Ilkley 12

Bradford Salem 5

James McBirnie and Ian Mackenzie scored the two tries that were sufficient to knock high flying Bradford Salem off top spot in the league.

Both were high quality tries manufactured as a result of a substantial team effort. The first score was improved by the conversion kick of Tim Rawlins and was countered on the stroke of half-time by Salem's best move of the match for a try in the corner from winger Lloyd.

It was the team effort and team ethic that earned the Dalesmen this crucial victory.

This was a pulsating game of rugby played out in front of a big crowd. The tempo never dropped from start to finish, and, as is usual in tussles between these two local rivals there was more than a little needle which occasionally flared into something a little more serious.

Referee Mr Dickinson therefore did absolutely right to keep a tight hold on proceedings. He was quick to blow if the ball was locked up in rucks and mauls. Both sides played intense and committed rugby and the Dalesmen fully deserved their precious 2 league points.

Kukri have clearly been marketing their kit heavily, both sides appearing in their smart but similar kits. Muddier conditions would have dictated a change for the home side, but Stacks Field is such a fine playing surface no such problem materialised. The autumnal North westerly was gusting down the valley but favoured neither side.

Thirty eight minutes of play passed without a score or remarkably a shot at goal. Ilkley had looked the more likely to score but had not been able to find the gaps in a tight Salem defence. Ed Whiteley and B J Fowler had controlled most of the line-out despite Salem having the advantage on height.

The scrum had held firm with Fred Matthews, Jonathan Hutchinson and Martin Hemingway all having big games up front.

Just before half-time Salem prop Simon Davies had to call it a day after a punishing battle. The ageless Sean Gilbert had found some yards with Ian Moffatt and Stuart Vincent both looking dangerous with ball in hand.

James Mcbirnie is growing in stature and was handling all that the aggressive Salem back row could throw at him. He is a real talent for the future and, with Tim Barley having yet another big game behind the scrum, it seemed a score would come sooner or later.

Before that, however, Nick Bell had had to produce a try saving tackle on his 22 and a vital touch finder from behind his lines.

The try came after a deliberate and well-worked build up down the right. The ball was sent out to McBirnie. He found Albert Swanepoel on his shoulder. A slick pass from Swanepoel found young MacKenzie.

He was in unstoppable mode as he flew over the line for a thoroughly deserved try. Tim Rawlins, on unfamiliar kicking duty, converted.

Salem now got their hackles up. Ilkley defended well and cleared one onslaught.

Another Salem charge earned a scrum 27 metres out and suddenly the ball was whipped down the line to winger Lloyd to go for a great try in the corner. Half-time on 44 minutes came not a moment too soon.

The Dalesmen had to regroup and up their spirits to secure the win. The half-time talk was obviously an inspiring one because they started the second period with extra intensity, if that was possible.

A Gilbert chip and a great pursuit by Ilkley's hot back row won a penalty on Salem's 22. Touch was found 5 metres out and Ilkley drove for the line. Held up, Barley despatched a great pass out to McBirnie who jinked and wove his way over for that second vital try and a margin of 12-5.

Now Ilkley had to hold their game together. To the delight of their big following they did just that, in fact they increased the pressure on sagging Salem spirits.

Charlie Cudworth was immense, that number 7 shirt seemingly everywhere. Mackenzie, Fowler and Swanepoel were in close support. Ilkley's grip slowly tightened as they created numerous scoring opportunities.

At the same time they gave the crowd a couple of scares as Salem were allowed to break out of defence. One effort was stopped as full-back Collins didn't quite have the legs to go all the way. Another break went all the way only for Mr Dickinson to calm nerves by awarding Ilkley a scrum on the 22.

Late in the game a break from what looked a though it could be a third Ilkley try had Rawlins scampering back to stop centre Langhorn with what was adjudged a high tackle as he entered Ilkley's half with a clear run for the line.

A yellow card was the somewhat harsh reward for young Rawlins' efforts. Ilkley hung on bravely with 14 men for a further six minutes to record what must be judged their best win of the season so far.

One remarkable statistic - Salem didn't have one penalty kick at goal throughout the match. It may say something for improving discipline, although Salem did have to go for the try late on in the game.

The mystery of who is giving the national press the incorrect score continues. Last week the Sundays printed a 34-10 scoreline when it should have been 44. This week they awarded Salem 15 points giving the impression that Ilkley had lost. At least this publication can be relied on for accuracy!

The second fifteen chalked up a good away victory at Salem and the thirds yet another resounding score at Stacks Field.

Ilkley's fourth fifteen took the field for the first time this season and racked up a win over Menwith Hill. The team has featured a number of promising young Bradford University students who will no doubt be heading up through the sides in short order.

Ilkley Rugby Club provides coaching and facilities for Bradford University who also use Stacks Field as their home ground. Bradford company Ferno sponsor the University team shirts.

On Saturday the Dalesmen go travelling again, this time to Old Crossleyans in Halifax for yet another tough league encounter.

Skipper Simon Smith, flyer Dan Nulty and prop John Cooksey will be available for selection following a week off due to various reasons.

Coach Richard Midgely also returns to duty with the first job on his agenda being the headache of selection on Tuesday night.