Driffield 34 Ilkley 18

Inconsistency across the 80 minutes cost Ilkley dearly on Saturday as they crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season at promotion-chasing Driffield.

The Dalesmen were boosted with the league return of captain Stuart Vincent, and the inclusion of new back-row recruit Ollie Renton.

Both sides started with a fierce intensity, and neither pack gave an inch in what was a brutal first quarter.

Ilkley took the game to the second-placed East Yorkshiremen, and spent the opening throes camped inside Driffield territory.

Smart work around the breakdown and the steady hands in the midfield allowed for a sustained period of pressure, and only dogged defence prevented an early score.

A lengthy stoppage to treat a Driffield injury allowed both sides to regroup, but soon afterwards Ilkley’s pressure paid off with as Mark Kirby continued his rich vein of try scoring form with a well finished try in the corner. Phil Howell missed the conversion from the touchline.

Driffield responded in earnest. Their first foray into the Ilkley half was a fierce one, and from nowhere, the Dalesmen were under attack.

After 25 minutes the Driffield back line moved the ball sharply from right to left, full back Danny Smith was on hand to score. 5-5.

A well-taken Howell penalty handed Ilkley the lead again, after a Driffield forward was caught offside at a ruck. Ilkley deserved the lead, and now faced the old challenge of closing out the half unscathed.

It was not to be. In quick succession, a Robin Kitching penalty levelled the scores, and just before half-time some awful tackling allowed Driffield hooker Sam Havler to cross the line.

Kitching slotted the conversion, and after an impressive start, Ilkley found themselves trailing 15-8 at half-time.

The second half started with a flurry of yellow cards. After only two minutes Driffield’s influential lock Oliver Borman was sent to the bin, but Ilkley gave away the advantage when Kris Stafford returned the favour soon after- wards.

This sparked the home side into life. Unlike the first half, it was Driffield who built momentum, and began an assault on the Ilkley defence that didn’t relent until the last few minutes.

Their first attack of note was thwarted by a Vincent tackle only metres out, but they would not have long to wait.

Outstanding hands through the line left Ilkley unable to react, and it fell to Sam Furbank to finish the move and Kitching, enjoying a fine game at centre, slotted the conversion.

Once again strong work by a robust back row was the catalyst for a Driffield try when number eight Sam Beachall burst through a hapless defence and finished just to the right of the posts. to make it 27-8.

The onslaught continued. A knock on in sight of the line cost a further home score, but the home crowd didn't have to wait long for another opportunity.

Poor tackling was once again the major factor in a move that ended with the ever-influential Kitching touching down.

From a tough right-hand angle, Kitching dusted himself down to convert his try, and with ten minutes remaining, it was 34-8.

Ilkley were frankly outclassed for the majority of the second half, but responded with a real show of heart and determination.

One flowing attack was halted ten metres out, and then a succession of quick-ball phases gave the away side an overlap which centre Alastair Monks took full advantage of in the corner.

Howell couldn’t combat the difficult angle and swirling wind, and the score remained at 34-13.

With the last attack of the game, Ilkley reduced the arrears once again with a classy counter attack. Stuart Vincent beat off two Driffield tackles with a well-executed angle to mark his return to the side with a smash and grab try.

Ilkley will hope to produce a stronger 80 minute showing when they welcome Castleford to Stacks Field on Saturday.