Ilkley A 16, Otley Tongans 15

A roar that could be heard at Ben Rhydding station went up when Nick Greenbank's third attempt at a penalty goal sailed straight and true through the posts to seal a one point victory over local rivals Otley Tongans in the prestigious Skipton Properties sponsored Aire-Wharfe Cup final at Stacks Field.

This was eventually a well deserved victory for Dave Duxbury's all-conquering second XV although at the interval they were 15-10 down and, but for some courageous defence, could have been further adrift.

The first scrum went to Otley but Ilkley disrupted it and won possession. The Ilkley front five were significantly on top throughout and this was to prove a key factor in Ilkley's effort. Even more so was the line-out domination by BJ Fowler who stole a big percentage of Otley ball.

It was a kick with the wind that forced full-back Chris Weatherby into a hurried touch clearance which gave Otley the line 15 metres out. This one they won and from it launched a massive and powerful forward drive battering over to score in the corner.

Duxbury had to cajole his men to keep calm and relax. Young Ollie Coughlan had received an accidental elbow and was being harried by a keen and fit Otley back row. Keep calm they did and the effervescent Fowler was soon in the thick, this time charging for the corner.

Only a foot in touch prevented a score. Then Ilkley had a scrum 15 metres out. Coughlan got the ball away to Duxbury who found Andy Hinchliffe coming in on the charge. He was tackled on the line and Charlie Cudworth was there to pick up and touchdown through a melee of bodies. Nick Greenbank added the conversion to give the Dalesmen a two point lead.

Now it was Ilkley on the offensive. From an attacking line-out the Tongans turned over a ball. Fly-half Stott made a huge clearance which Greenbank gathered and passed to Weatherby. Under a massive counter these two were unable to hold on and the ball came wide. Centre Midgeley threw out a 30 metre pass which flyer Keinhorst picked up and outpaced the Ilkley defenders to score their second try. C Stott kicked the goal to restore his side's lead at 12-7.

Now the Tongans were working the line well but Ilkley's defence and Fowler's line-out steals prevented further scores. Greenbank kicked a penalty goal which was countered by Stott on the stroke of half-time. The score at 15-10 to Otley was a fair reflection at that stage.

Ray Dennis was replaced by Martin Hemmingway and he quickly made himself felt as he turned ex Ilkley junior Duncan Setterington from the re-start winning a penalty on the 22. Greenbank obliged to reduce the margin to 15-13.

The game gathered in intensity and commitment and both sides contributed to some entertaining rugby. It was stirring stuff in which all 30 players gave 100 per cent effort. The referee Mr Foulger and his two linesmen Messrs Mathews and Milner played their part too, maintaining control of this absorbing tussle.

Right up to the end either side could have emerged victors, but as the intelligent touch kicking of Duxbury and the youthful enterprise of Coughlan began to impose on the match Ilkley's star was rising.

The final 15 minutes were excruciating for the Ilkley crowd. Their team was gaining the upper hand but there was always the danger of a Tongan counter.

The Dalesmen were big in defence whenever called upon and, with the wind, they pinned Otley back in their 22. Inevitably penalties materialise as the try line beckons.

Three times young Greenbank was called up to take the lead. Twice he hit the post, once left, once right and twice Otley were able to clear and mount counter attacks. With three minutes of normal time to go he got a third bite and this time it was good. Ilkley had to hang for another six minutes but managed to keep them pinned back.

It finished 16-15 and they don't come closer than that!

This was in every way a superb Ilkley effort in which all the team had a big part to play. It was however yet another piece of silverware for inspirational skipper David Duxbury who seems to make winning trophies a habit having picked up the Yorkshire Shield in 1994, Ilkley's finest hour.

He will have this one to add to the second team league championship trophy won this season.

There could not be a better way to end what has been a great campaign.

Ilkley.- C Weatherby;, N Greenbank, P Moffatt, A Hinchcliffe, B Kelley; D Duxbury, O Coughlan; B Wade, J Hutchinson, R Dennis, D Fleming, C MacLoughlin, C Hems, C Cudworth, B J Fowler. Repl. C Pring, A Moffat, B Rowlands, B Murgatroyd, M Hemmingway, N Bell.