Billingham were under no illusions that the task in hand was going to be tough. Ilkley, although at the wrong end of the table, are always a tough team to face at home. This was shown last season.

The first 15 minutes of the game were pretty even until 18 year old Joe Ross danced through Ilkley tacklers to score the first points of the game. Conversion missed.

From the resulting kick return, Billingham countered playing out their own 22 metre which resulted in Luke Wilson crossing the whitewash. Conversion missed. Possible try of the season?

On the 29th minute saw the game test both sides as each side lost 2 players each for different infringements. It was Ilkley that managed to make the most of the advantage scoring and coverting a try.

Billingham took at slender lead into half time. 7-10

Regrouping it was player/coach Peter Evans that got the scoreboard moving again with a penalty following foul ply from Ilkley; 7-13.

With Billingham's tail up, Matt Kirby scored his first of the day, converted by Evans,

On the 52 minutes saw Spoors and the returning Jackson take to the field to give Billingham that edge. And it was that man again Matt Kirby who was on the end of an Evans cross field kick to score. Evans again converted.

Not to be outdone inside centre Luke Wilson, who is on a hot streak of his own crossed for his 2nd try of the day. Evans converted. 7-34

Last by no means least the man at the back, Elliot Husband rounded off the scoring bagging his first meat pie of the season. Evans again converted leaving Billingham comfortable winners 7-41.

Ilkley battled hard and if they continue to show performances like today they will move off the bottom. However it was the much changed side of Billingham who once again shone, A young side who are learning every week. They are able to see out games with a level of maturity that most sides would love to have.

Peter Evans eluded to changes tot he first XV each week at the beginning of the season. Previous years you would have a 18-20 man squad for the season however already nearly 30 different players have been used and each one have shown they are capable of stepping up to National 3.

We continue to grow.

#OSIOS