U12's report vs Derby

Another away match this season saw Ilkeston under 12s travelling to local rivals Derby at Haslam’s Lane. A break in the weather allowed rugby to be played in great conditions and due to both teams having substantial squads this year it was agreed that two matches would take place.

The first game commenced with Derby receiving a long kick off from the Elks fly half Issac Smith. On receipt the Derby forward immediately drove forwards setting a clean platform for the fast backs. Only resilient tackling from centres Cameron Greenfield and Joseph Doughty ensured nobody broke the lines. Ilkeston lost Zack Lebeter with a knee injury to be replaced by Frank Hemingray. Derby continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when their scrum half broke to score. Wingers Conor Corrigan and Hemingray continued tackling their hearts out and the half ended Derby 5 Ilkeston 0.

A half time discussion highlighted the continuation of a lack of rucking would leave Ilkeston ineffective. Unfortunately all planning was obsolete as Derby ran in two unanswered tries. Ilkeston were now looking at a return to the days when they were unable to compete with the big teams. The forwards finally awoke, Jordan Pritchett taking every opportunity to break the line and with the help of Aidan Norris and Robbie Boddington ensured scrum half Ben Middleton was presented with clean and quick ball. This now saw Derby’s backs put under pressure with full back Tom Caines adding depth to the attack. A scrum close to the home side’s line allowed Middleton to dummy the ball and slip through tackles to score.

Unfortunately time was running out but the last five minutes Ilkeston showed glimpses of recent matches and given better rucking the result could have been closer. Final score Derby 15 Ilkeston 5.

Forwards MOM – Aidan Norris
Backs MOM – Frank Hemingray

The final match allowed the balance of the squad’s valuable game time with the upcoming NLD qualifiers only three weeks away.

Today saw the debut of Jakson Horton, Fane Checkley and James Thorpe who all showed glimpses of their capabilities. Derby’s team showed their quality in depth and the Ilkeston players were immediately overcome up their opposition. Whilst the Elks forwards showed security in the scrum the backs were unable to break the Derby defence with every ball presented by scrum half Jordan Rathbone.

Strong running by both Horton and Nico Delbouno made great yardage but all to no avail as Derby scored four unanswered scrums to lead the first half Derby 20 Ilkeston 0.

Ilkeston whilst not having scored had showed promise and as Derby tired the Elks stepped up a gear and the forwards started to destroy their counterparts this allowed Rathbone to break blind and score his debut try. This was quickly added to by Norris and Ilkeston were in ascendancy. Derby woke for a moment to score their own try but Ilkeston through Rathbone were to have the last comment as he quickly picked up from the base of the scrum and lurched over the line. Delbouno broke down the right wing only to be tackled into touch and bring the game to an end. Final score Derby 25 Ilkeston 15.

Forwards MOM – Nico Delbouno
Backs MOM – Jordan Rathbone

Ilkeston showed over both games that with concentration they can be a force to be reckoned with and compete with all teams.

Squad-
Alfie Cox, Aidan Norris, Ben Middleton, Billy Derbyshire, Cameron Greenfield, Conor Corrigan, Fane Checkley, Frank Hemingray, Issac Smith, Jack Walker, Joseph Doughty, James Thorpe, Jakson Horton, Jordan Pritchett, Jordan Rathbone, Luke Moore, Nico Delbouno, Richard Hunt, Robbie Boddington, Sam Rose, Tom Caines and Zack Lebeter.

Jon Doughty.