Eightyseven, sixtyone, two, nine, these numbers will not mean anything to anyone other than the players and supporters of Ilkley RUFC in a nerve jangling week which finally sees them promoted from Powergen Northern Division Yorkshire League Two to League One.

North Ribblesdale, Ilkley's close rivals for the second place promotion spot, had to score a bagful of points in their final match of the season against Knottingley to better the points difference between the two sides. A Rib victory would give both sides 32 league points.

After last week's victory over West Leeds the Ilkley camp was reasonably comfortable that an 87 point better points difference over North Ribblesdale would be too big an ask to score clear of Knottingley's total, even for a team of Rib's character and ability.

Despite all that there was still a worry that Knottingley, having nothing but pride to play for, might be rolled over by Rib who had only promotion to salvage from a season so full of promise only three weeks ago. They had lost their National Cup Final at Twickenham in rather unfortunate circumstances.

Then came the news that Rib's appeal against the award of a 0-0, two point victory over the Dalesmen in January, which was played out with uncontested scrums after Ilkley's prop Leeson had to leave the field injured and replacement Ben Wade was sent off, had been upheld by the rulers at Twickenham.

The score of 16-3, being that at the time of the sending off, was deemed to be the score used in the calculation of points difference.

That left the difference Rib had to make up in their match against Knottingley only 61. Of course Rib had to beat that number of points to gain promotion.

So it was with hands on heart and crossed fingers and toes that a sizeable Ilkley contingent set of for the lovely Rib ground at Settle to encourage Knottingley.

Things got more tense as it was soon apparent that Knottingley were struggling to put out a full strength side.

Half a dozen of their regular players were involved in a pre-wedding party in Liverpool and to make matters worse they were late arriving at the ground.

Nobly Knottingley, aware of the importance of their part in proceedings, had actually asked league officials if the match could postponed till the following week. This request had been turned down.

However, they put up a gallant fight and were only 22 -12 in arrears at half-time. That left Rib needing to score 52 points clear in the second period. But the high drama was to continue!

That the Ilkley supporters mouths were dry and palms sweating when, with five minutes to go, the score was Rib 71, Knottingley 12, is an understatement. Only three points were needed to edge Ilkley out, and Rib were so much in the ascendancy that some score or other seemed inevitable.

Sad for Rib but it wasn't to be. The Rib decision making suddenly became irrational. Ilkley were given a lifeline as the ball was kicked away and penalties were conceded. Sounds familiar?

It is a trait of rugby at this level that, at its most tense moments, players become over-excited and things go off the rails. Knottingley gallantly fought out the game camped in Rib's 22 and indeed with the last play of the match got a converted try which effectively sealed promotion for the Dalesmen.

Final score Rib 71, Knottingley 19, giving Ilkley a nine point better points difference. It could not possibly have been closer!

This season has been a fantastic one for all concerned with the Ilkley club, but accolades must go to the players who have pulled on an Ilkley jersey.

They have stuck to their task, trained hard and won 16 out of 22 league games. All the players involved and club officials and supporters would be first to praise the unwavering commitment of coach Richard Midgeley for getting them there.

The club must now move onwards and upwards. The first of many tasks of addressing the new league status will be being completed this week.

It will be with some sadness that the many friends made in Yorkshire Two will be absent from Ilkley's fixture list next season but the club will be renewing acquaintance with a number of clubs not seen on the fixture card since before league rugby began.

This is Ilkley's highest league standing since that time. They have never, in fact, been relegated and promoted only once and that was when leagues were re-organised so Yorkshire One at that time became Yorkshire Two.

If any Ilkley member would like to suggest how the whole club, on or off the field, can rise to the challenge the message board on the club's new web-site www.ilkleyrugby.co.uk is an ideal place to post their views.

On Friday, May 7, the Ilkley club will hold their Annual Dinner which should be something of a celebration night.

Chairman Richard Scargill will be highlighting the season and the personalities of it in his address. His speech will be reported in the Ilkley Gazette.