Yorkshire Rugby

Ilkley threw in the towel at York on Saturday, coughing up a 24 point lead. Boro did well to beat Harrogate, so it's clear that home advantage and wanting it more are the secrets to success.

I think Boro will beat a weakened York, but York will beat whoever the contender is from NE2, probably Pock.

Going up ? I'd be pleased to see the back of the permanently entitled Harrogate, but Alnwick are great at home and have the better form. Perhaps the three ex-Ilkley players for 'gate will make the difference, but on balance I think Alnwick will nick it.

Finally, I'd love to see Ribb back where they belong - it's been a long time - and they should really dig their heels in with the authorities and insist !

Quote from: Pristine Shorts on Apr 17, 2026, 07:04 AMIlkley threw in the towel at York on Saturday, coughing up a 24 point lead. Boro did well to beat Harrogate, so it's clear that home advantage and wanting it more are the secrets to success.

I think Boro will beat a weakened York, but York will beat whoever the contender is from NE2, probably Pock.

Going up ? I'd be pleased to see the back of the permanently entitled Harrogate, but Alnwick are great at home and have the better form. Perhaps the three ex-Ilkley players for 'gate will make the difference, but on balance I think Alnwick will nick it.

Finally, I'd love to see Ribb back where they belong - it's been a long time - and they should really dig their heels in with the authorities and insist !

I'd like Gate to stay in this league just take take 10 points from the downtrodden paupers from Ilkley every season....
Fair play to them, the Mary Jane is worth the visit to Stacks Field

Thought that mig

Quote from: BishBashBosh on Apr 17, 2026, 11:18 AM

Quote from: Pristine Shorts on Apr 17, 2026, 07:04 AMIlkley threw in the towel at York on Saturday, coughing up a 24 point lead. Boro did well to beat Harrogate, so it's clear that home advantage and wanting it more are the secrets to success.

I think Boro will beat a weakened York, but York will beat whoever the contender is from NE2, probably Pock.

Going up ? I'd be pleased to see the back of the permanently entitled Harrogate, but Alnwick are great at home and have the better form. Perhaps the three ex-Ilkley players for 'gate will make the difference, but on balance I think Alnwick will nick it.

Finally, I'd love to see Ribb back where they belong - it's been a long time - and they should really dig their heels in with the authorities and insist !

I'd like Gate to stay in this league just take take 10 points from the downtrodden paupers from Ilkley every season....
Fair play to them, the Mary Jane is worth the visit to Stacks Field

Thought that might get a bite ! Didn't see either match this season as I was away, but apparently robbed at your place and a fair result at ours, so best of luck to you. And I actually prefer the Wharfedale Blonde.

You get robbed every season at Rudding, must make sure the lads wear masks next time.
Taking of ex players, I see that your captain and former Gate player is moving down the leagues. Not seen him on the teamsheet much this year, but will be a loss

Actually, the last time we played at Rudding, we won ( December 2023 ) That was the first time since 1961 I believe !

And yes, our record-breaking Captain is moving down the valley. He's been plagued by injuries this season, including concussion, but he feels he still has some fight in him. We wish him well, he's been a top lad.

Quote from: Pristine Shorts on Apr 17, 2026, 02:09 PMActually, the last time we played at Rudding, we won ( December 2023 ) That was the first time since 1961 I believe !

And yes, our record-breaking Captain is moving down the valley. He's been plagued by injuries this season, including concussion, but he feels he still has some fight in him. We wish him well, he's been a top lad.

Actually your memory is falling you as you lost at Rudding in November 2025.
To be fair there are so many loses, the probably all blur into one...

Actually meant prior to this season. November 2025 was when we were robbed by some very dodgy refereeing. I wrote the report for the 2023 win, noting that Elvis was Number One the last time we beat Harrogate !

It is always interesting hearing from the Ilkley following. I'm not sure I've ever heard someone at the club say they lost fair and square?

Interestingly, two of the players playing in that 2023 Ilkley win at Rudding were playing for Harrogate after the Christmas break! What a loss they were for Ilkley, surely Ilkley will rue letting them leave! But again, I've heard rumours of nepotism getting in the way. As good as DoR Morgan has been at Ilkley for a long period, I feel he may be the villain of his own downfall....

In terms of Harrogate, in my opinion they will likely remain in this league! They have struggled to find consistency at times. When they are good, they are very good, but equally have been very poor at times. Looking forward to a few more Ilkley v Harrogate derbies. Maybe some dummies can be handed out in the clubhouse after the game for those whinging about refereeing decisions!

I am making the trip up as a neutral at the weekend and am hoping for a great game. I am expecting a cracker with nothing in it between the two sides!