Harrogate’s scrum superiority was the key difference between the sides and they secured the winning bonus point which kept their promotion hopes alive. Though Ilkley came away with nothing, their efforts certainly merited a losing bonus point.

Last minute handling errors foundered early Harrogate attacks but, eventually, a slick build up led to winger Harry Jukes outpacing the defence for a fine try, converted by Luke White. An even period of play followed with both defences being thoroughly tested but Harrogate’s next try came from a powerful 15 metres driving maul on the left. Scrum half, Danny Matthews’ cross kick found Jukes in space on the right and he gathered skilfully to score in the corner.

It was a 50th cap for Harrogate prop, Charley Purkiss-McEndoo and he marked the occasion with an outstanding performance in the tight and the loose. However, it wasn’t a one man show. Tight head, Connor Ward was also in complete control and hooker, Steve Maycock had another excellent game. However, Ilkley were far from dead and, in the last move of the half a well worked backs move ended with centre, Pat Atkinson powering through for a try converted by Ben Magee.

After the interval, Harrogate concentrated more on their forward superiority but, though living off scraps, Ilkley continued to attack at every opportunity. A Harrogate offside offence led to an Ilkley penalty and Magee’s kick made it 12-10 midway through the half. After continued Harrogate pressure, Ilkley were penalised for a deliberate knock on and a Harrogate attacking line-out followed. Sam Brady’s clean catch was well supported and Jonny Coser scored a converted try from the driving maul. Minutes later, another Harrogate driving maul created space for full back Oli Rosillo to dart over in the corner and White’s touchline conversion made it 26-10.

Ilkley, however, were far from dead and continued attacks thoroughly tested Harrogate’s defence. Flanker, Joe Lowes foraged tenaciously and stand-off, Charles Morgan orchestrated good backs’ moves. The Ilkley pressure continued and flanker, Pat Power burst through to score the game’s final try.

Harrogate: Rosillo, Jukes, Barnard, Edwards, Landsall, White, Matthews, Purkiss-McEndoo, Maycock, Ward, Brady, Boyde, Harvey, Dodds, J Coser. Subs:- Larder, Harris, Doherty

Ilkley: Magee, Hall, Atkinson, Milner, Connor, C Morgan, Maplesden, Holtham, Walsh, Cockerham, Burns, Erskine, Power, Lowes, Johnson. Subs:- Ek, Lawrence, Brown

Referee: Dave Charlton (Northern Division)

Match report by Bill Barrack