YMCA’s recent resurgence came to a shuddering halt with the arrival of in-form Ilkley to Laund Hill on Saturday.
Having won their last three games, coach Carl Thewlis was optimistic his side could continue their climb up the Yorkshire I table, but a totally inept first-half performance saw them ship 32 points, without reply, and the game was over before the half-time whistle.
As in previous games, YM came out a different team for the start of the second half, scoring three good tries, while restricting the visitors to just a late penalty as they took the second half spoils 19-3.
But it was clear the home side were set for a torrid time as early as the second minute as Ilkley cut loose on their first possession, and flanker Iain McKenzie went through a glaring hole in the middle of YM’s defence to cross under the posts for a try converted by Peter Shanks.
And they were quickly over again when centre Liam Frost finished off another powerful running break as YM’s almost non-existent defence were left clutching at shadows.
The home team were hastening their own downfall with a flat-footed back line, and an inability from fly-half Paul Williams to find touch with a series of penalties when Ilkley’s over-exuberance got the better of them.
Second row sub Richard Kemble scored try No3, while Shanks also crossed, while adding a penalty and a conversion to the final try of the half, a superb effort from his fly-half Jack Shaylor, who completed an embarrassing procession.
Simon Whitehead replaced Kevin Hellawell at the start of the second half and added some much-needed bulk in the pack, while Gareth Greenwood came on to make his debut for James Travis at centre, and both the substitutions gave YM some extra drive.
Neil Walker – who never stopped trying all game – broke YM’s duck when he plunged over, Gavin Stead converting, and hooker Adam Joblin pulled another back as the home side suddenly came alive.
David Rees added a third try when he intercepted on the half-way line and easily won the footrace, Stead adding a second conversion, but they were only consolations after what had gone before.
YMCA: Belton, Rees, Stead, Travis (Greenwood 40), Ryder; Williams, Wolfe; Niekirk, Joblin, Dobson, Housley, Hellawell (Whitehead 40), Anderson (Dyke, Stuart 62), Coulson, Walker.
Referee: Les Foulger (West Yorkshire).
