Ilkeston Rugby's U14s capped off a superb season in tremendous style with a win in the NLD plate final and returned from their tour to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft with a runners-up trophy.

What had started off as their strongest season to-date ended in the best possible way by prevailing over Ashbourne RFC's U14s in a closely contested final held at Boston RFC. Buoyed by a raft of exciting new and returning players, the team got their season off to a flyer going through to the Christmas break with several memorable victories and only three very close losses to strong sides in Newark, Derby and Matlock. During the first half of the season, some resolute defence enabled the young Elks to stay in the fight in some very tight encouters, with the odd spark of brilliance leading to tries that tipped the balance in their favour. During the festive break the coaches worked hard to develop and implement a game plan for the second half of the season focused around building a more organised and incisive attack; it was hoped that the combination of what became a hallmark of this talented young team - their defence - coupled with an improvement in their attacking potency, would convert the close losses into wins.

Also in sight was the NLD cup competition. This was to be the first competition this group had played in where the winners on the scoreboard would be specifically rewarded for their success. As such the team got to work over the early weeks of 2022 building towards an encounter with Kesteven RFC in Grantham set for mid-February. As the weather worsened through the winter however, it became harder for the key players who had so often enjoyed ball in space on firmer, dryer surfaces to have an impact. With the new attacking framework taking longer than hoped to bed in, the Elks came up against stiff opposition on a wet and windy Lincolnshire day, losing out narrowly in a tight contest.

Not all was lost though as the 'waterfall' format of the NLD competition meant that they would remain in contentention for the Plate (third tier) title. A solid victory again Belper at home in March meant a semi-final showdown with fellow Derbyshire side Ashbourne RFC in late April. In the build up, several players sustained injuries and illnesses which meant a somewhat depleted Ilkeston side made the journey along the A52, coming off second best to a physical, well-organised team.

In a sheer stroke of luck with the winners of the opposite semi-final West Bridgford being unable to take part , Ilkeston were invited to contest the final in their absence, which after a short debate was an invite gladly accepted.

And so on a late April Sunday morning, the Elks made the trek eastwards to Boston to face their semi-final conquerors Ashborune, determined to come out on top. With a near full squad available, Ilkeston went into the encounter feeling very positive about their chances. The match, which was played with a strong, swirling wind through, started with both teams having chances to score. After a period camped in the Ashbourne 22m zone, a skill error let Ashbourne off the hook who proceeded to go down field with a series of penalties before getting over the whitewash for the opening score of the game. The wide conversion was missed leaving the score at 5-0 at half time. The key message from coaches and players was not to panic - use the experience from games such as Kesteven, keep the ball, make smart tactical decisions and remain calm. It was felt the Elks had played most of the better rugby, only for a few handling errors to let them down. Boy did they come out firing in the second stanza. Once again they had the better of the posession and territory and remained in the opposition's 22 for much of the first 10-15 minutes of the half. After several meaty ball carries had been repelled, some quick thinking led to a tap penalty taken quickly and the Elks had scored! With a conversion near the posts, they made no mistake in taking a 7-5 lead with 10 minutes to go.

An injury to an Ashbourne player led to a lengthy delay as the Ilkeston physio tended to the young lad. Eventually the game was moved onto a different pitch whilst further medical assistance was awaited.

As mentioned previously, the defensive efforts of this terrific young team have kept them in games on many occasions this season. And so it was to be again. Wave after wave of massive Ashbourne ball carries were stopped in their tracks. However, penalties for offside and handling the ball in the ruck continued to mount enabling Ashbourne to gain more and more territory. With the clock in the red it looked as though the game had gone for the Elks with one incisive break leading to the ball crossing the goal line. Through pure heart and bravery though, the ball carrier was held up over the line – no try the verdict – with the referee coming back for a previous penalty infringement. In a final goal line stand, the young players threw everything they had at each other. In a final dramatic thrust, an Ashbourne player powerfully carried the ball to within millimetres of the line, only to be stopped short by more incredible tackling. After several minutes of sustained effort, the Ashbourne support was half a heartbeat too slow to arrive and, sensing their chance for glory, Ilkeston were able to contest the ball on the ground leading to a final penalty for holding on. The Elks had done it! The ball was kicked dead and the final whistle blown: the elated scenes of players, coaches and parents alike celebrating a hard-earned win will live long in the memory of all those involved.

This was the first time in eight years that an Age Grade Ilkeston team had won silverware in a 15-a-side competition. Despite poor sportsmanship from one particular member of the Ashbourne coaching staff, the mood of the Elks wouldn’t be dampened, and they lifted the trophy to wild applause. Thankfully the young Ashbourne player, who had been tended to by the Ilkeston physio for in excess of three hours, was reported to be OK following a check-up in hospital.

Victory in the NLD Plate was quickly followed the next weekend by their annual tour, this time to the Norfolk-Suffolk border. It had been three years since the last time they had toured owing to Covid cancellations, and the group were intent on making up for lost time!

A well-organised, two-day tournament at Lowestoft and Yarmouth RFC saw the Elks play several sides from the Eastern Counties and Essex regions, exposing them to teams they had never before played. Most games were won, though the Chelmsford RFC side proved too strong, which meant Ilkeston finished second in the U14s league. To their great surprise they were presented with their second piece of silverware this season, handed to them by Gloucester and England star Billy Twelvetrees. A superb way to end what has been a season all involved can be immensely proud of.