IT was match on despite the weather for those connected with Ilkley RUFC. Frost caused the cancellation of sports fixtures throughout the area but it could not stop the love match between Ilkley RUFC captain Ben McDonald and his bride.

Ben and his bride Rachel, a sports physiologist at Trinity and All Saints College, Horsforth, were married in her home city of Lincoln with many Ilkley RUFC members in attendance as well as Otley RUFC's Duncan Sayers.

It seems distance is no object for the Ilkley contingent as a number of them will be in Australia tomorrow, Friday, for the wedding of first teamer Nick Brook.

The New Year sub-zero temperature scuppered Ilkley's, and indeed all the Northern Division league rugby fixtures. A pitch inspection at 9am in York ruled play impossible. Whilst Ilkley had picked their strongest side for the trip to York the injury list and Ben McDonald's wedding day had somewhat depleted the side.

Police officer Ben and Rachel held their reception at the prestigious Woodall Spa hotel and golf resort. Many of Ben's rugby teammates past and present were guests. It was not only the Ilkley side that would have been depleted.

In addition to a host of Ilkley veterans stars, ex-Ilkley now Otley first team hooker Duncan Sayers was a guest. Duncan has been a pivotal part of the Otley side this season. As the frost also affected Cross Green it meant he did not miss starting in the fixture with Moseley.

It does, however, show that rugby is not the be all and end all even for semi-professional players and that time for friends and friendship is equally important.

Meantime Ilkley were also lacking their influential young second row Nick Brook who is in Tasmania preparing for his marriage on January 11 to Leanne Cashion. Their wedding will take place at the luxury vinery and hotel complex at Moorilla Estate and a number of Ilkley players and members will be in attendance.

Others who would have wished to be present have been unable to make the long journey to Tasmania.

Leanne had been in UK for some time prior to her return home. She has become an important member of the Ben Rhydding ladies hockey team, whilst Nick has been playing a part in Ilkley's rugby revival during winter months and was at the forefront of Burley's cricket promotion challenge last summer.

Ilkley's injury list should have time recover with the week's enforced lay-off. However, Andy Pell who has become a powerful influence in the front five suffered a badly dislocated elbow in the match against Ripon. He will be a long-term absentee.

Gus Rogers, who was badly stamped on at Huddersfield, will be out for a couple more weeks and it does not look as if Mike Leeson's knee will recover sufficiently for him to resume. His presence is sorely missed up front.

Nick Brook's return in mid-January will be a boost. The return of B-J Fowler would be welcome, particularly for his line-out work while scrum-half Chris Pring returns next week from holiday, although the second-half contribution from young Pete Cavanagh in the match against Ripon holds great hope for the future.

The second XV have been bolstered by the inclusion of three ex-Woodhouse Grove stars in hooker Stuart Nesbitt, who, whilst slightly more rotund than in his days as captain of the school XV, can still make a sizeable contribution to the game; Dan Nulty a flying winger and young Oliver Coughlan, a scrum-half of no mean ability. The latter pair both starred in their debut games.

Grove teacher Phil Moffatt will be anxious to get his fully merited first XV opportunity and the decisive tackling and penetrating running of Phil Merkin can never be ignored. Winger Ian Mackenzie and back row Dave Mutton are both making big claims on first team berths.

Coaches John Atkinson and Mark Luffman have work to do in eliminating the unforced error count and reducing the penalty count. They remain confident and are bolstered by good attendances at training on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

The Ilkley club is raring to go for the second half of the season and a couple of results going for them could put them back challenging for the two promotion slots. A good run in the Shield would revive memories of the stirring victory against Doncaster in 1994.

It was good to see Shield medal winner Mark Luffman getting a start for Leeds Tykes in their cup fixture at Beziers. He completed the game well satisfied with his personal contribution to a great nail-biting one point victory in the South of France.

Saturday sees the return of Castleford to Stacks Field for a repeat of the fixture last year that saw the start of Ilkley's revival and escape from relegation. The club are entertaining sponsors and benefactors to a lunch before the match.