A FIRST Ilkley visit in living memory to the well appointed Heslam Park Club was greeted with warm hospitality.

Scunthorpe, without a win this season, welcomed back two of their larger forwards to the pack. They were cautiously optimistic of getting the victory and they were eventually not disappointed despite having been behind for much of the game. Conversely, Ilkley fashioned to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, conceding with three minutes to play when a cautious, up the jumper game in the Scunthorpe 22 might well have clinched it for the visitors.

Ilkley conceded first having conceded four penalties before the home side turned to the heavy armour to rumble over. Try scored by lock Simon Fisher, converted by Connor Brewster. 7-0.

The Dalesmen hit back immediately with JH Johnson’s take from the restart being fed out to Kristan Dobson who scored from half way with a typical mazy weaving run to the posts for the equalising try. Johnson improved. 7-7

Scunthorpe thought they had another score but winger Leggate’s foot was ruled in touch.

Ilkley broke out and a scrum penalty followed by a lineout penalty fashioned another great chance for Dobson. He was held up on the line. A high tackle penalty gave Johnson a shot at goal. His kick from 35 metres was beautifully weighted on the vicious cross field breeze. 10-7

Scunthorpe came back but the remarkable Dalesmen defence held strong under pressure. Then space seemed to open up as the home side ran the ball through the backs, first right, then left. A long pass out to their winger Liam Brunt was spotted in mid air by speedster Harry Harrison and he was quickly onto the ball and at the speed of light at the other end touching down for Ilkley’s second try. Johnson took care of the formalities. 17-7.

Ilkley began the second half defending off the home side’s restart. Ed Brown cleared but the kick was returned with a high ball into Ilkley’s 22. The bounce and the low afternoon bright sunlight deceived the two defenders and winger Josh Lugsden was there at speed to pluck the ball out of the air and charge over for a try under the sticks. Brewster added the extras. 17-14

A high tackle on Johnson was punished by referee Mr Hurdley with a yellow card for no. 8 Ben Hyde.

It was Scunthorpe's turn to take full advantage of two more penalties to win a lineout five metres from the line. Seemingly inevitably, they rumbled over for flanker Mick Dunk to score. 17-19

In style the Dalesmen hit back back with a free kick from a scrum setting up a great team try for wing Jack Brown. 22-19

Sure enough Scunthorpe hit back camping in Ilkley’s 22. Another penalty conceded gave Jack Leibster a ten minute rest and Scunthorpe opted for the scrum. Several rumbles were defended but the wall was breached as prop Kane Linklater battered his way over to score, 24-22 to Scunthorpe.

Harry Smith forced a strong charge at the line. The ball was set well and three phases later the lead was restored courtesy of Kodie Brook and Johnson with the conversion. 29-24.

It was then heartbreak for Ilkley after the battling Peter Erskine - what a game he had - was forced to leave the field, Jack Brown recalled and a pushover try from replacement Gavin Hale gave his side the winning score at 31-29.

It is a rest week for Ilkley's 1st XV this weekend.