THERE was double delight for Ilkley scrum half Joe Rowntree as his side returned to winning ways at Burnage.

The former Harrogate player responded to calls from head of rugby Rhys Morgan to run the ball more by scoring two tries as his side registered a 35-10 National League Three North win.

Morgan said: “It was good to see Joe having the confidence to run and take on defenders. He scored two good tries and I am sure he can score more in the future.

“We will forgive him for having a bit of an off day with the boot because it was important for us to end our losing run and win well.”

Morgan was also full of praise for Rowntree’s half back partner Ed Brown. He proved to be a more than able deputy for injured skipper Josh Kimber.

“I was really delighted with Ed’s performance,” said Morgan. “We considered a number of options for the number ten spot and came up with the right choice. Ed’s passing was consistent and his tackling was sound. He is the sort of person this club is all about. To me, players like Ed are indispensable.

“He has played much of his rugby in the second team but has always been prepared to step up when called upon. Ed always does a good job and is proving to be a useful alternative in both half back positions.”

Rowntree and Brown are set to continue their half-back partnership in Saturday’s home clash with Hull at Stacks Field.

The two sides have met twice already this season. Hull won the league encounter 46-21 while Ilkley recorded a 20-6 win when the sides met in the Yorkshire Cup at Stacks Field.

Australian forward Nick Carolan will continue to lead the side in the absence of Kimber and his vice-captain Iain McKenzie.

Second row James Spencer is available for selection and will be in contention to return to a pack that is still struggling to get its line-out working.

Forwards coach Nathan Jones has been doing a lot of work with the pack in training as Ilkley look for a strong second half to the season to consolidate their position in National League Three North.