Ilkley....................41

Wath........................5

FOR the past few seasons this fixture was top of the table clash but now both clubs are at the foot of the league, fighting for survival at this level, how bizarre.

The conditions were good and the game was played in good spirit by both sides. For the first 15 minutes Ilkley seemed content to give away penalties and Wath were unable to capitalise. But Ilkley gradually got on top in the forwards by simply hunting as a pack. This put Wath on the back foot and enabled Chris Pring to score a try under the posts and Justin Hewitt kicked the conversion 7-0.

Slack play from Ilkley at the kick-off enabled Wath to gain possession and put No 8 J Power over in the corner making it 7-5.

Hewitt kicked off very well and then found a good touch. Ilkley stole the Wath line-out, Pring went blind and Andy Pell backing up went over in the corner.

Ilkley's forwards were really playing well and causing chaos in the Wath midfield, forcing several penalties, one of which was converted by Hewitt making it 15-5.

Ilkley produced more good ball and Hewitt made a clean break and passed on to Matt Newberry who went on a storming run before handing on to Tim Bennett, who crossed the line half-way out. This made it 20-5 at half-time.

The second-half started much as the first with both sides content to spoil with only negative ideas of attack. Gradually Ilkley imposed themselves on the game, producing plenty of ball and using it to good effect. Quick ruck ball sent Phil Merkin flying in under the posts and Hewitt converted.

Ilkley were keen to score more tries. Charley Cudworth crossed the line from a simple tap penalty move and Hewitt added two more points to make it 34-5.

After 30 minutes Guissepe Rogers came on for the evergreen Chris Hems. Good ball was won in a tackle turnover and Ray Dennis rumbled on for at least 20 metres.

Ilkley won the ensuing scrum and the ball was quickly moved open to Phil Merkin, who made the line. Hewitt added the extras, to make the final score 41-5.

Mick Leeson came on for Henry Noble and the last moments saw Wath on a rare sortie into the Ilkley half.

What a thoroughly good game this was for Ilkley. The players were vociferous on the field and positive in everything they attempted. The beer tasted so much better and they look forward to Saturday at Bradford Salem.

Blair gets a call

from Scotland

It was good news this week for Blair Nixon, the captain and manager of the highly successful and unbeaten Ilkley Veterans.

His old mate and Scotland captain Gavin Hastings has noticed Blair's deeds on the rugby field, particularly the game against Bramley Vets. Gavin has invited Blair to a training session with a view to joining the Scotland squad for the upcoming Golden Oldies tournament in Barbados.

Blair, or Harry as he prefers to be known, is extremely excited about the prospect.

He told the Ilkley RFC Press Officer that it would be a lifetime experience to be reunited with some of his old Scotland schools and Scotland A players.

However, he added that 'training' did not feature in his preparations these days and with a heavy fixture schedule for the Ilkley Veterans this season he may have to reconsider.

In all probability the climate in Barbados and the chance of golf, Blair is in single figures, it will be difficult to turn Gavin down. Watch this space!