Rowntree landed a penalty to make it 10-7.

Evans missed a penalty while Will Davies and Magee halted one dangerous Billingham attack.

Billingham were rattled and four penalties took the Dalesmen into the 22. Another allowed Rowntree to make it 13-7 at half-time.

The second half was a pulsating, nerve wracking, bone crunching encounter.

Skipper Nick Carolan and Nathan Smith were forced to leave the field with injuries as Gus Ramsey and Luke Spauls joined a reorganised pack.

A rather dubious penalty which was given for not rolling away after an altercation had broken out seemed to kick-start the Billingham offensive.

A series of penalties culminated in a yellow card for Magee and a try for Billingham.

Having their lead cut to one point seemed to galvanise Ilkley.

A scrum on halfway and two phases saw the ball whipped out to the human wrecking ball JH Johnson. He powered past three defenders to deliver a sublime pass inside for Steve Nolson to go over for a stunning try.

Billingham were increasingly desperate for attacking ideas. Ilkley wouldn’t give them time to think.

A penalty gave Billingham fresh encouragement after the much-improved Ilkley line-out faltered for once.

A long clearing kick by Elliott Morgan again had Billingham in their 22 and produced a penalty 35 metres out. Rowntree was spot on again to increase the lead to 23-15.

With time running out Billingham had to throw the ball about and attempt to run it at the seemingly impregnable defensive wall of Dalesmen.

Morgan and Nolson pounced on a loose ball and hacked it up to the try line. Nolson won the race to touch down.

After referee Stentiford indicated four minutes to go, a lapse gave the home side’s skipper Peter Evans a try Billingham barely deserved.

Ilkley safely negotiated the remaining time as they closed out a victory which was thoroughly deserved.