Ilkley 24 – 27 Rossendale

It was the hosts who touched down first thanks to winger Josh Hall on eleven minutes. Nine minutes later and Rossendale were level after captain Nick Flynn was pushed over by the Rossendale pack, the try converted by Lewis Allen.
Ilkley’s response was immediate, a kick from half way and their backs attacked to score, however their conversion was missed, 10-7.
Eight minutes until half time, Tom Leader broke through a tackle to score under the post, Allen converted.
Just on half time, Rossendale caught the ball from a line out and drove over the line for Ryan McKibben to score, converted by Allen.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Ilkley got back into the match after Ben Magee broke through the Rossendale defence to score, the conversion was scored to make it 17-21.
Straight from the kick off, another good backs attack from Ilkley allowed Magee again to break through and cross the line and score, another conversion converted and Ilkley were back in front, 24-21.
A penalty on the 22 to Rossendale allowed Allen to score his penalty and level the match up 24-24.
Six minutes from the end, the Rossendale forward continued to dominate and were again awarded a penalty which allowed Allen to put the visitors back in the lead, 24-27.
The match finished 27-24 to Rossendale, taking their winning streak to matches as they travel to Pocklington on the 7th October.

Tom Gallagher