Although they are still in the wrong half of the table with performances like this they will almost certainly rise to challenge much higher up as the season progresses.

Rossendale using their pack to good effect took the game to the Yorkshire side right from the first whistle and with some solid pressure on the Ilkley line forced Jack Ward over for the opening score. Tom Leader slotted the conversion but Ilkley nipped in with a try to narrow the deficit.
Rossendale came again as Ward benefitting from a powerful drive by the pack added the second.

The visitors crossed for a second time but electing to scrum a penalty close to their opponents line some neat pick and go play created the opportunity for Rob Bramhall to cross for the third. Leader added the conversion but with half time looming Ilkley went over for also for a third for 19-15 at the interval.

Early in the second half Nick Flynn brought up the bonus score, Leader successful with the conversion before Ward crowned a solid afternoon's work with his side's fifth try and his hattrick, Leader adding the extras.

Ilkley were still not done and manged to get over for a bonus try and the conversion.

However it was Rossendale who rounded off proceedings with a try from Donald Nonyane up in support of an initial break by Phil Mills.

Geoff Lightfoot