Match report
Saturday 27th March 2010
Gateshead R.F.C. vs Ilkley R.F.C.
Venue: Hedley Lawson Park, Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear.
League North Two East
Result: Gateshead 23 pts, Ilkley 15 pts
Click below for images of the game
What a difference a half makes
Another long trip up the A1 proved fruitless for the Dalesmen as the wind, the wrong end of some refereeing decisions in the second half and some unfathomable decision making conspired to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Gateshead still look the most likely to join Ilkley and one other in the relegation slots but, in truth, for much of this game the Dalesmen had the upper hand and looked outstandingly the better side. They should have had the match put to bed in the first half hour when they were all over their hosts like a rash and Gateshead simply did seem to have turned up.
They went ahead with a well engineered try which followed two lineouts deep inside Gateshead’s 22. The second one was well taken by the ultra reliable Dan Wright and driven over for the try. Peter Shanks slotted a difficult kick drifting it in on the wind to establish a thoroughly deserved 7 – 0 lead.
Prior to the try they had two great chances. The first, a superb break by skipper Stuart Vincent which, in more confident times he would have finished off himself. It ended in a loose pass to the wing which just eluded the hands of Peter Shanks. The second seemed to all intents to be a certain score as Ilkley’s rampant forwards were stopped just short of the line. One more phase and they were over. However, somehow they were stripped of the ball and Gateshead escaped. After the first try Chad Shepherd was through but his pass was knocked down by the retreating Gateshead defence to allow them to escape again. Shanks had also missed a penalty shot which in less blowy conditions would have been nailed on.
Phil Howells and Shanks were making fine use of the wind with telling kicks and Gateshead had little to offer in the face of the Ilkley onslaught. Their only major problem was winning their own lineout ball. This shortcoming let the home side off on far too many occasions. The wind and the reliability of Wright dictated use of the front of the lineout.
A second try followed an intelligent and probing chip through from Shepherd which produced a five metre scrum. The scrum was well won and spun wide for Shepherd to find Shanks on the wing. It was a walk in formality for Shanks to go over from fifteen metres. Ilkley were ahead 12 – 0, 30 minutes into the match.
A fine tackle stopped Ilkley going over again, but that tackle produced a penalty for Gateshead to relieve their lines.
Strangely that single tackle seemed to turn the game.
Gateshead made probably only their second visit to Ilkley’s 22 in the half. Ilkley conceded two penalties for offside and incurred a warning at the same time. The third produced a yellow card for young Josh Cockerham and a penalty kick for Scott Cartner to reduce the deficit to 12 – 3.
After the interval it was a whole new ball game. Referee Mr Jude took exception to positions he had called ok in the first period. He took exception to the replacement front row’s binding. The penalty count suddenly went through the danger zone and Ilkley were knocked backwards. Some hugely courageous defending and, following Cockerham’s return to the fray, some big scrummaging kept the Durham boys out.
Then the killer blow. Ilkley lost their own lineout inside Gateshead’s half. Why throw to the back when there’s a rock at number two? Gateshead returned to the offensive. They won a lineout deep inside Ilkley’s 22 and put Winger Lewis Carr in for the try. 12 – 8. Still the game and the crowd felt that Ilkley would reimpose themselves on this fascinating encounter. Shanks helped the believers when he slotted a penalty to take the score to 15 – 8.
The old Dalesmen affliction of panicked penalties kicked in and, no sooner had the home side kicked off, than they had a penalty of their own 5 metres out. The scrum was won and Jonny Charlton drove over for a try which Cartner stroked home on the wind to level the scores at 15 a-piece.
Three more penalties gave Gateshead a similar position and, having worked out the Dalesmen’s weaknesses, they exploited them to the full to engineer another try from a 5 metre lineout. 20 – 15.
A further penalty goal as Shepherd was penalised and carded for a late tackle took the final tally to 23 – 15.
This was definitely one that got away. The small band of Ilkley supporters left bemused and, it has to said a trifle cross, that suitable tactics were not better applied. Nonetheless they enjoyed some tremendous hospitality and a pie that comes near to knocking Pontefract off the pie throne. Whilst trips up this part of the world next season look out of the question now that the dubious honour of bottom of North One East is tied on, the make up of next season’s leagues takes an interesting hue.
Billingham look likely champions having disposed of Sandal and Sandal are guaranteed at least second place. It is the last relegation spot that could determine all sorts of things. In the melting pot for this one place are Old Brodleians (22), Carlisle (20), Morpeth, Percy Park, Pontefract and Darlington all with 19 points.
The Dalesmen have only Sandal to play in a position that could change league destinies. This weekend they entertain Old Crossleyans at Stacks Field. Kick-off is at 3 p.m.
In the meantime the club held another fundraiser last Thursday evening. It took the form of a dinner, lavishly presented by Ilkley’s wonderful caterers Pauline and Elaine, an auction of things money can’t buy and a very amusing speech by a local raconteur. The capacity of Ilkley Rugby Club’s friends and members to give generously and to spend with equal generosity is legend. The club thanks all those who attended the event and moreso to those who spent their money on the 20 or so auction items. A substantial sum was raised for the development fund on the evening.
Forthcoming events are quiz evening on 13th April and a collection of unused and unwanted mobile phones for which there is a repository in the clubhouse. The day of the new era gets ever closer.
Match report By John Hope
