NORTH 1 EAST
PERCY PARK 8 – 28 ILKLEY
Percy Park’s 1st XV went down to their third successive defeat losing to a well-drilled Ilkley side who leap frog Park into second place in North 1 East. The conditions were a little warmer than when the game was originally scheduled before Christmas, with ideal conditions but for a low winter sun, which Park faced in the first half.
Ilkley capitalised on an early Park mistake and soon set up camp, scoring inside 2 minutes when burly wing Johnson barged his way through several tackles on the left flank to cross for the try. Josh Kimber kicked the conversion from the acutest of angles for a 7 – 0 advantage.
The visitors doubled their lead on 16 minutes when centre Monks cut back on the angle shrugging off several tackles to score under the posts, and Kimber kicked the easiest of conversions.
Park came back with a good 10 minute spell where they attacked the Ilkley line, but the Dalesmen’s defence held firm and at half time they led 14 – 0.
The home side started the second period with a positive attitude, but this seemed to fizzle out and Ilkley gained the upper hand again. Park did get on the score-board through a Toby Davison penalty on 49 minutes before Ilkley scored their third from a fine piece of play from full back Magee who retrieved an up and under from Kimber and danced through the Park defence for the converted try.
Park brought on Ethan Wilson in the centre who had an impact, and scored 2 minutes before the end of normal time after Ash Smith broke the Ilkley midfield defence. Wilson took the pass and raced in under the posts to score. The least said about the conversion the better.
With time running out and Park 8 – 21 down, Ilkley put the icing on their cake with a bonus point try, scored by Petchey who weaved his way through the Park defence. Kimber maintained his 100% record to kick the conversion.
Next Saturday Park entertain Bradford & Bingley at Preston Avenue.