YORK RUFC were left feeling frustrated in defeat, as Ilkley secured a 29-19 victory on home soil.
York travelled to Ilkley RUFC for their last game of the Regional 1 North East season, with a number of York players missing from the pack, including captain Ross White.
York began the game well, but were quickly penalised for an accidental offside at the driving maul and from the scrum, Ilkley moved the ball accurately through the hands creating a two-on-one out wide, meaning the home side had an opening on the left-hand side. The conversion from out wide was an outstanding one and Ilkley led 7-0.
After the restart, York were unable to capitalise on the pressure they had built and Ilkley moved the ball wide again, making yards with every attack. More slick interplay in the wide channels created space allowing Ilkley to score again. The conversion was missed and Ilkley now led 12-0.
York tried to build an attack from the lineout, Ilkley defended a touch too desperately and give away a penalty on their own line. The offender was shown the yellow card and York have a one man advantage for 10 minutes.
From the penalty, York elected to take the scrum and impressive work from the front row of Westaby, Scholey and Jackson allowed Willem Enslin to control well at the back and dot down for York's first score of the day. Shackleton converted well and York found a route back into the match.
The final score of the first half will be a memorable one for the Ilkley support. The ball is moved well from left to right and a wonderfully judged chip kick is regathered, before racing in to score in the corner. The conversion was missed and Ilkley led 19-7 at half time.
Ilkley started the second half on top, but it would be York who added next to the scoreline. From a scrum, York's backs created space for Davies with some lovely running lines, Davies then releases Jonty Atkinson who puts in a strong fend on the cover tackler to break free and score in the corner. The conversion was blasted wide.
Ilkley responded again and go on the attack and look like they are the team most likely to score. Both Eddie Westaby and Lewis Jackson jackal at the ruck brilliantly and win turnovers for York, however, the 2 turnovers only relieve the pressure for a short while before Ilkley win a penalty in the York half. They elect to take the 3 points which are taken well with a well struck kick. 22-12.
Westaby showed good strength as a cover tackler managed to get to him, but not stop him, as he powers over to get York right back into the tie. Shackleton converted well from out wide and it's now a 3 point game and a scoreline of 22-19.
York will be very frustrated with the last few minutes of the game as they give away a couple of penalties, which allows Ilkley to kick deep into the York half. Ilkley drove the ball well from the lineout, dragging in the York defence, before moving the ball quickly to secure the final try of the match and clinch the victory. Another great conversion saw the score finish 29-19.
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