Ilkley pace from broken play the deciding factor

Despite, Stockport dominating scrum and line out throughout this game it was the pace and elusive running of the Ilkley backs that was the deciding factor, giving the visitors a 49-5 victory to keep Stockport without a win. The loss of fly half Scott Redfern in the early stages was a crucial blow for Stockport and although those who changed position to accommodate the loss did well Stockport never managed to contain the pace of Ilkley in broken play. Stockport man of the match Simon Green played No8, centre and fullback at various times and he made a positive impact from all 3 positions. Captain Kieran Hibbs also had to move to centre as further injuries hit Stockport.

The young referee awarded an early penalty to Ilkley but the kick was missed, further penalties did give the visitors a 3-0 lead. Redfern made a good break but his pass was intercepted on half way and a very harsh penalty for a high tackle was given as wing James Keane made a try saving effort. Ilkley won the line out from the penalty and ran the ball wide to score a converted try on 12 minutes. 10-0. The Ilkley No 13 was yellow carded as a run by wing Gareth Johnson took Stockport into the Ilkley half. From the line out the Stockport forwards controlled the drive well for Kieran Hibbs to touch down, Dudley southern’s conversion attempt hit the post, 10-5.
Stockport had a good period of pressure but the ball was turned over after some 10 phases resulting in the first scrum of the game on 21 minutes. A series of penalties against Stockport took the score to 16-5, the Ilkley fly half ran from the kick off and some poor tackling on half way gave the visitors full back a clear run in to make it 23-5. Stockport finished the half well but were unable to add to their try.

The Ilkley full back was in action again as he took a clearance kick on half way to run through the Stockport defence and score under the posts, the conversion made it 30-5. The kick off was put straight into touch and Ilkley ran from the scrum on half way to score again for a 37-5 lead. A Simon Green kick put Stockport into the Ilkley 22 and a good drive looked to have set up a scoring position but Jordan Pearson’s pass was intercepted and Ilkley made 50 metres, James Keane came to the rescue as he won the chase for the rolling ball and Dudley Southern made a good break back into the Ilkley half. Once again Ilkley ran from deep and the Stockport defence was left beaten for pace and with no tackle the Ilkley wing scored easily to make it 42-5. There were more good phases by Stockport but possession was again turned over close to the Ilkley line and the fullback ran 80 metres to score his 3rd try, which was converted. James Keane made yet another try saving tackle to keep the visitors total below 50 points and the the final whistle was blown.

With a break for Easter Stockport finish the season with a home game against Morley on 22 April.