Wirral 36, Ilkley 20

WIRRAL powered their way to their first league win of the season, but not before they suffered a severe injury to Jack Yarker which held up play for 25 minutes as he received the required medical attention before going to hospital.

It was Ilkley who started the stronger as Wirral failed to clear their lines and penalties allowed the away side to establish a 0-6 lead through the boot of Chuckie Ramsay.

The penalties were punctuated by the injury to Jack.

However, it was apparent even at this stage that Wirral had the edge in the forwards and following a James Annetts penalty. 

Further pressure from the Wirral pack saw James Reeve score close to the touchline and the conversion from James Annetts saw them in the lead for the first time 10-6.

The lead was extended to 17-6 just before half-time, with a converted try in the same mode as the first.

In the second half Wirral were dominant with the Ilkley backs defence keeping Wirral at bay until the forwards created the opportunity for fly half Craig Harvey to cross close to the posts.

On 63 minutes, Wirral secured their first try bonus point of the season when from a line out close to the Ilkley line, hooker Stuart Gratton crossed wide out giving Wirral a 29-6 lead.

Nine minutes later, a further try by the same method gave Stuart his second try to extend the lead to 36-6.

In the final minutes of the game Wirral, having a number of players carrying injuries, made changes which meant a number of players were playing out of position, which allowed Ilkley to score two converted tries through Harry Wales in the final four minutes to give the away side a closer result than the game suggested.

Overall with a stronger side out this was a much improved performance by Wirral.