One spectator from each Club had actually played in that game and, in many ways, this was the most interesting part of the day. This was a poor match which ceased to become rugby when the game went to uncontested scrums in the second half. Well into stoppage time, Andrew Lawson initiated a flowing Harrogate backs counter attack from deep which led to Danny Matthews scoring in the corner to give Harrogate a valuable bonus point.

Both sides tested each other’s defences in the opening few minutes until Harrogate went offside in defence and Charles Morgan’s kick put Ilkley ahead. The Ilkley pack had difficulty in containing Harrogate’s driving mauls and, in the 17th minute, home flanker, Will Coates, went offside once too often and was yellow carded. The penalty led to an attacking line-out and another driving maul from which Sam Brady scored a try converted by Luke Riddell.

An excellent long restart kick from Charles Morgan led to a 5 metres line-out. Harrogate secured possession but a clearance kick was charged down, more Ilkley attacks followed, Harrogate’s defence went offside and Morgan’s kick made it 6-7. This proved to be the final score of the half. Harrogate’s pack was largely in control and, though backs, Lawson, Harry Barnard and Oli Rosillo threatened in attack, two attacking moves were halted because of injuries to Ilkley players. The Harrogate pressure continued for the rest of the half and desperate Ilkley defence led to a second yellow card offence. In the final move of the half, a promising Harrogate attack was halted by a crunching tackle from Ilkley full back, Ben Magee.

Wayward throwing-in led to Ilkley struggling to gain line-out possession in the second half. However, the artificial scrum situation guaranteed them scrum ball and they actually opted for scrums from penalties rather than risk losing possession from an attacking line-out. Continued Harrogate forward drives led to a second Brady try and another from Guy Coser, the game’s outstanding flanker.

An otherwise forgettable game was set alight by Harrogate’s dazzling injury time try. Lawson’s initial break from defence was well supported and the ball passed through several sets of hands before Matthews delivered the coup de grace.

Ilkley: Magee, Hall, E Morgan, Freer, Milner, C Morgan, B Morgan, Holtam, Lawrence, Cockerham, Ek, Newman, Coates, Lowes, Johnson. Subs:- Mckay, Burns, Crowther.

Harrogate: Lawson, Rosillo, Barnard, Minikin, Edwards, Riddell, Matthews, Woodworth, Maycock, Harris, Dodds, Brady, Spurr, G Coser, J Coser. Subs:- Young, Boyde, Naylor

Referee: Nathan Howarth (Northern)

Match report by Bill Barrack