Another bumper crowd turned out at the Avenue for this evening Cup Match against Ilkley 2nd XV. On a chilly but dry evening the handling of the home side was immaculate but Ilkley were much looser throughout the match and this proved to be the difference between the two sides. Not surprisingly, Ilkley became frustrated by their lack of precision and inability to keep on to the ball for any length of time.
Ilkley had kicked off down the slope and almost immediately were awarded the first of too many penalties conceded by the Greens. From this, they secured a line out 20 metres out and went for goal as soon as another penalty went their way. Harry Smith kicked this one to give Ilkley a 3-0 lead. Some long clearance kicks by Ilkley were a feature throughout and one of them gave them a useful position which was ruined when they gave away a penalty. From this came a Joe Altham burst, followed by one of many entries into the line by full back Jimmy Howarth, which saw him score to give the Greens a 5-3 lead. This was followed by slick handling by all the Wharfedale backs; the two centres Beau Verity and Scott Rogers were having a great game. It was Howarth who crossed for his second try to make the score 10-3, the difficult conversion having been missed. The Ilkley restart failed to go ten, the Greens won the scrum and Will Bell used his boot to gain considerable ground. Ilkley stole the ball, won a penalty and it was kicked by Smith (10-6). Ilkley applied pressure but the Greens tackling was impenetrable. More indiscipline at the breakdown however saw a fine third penalty kicked by Smith from not far short of half way to make the score 10-9. This was the half time score despite nearly five minutes of intense Wharfedale pressure.
The second half began impressively for the home side with a fabulous burst by Dan Benson followed by one of many by Verity, well supported by Mike Robinson and Jack Kitching, a most impressive flanker. Ilkley’s long penalties gave them field position but the Greens continued to command the line outs. The pack were having a fine game. A Bell chip did not work out, but a resultant penalty gave Wharfedale territorial advantage. A series of handling errors by both sides meant that the score remained at 13-9 after what had been a second half full of errors. Ilkley stuck at it but were more error prone than the Greens. Credit to the excellent defence, improved discipline and impressive rucking of the home side. Having Josh Burridge with all his experience on the field as well as Will Bell must have given the younger players much encouragement.
Ilkley were welcome visitors and thanks to them for bringing so much support. It made for a very special evening and was greatly appreciated. The next round (the semi-final) which will be away against Keighley 2nd XV, on a date to be announced, is eagerly anticipated.
John Clark