Ilkley 41Huddersfield YMCA 12

A billowing flag residing at half mast provided the backdrop for a feeling of quiet sobriety at Stacks Field on Saturday, as the Ilkley support united to pay their respects to legendary Dalesman Tony Brook.

An impeccably observed minute’s silence provided the poignant start to an afternoon when a game of rugby seemed almost to pale into insignificance.

But a game of rugby there was, and it was up to the in-form Dalesmen to turn the disappointing defeat at Pontefract into a distant memory, as they faced a Hudders- field YMCA side not quite yet safe from the threat of relegation.

Under Spring sunshine and in perfect handling conditions, both sides produced a series of sloppy knock-ons and and their indiscipline at the ruck was picked up by a referee keen to stamp his authority on the occasion.

Both teams grappled each other for the best part of 20 minutes with no score, before a penalty allowed to Ilkley to launch an assault.

The line-out to maul routine has been prolific for the home side all season, and this theme continued as Kris Stafford rumbled over to break the deadlock.

And like London buses, Hudders- field afforded the home side a second opportunity soon afterwards.

The same drill set up a fierce Ilkley maul which roared towards the line. Fred Mathews was this time on hand to touch down, but Phil Howell couldn’t manage to slot the second of two touchline conversions.

With confidence soaring, the Ilkley outfit began to look assured in possession.

The back line started to throw the ball around with real flair and skill, and this stretched the away team’s defence.

A clever dummy by strong winger JH Johnson opened up a gap which he was only too happy to take advantage of, and after his try was converted by Howell, the Dalesmen entered half-time with a 17-0 lead.

The second half started much like the first and it took time for either team to build any momentum.

It was the Dalesmen who grew into the half and put pressure on the away side, and once again, smart hands from down the line stretched Huddersfield’s defence.

A sharp turn of pace by Ryan Cooper provided the finish, as Ilkley threatened to turn the afternoon into a rout. JH Johnson missed his first chance of points from the boot, with Howell resting a knock.

From nowhere, the away side launched an assault of their own. Full back Nick Clarke was their most impressive player for much of the afternoon, and his dazzling feet opened up the scoring opportunity for flanker Ross Thornton.

John Smith provided the conversion as Huddersfield reduced the arrears to 22-7.

Despite the score, Ilkley were still very much in the ascendancy. The forwards were tested all afternoon, but won the battle.

Ruck followed ruck in a forceful period of play, and in what was becoming a free-scoring spectacle, John Oakes continued his attacking form for his sixth try of the season. Johnson slotted the kick.

They continued in this vein, putting in a performance worthy of the occasion.

Cooper ran in his second try after fine work by Monks before the away side clawed one back against the run of play.

As the game rumbled on into its final stages with both teams tiring, the match threatened to peter out Not so. On the break after a short period of Huddersfield territorial advantage, Johnson again showed his potential with a forceful run.

The experienced Monks finished the move by showing the defence a clean pair of heels. Cooper landed the conversion and Ilkley left the field to rapturous applause.

The win secures Ilkley’s position in mid table, with minds now focussing on the excitement of the National Intermediate cup semi-final in two weeks time.

On a day when only a resounding win would befit the memory of one of the club’s finest players, captains, supporters, coaches, referees, ambassadors and personalities, the performance stood as a fitting tribute to a truly great Dalesman.