Ilkley 36

OTLIENSIANS 12

CONDITIONS were good for this derby game with a good crowd at Stacks Field. The opening exchanges were competitive as would be expected but Ilkley took the lead with a try and eventually took the vital league points.

Ilkley suffered a blow when thery lost their No 8 Nigel Jenkinson with a head injury. After Otliensians missed with a penalty Ilkley started to take control with Brook and Fowler gaining good possession in the line-out.

The Ilkley backs produced some neat handling to release debutant winger Martin Griffiths who was held just short.

Ilkley took the lead when a long pass by Justin Hewitt gave Griffiths the chance to dive in at the corner and Hewitt missed the conversion.

However he kicked a penalty.

A clever pass from Fowler released scrum-half Michael Carr and he sprinted 60 metres down the touchline to dive in for a magnificent individual try making it 13-0 at half-time

Although Otliensians' forwards competed well in the set pieces Ilkley had a definite advantage in the loose although territorially the game was very even.

In mid half Graham Dobson missed with a penalty attempt for Otliensians.

A similar pattern at the start of the second-half saw the Ilkley forwards still on top in the loose although in the set pieces Andy Rockett took at least three strikes against the head for Otliensians but when in possession Otliensians lacked a cutting edge.

Good defensive play by Merkin. Bell and Taylor held Otliensians at bay.

After the ebullient Mike Leeson was held short Ilkley extended their lead with two Hewitt penalties. Otliensians replied with a pushover try by Michael Wilson.

The Ilkley forwards began to gain the upperhand with Shane Coley exerting an influence in the scrums and Guy Scott causing problems in the loose.

Another Hewitt penalty was quickly followed by another try when Otliensians failed to clear and centre Ned Taylor was able to pick up and stroll in under the posts for a try which Hewitt converted.

A Brook catch in the line-out was driven over for Scott to claim the try which Hewitt again converted.

This was a much improved performance by Ilkley with Carr, Hems and Rogers outstanding.

Otliensians achieved a consolation touchdown again from a pushover by Dave Roberts converted by Matthew Tenniswood. with the aid of the upright.

This was a disappointing performance by Otliensians after promising much in their previous league game against Huddersfield YMCA they were never really competitive enough.

Otliensians A 0

Ilkley A 10

This was a very competitive and enjoyable game played in a good spirit with Ilkley getting the best possible start.

They took the lead in the opening five minutes when a rolling maul took them over the line.

The remainder of the half was mainly fought out in midfield with the backs cancelling each other out.

Unfortunately just before half-time a careless kick down the middle of the field allowed the Ilkley backs to run the ball back at the defence.

A chip over just short of the line by David Duxbury allowed the prop to gather and score half way out on the right to put the visitors 10-0 up at half-time.

The second-half was played out almost entirely in the Ilkley half but it must be said that the home side's finishing left a lot to be desired as they created several half chances without producing anything on the scoreheet.

Two or three tap penalties were taken within kicking range and they came to nothing leaving Ilkley highly delighted with their win having earned it with a solid defence, particularly in the second period.

The Ilkley back row was again immense and Martin Hemmingway held his own in his first game at hooker.

Skipper Obank was again conspicious with his comments and advice to the front row on their scrummaging techniques.

However, the moment of the game came when first XV captain Dave Duxbury was bounced three yards backwards by his opposite centre who was even bigger.

Ilkley B 7

Otliensians B 18

This was another excellent performance by Otliensians B who are getting an excellent team spirit going.

With the pack playing well and getting on top in both tight and loose they were able to dictate play for long periods.

They took the lead with a try by Roy Appleyard from a tap penalty.

John Thorpe added the conversion.

A second try came from Marcus Drake who galloped over from 20 yards out. Although there was no conversion Thorpe increased the lead with two penalties.

Although Ilkley replied with a Vinnie Thornton try which Adrian Cowgill converted there was never any chance of them coming back into the game.

Otliensians could look back at a solid performance with another good display from scrum-half Steve Foster.

There was some excellent marking and tackling by Stuart Gill.

Ilkley were left to reflect on what might have been.

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