Illingworth off to a flyer as Charlesworth’s treble distances Almondbury
ILLINGWORTH TOOK just six minutes to open the scoring in their 46-18 win over Almondbury Spartans.
A good cross field passing move saw winger Kieran Nicholson outpace the opposition defence from 30 metres with the conversion of his own try giving his side a 6-0 lead.
Almondbury hit back immediately, regathering a clever restart and setting the position for stand-off Joshua Willcock to touchdown. Kian Morgan levelled the scores with the conversion.
The hosts regained their lead at the midpoint of the half when full back Graham Charlesworth dummied his way over, Nicholson adding the conversion from wide out to give his side a six for Spartans to level once more came while Illingworth were threatening their line.
A stray Andrew McElroy pass was intercepted and only a last ditch tackle at the other end of the field prevented the score.
With home forwards Luke Dennis, Joseph Tuck and Josh Baldwin increasingly dominant it was no surprise when the latter crossed from clxose range on the half hour. Nicholson’s conversion making it a two score advantage.
But two quick tries, Willcock again and winger James Milner,
each converted by Morgan, meant it was 18-18 at the break.
It took just two minutes of the second for Illingworth to restore their advantage, hooker Jordan Baldwin finding the try line from close range on the last tackle. Nicholson tagged on the extras.
Ten minutes later a superb pass out of the tackle by Baldwin allowed Charlesworth to cross and increase the lead, Nicholson again converting.
Warren Thwaite made it 3418 on the hour finishing off a fine passing move out to the right with a strong finish in the corner.
Baldwin extended the lead with his second 15 minutes from time, crashing over again. Nicholson’s conversion saw his side hitting the forty point mark.
As conditions deteriorated Reece Ogden with a strong burst from mid field set up the final try, Charlesworth backing up to complete his hat-trick. Youngster Kyle Scott added the extras.