New squad members give brilliant performance as U12's dominate first match

For their first game of the 2010/11 season, the Ilkeston U12’s squad made the short journey to local rivals, Nottingham Moderns. The squad were certainly up for the challenge, having lost to them early on in last season on the back of two previous wins, and were like caged animals, and difficult for the coaches to control in the pre match training session despite the rain and strong breeze. Initial squad selection was made to test the mettle of the opposition, and the young Elks didn’t disappoint and started strong from the whistle with an experienced and strong side showing its potential, taking control of the match, with powerful forwards winning nearly every ball in the rucks and devastating drives in the scrums. The Elks backs showed their maturity, and held their positions well, and with good communication and organisation it was only a relatively short time before they scored. Passing was excellent, and runs were more direct than in previous matches, this resulting in producing overlaps on several occasions and ground being made in every passage of play. The initial try was scored by a trademark head on run by Cameron Greenfield, taking two opposition players with him to score. Further tries in the first half were added by Tom Caines, an additonal from Cameron Greenfield, with Aidan Norris continuing to show his strength to drive over the line despite the oppositions best efforts. Isaac Smith added a further, and an opportunistic try from Zack Lebeter, who reacted swiftly to a dropped ball by the under pressure Moderns back line, and scooped up the ball to add a further score. Tries were converted by Isaac Smith (4), and Joseph Doughty (1) to leave the half time score 40-nil to the Elks.
The team talk at half time was easy, with a buzz running round the squad. The coaches took the chance to rest some of the experienced players, and give the opportunity to the new players who have joined the squad in recent months and less experienced members of the squad, namely Luke Moore, Frank Hemmingray, Sam Rose, Jack Walker, Nico Delbuono. These players joined the match for the second half, and showed the strength in depth of the squad, as scrums still remained impressively strong, and it took all the best efforts of Moderns to achieve a single try in the second half. Only lack of experience showed in a few minor areas, as enthusiasm was a plenty. This bodes well for the future as the coaches attempt to increase the depth and experience of the squad for full size 15 a side teams next season.
Overall an excellent start, every member of the squad giving their all and showing the coaches what they are capable of. Strong performances continuing from last season, from Billy Derbyshire, Aidan Norris and Robbie Boddington. Connor Connelly, Alfie Cox and Felix Rabusin gave a good front row performance using new found strength and technique to present problems for the opposition. Ben Middleton had a good solid game combining with Isaac Smith to provide good direction and communication with the forwards. Connor Corrigan showed excellent hands to catch a few not so perfect passes, and Zack Lebeter found renewed confidence and enthusiasm and performed well in all areas. The return of Richard Hunt who exhibit that he's gained valuable experience and confidence last season. Special thanks to Jordan Pritchett and Fane Checkley who kindly assisted the U11’s squad. Final score, Moderns 7, Ilkeston 40.
Man of match: Forwards - Billy Derbyshire ; Backs - Zack Lebeter