Match Preview

If everything had gone to plan, this was going to be a pivotal weekend, with a win potentially maintaining the team’s place in the league. Instead the late loss at Wilmslow, whilst Lymm’s were winning at Sandal, mean that there is no longer anything hanging on the result – other than being able to sign out of the league on a high point.

Ilkley sit in 8th and whilst they cannot go any higher they will be keen for a win to hold off Alnwick, who sit just three points back, with a very winnable game with poor travellers Wirral their visitors (although a Wirral win could see them jump from 7th to 5th with the two above them, Sandal and Rossendale, finishing their seasons with visits to Harrogate and Hull). Ilkley have not travelled badly, winning at all the venues you would expect, except like us being turned over by Vale in January.

The away game at the start of the season, was much closer than a 33v15 results suggests. It was 21v15 with two minutes of normal time to play, with Kendal on the attack for the winning score, before Ilkley added two late tries. Certainly not an indicator of the season to come for us.

TEAM : A few changes this week. Robbie Collinson comes in for Garry Holmes at hooker, and Matthew Charters returns for Chris Downham, who went off at half time last week. Steve Nelson retains his place in the second row.

Behind the pack the only change is a positive one with Kris Bratton returning at fullback. Dini Noyo moves onto the wing, in place of Chris Wakeford.

On the bench Dan Wilson and Billy Coxon are joined by Archie Barber, who will be the 17th debutant this season if he gets on (and the 6th to make just the one appearance). Steven Nelson, like Myles Harrop will fall the one appearance short of making 20 for the season

WEATHER : Dry and Sunny

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Sorry no early match summary this week, but the report should be up at the normal time

Next week (if you cannot get to Carlisle), a summary of the Cup Final should be up really early - just as long as it takes to walk home and get it on the website, hopefully after seeing one of our players handed a Cup.