Ilkley players forfeited their penultimate Friday night out prior to the new season which begins this Saturday at Stacks Field, to make a trip up the Dale to test their mettle against the very promising development XV of National League Two neighbours Wharfedale.

Most of the boys in green will aspire to first team positions and will certainly make up the core of the second fifteen of the Grassington outfit, who continue to defy the odds to make themselves a permanent place alongside some of rugby union's traditional aristocrats.

The game was refereed and touch judged by society officials to whom both clubs are grateful, and proved a valuable pointer to coach Richard Midgely for his team selection for Saturday's crucial encounter with south Yorkshire outfit Sheffield Tigers.

Twenty plus players took part in four 20 minute periods as the teams were swapped about to find the best combinations.

All in all there were some very encouraging signs with a number of players making their debuts in Ilkley shirts. When the half dozen or so players who were not available on Friday are considered, Ilkley should have a side capable of at least what they achieved last season.

The rather academic scoring ended up with a try apiece, confirming that Ilkley's defence will be hard to be beat this time.

The boys in green had two successful kicks at goal, whereas Ilkley declined their kicking opportunities to run the ball

A home league fixture against one of the League one title favourites is a tasty opener.

Admission is maintained at last season's levels of £3 (concessions for children and pensioners) which offers great value.

Ilkley Rugby Club is the only gate taking sports club in the town. Every penny is ploughed back in to improve the infrastructure and fabric of the club.

This has come on leaps and bounds in recent times and Ilkley can regard themselves as one of the most attractive well-organised 'junior' clubs in Yorkshire and indeed the country.

They have achieved the prestigious Sport England/RFU Seal of Approval. They are also CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club) registered.

They have a wonderfully managed junior section operating on Sundays and are one of very few clubs to employ a Community Rugby Development Officer with David Duxbury (pictured right) working in the schools in the Ilkley area.

The First fifteen achieved their highest league placing ever last term, their second fifteen won their merit table and the Aire-Wharfe Cup, and they field a regular third and fourth fifteen.

New skipper Simon Smith was pleased with his men on Friday evening and this week he and Midgely along with Dave Duxbury will plot the tactics to take on the star-studded Tigers.