Elks U12's Qualify for NLS Cup

Ilkeston under 12s attended this years Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire qualifying competition on their home ground 'The Stute'. The mission was to qualify at the fourth attempt for the Cup competition which would ensure that Ilkeston would be involved in top quality league opposition for the forthcoming season. Whilst only being able to select 18 players from the ever expanding squad it was great to note that players not selected attended the training session and actively supported each of the players, so a big thank you to Jakson Horton, Lawrence Ah Wing, Fane Checkley and James Thorpe, and rousing support from Felix Rabusin was much appreciated.

The first match was against Derby B who in a recent fixture had beaten us 25-15. A tight game with Ilkeston having the benefit of the hill in the first half. Excellent tackling ensured that the Elks line was unbreached but with 3 minutes of the half remaining Isaac Smith picked the ball from a ruck and darted along the edge of the touchline to score in the corner. This was very quickly added to by centre Tom Caines who held up at the Derby tryline stretched his telescopic arms to place the ball down. Half Time Ilkeston 10 Derby B 0.
Ilkeston's forwards maintained their dominance with excellent counter rucking and a loose kick from the Derby player allowed Joseph Doughty to drift back through the defence and score. The forwards were rewarded for all of their hard work as Aidan Norris maintained his great scoring record as he burst through the Derby backs and forwards to score. Derby B were unable to compete with the Ilkeston ferocity and clinical performance. Final score Ilkeston 20 Derby B 0. The extra try scoring bonus point an added surprise. The first part of the plan had been completed!!

Next Ilkeston were met by local rivals Derby A. Whilst an improved performance at their last meeting Derby still remained firm favourites. With Ashbourne not supplying a referee the responsibility was to be shared between the competing teams. From the kick off every player matched their opposite number ensuring an extremely tight game. Every clearing kick from Smith was met with a brisk winger trying to exploit gaps but today there were no gaps as every player tackled well including wingers Frank Hemingray and Zack Lebeter. Half time Ilkeston 0 Derby A 0.
The slope was now in Ilkeston's advantage however they were unable to unlock the Derby defence. The scrum was firm and a number of wins against the head from Jack Walker provided the backs with clean ball. Unfortunately as the clocks was running down Derby's winger picked up a loose ball and managed to break outside the defensive line to score with literally seconds to go. A fantastic result overall for Ilkeston but could have been a draw. The result provided the Elks with an unexpected bonus point. Final score Ilkeston 0 Derby A 5.

Ashbourne were the next opponents. Ilkeston were immediately found wanting as the very large Ashbourne forwards intimidated their smaller opposite numbers and burst through feeble tackling to score within the first minute. The Ilkeston coaches feared the worst but the young Elks responded as they had in the two previous matches and as the forwards rucked ferociously turning over the ball allowing the backs to be fed quick ball through Middleton. A break from Cameron Greenfield who was caught by the retreating Ashbourne centres only for Smith to snatch the ball and dive over in the corner. Playing up field Ilkeston went into half time in confident mood. Half time Ilkeston 5 Ashbourne 5.
Ilkeston kicked off and through the dominance of both Billy Derbyshire and Robbie Boddington were able to provide sufficient pressure for the forward to drop the ball. The forwards packed down and drove allowing clean ball to Middleton who turned and allowed Norris to take the ball and start of on a mighty drive through the Ashbourne players. Assisted by Connor Connelly and Caines, Norris fell just short of the line but Greenfield saw an opportunity, shot in and collected the ball and lurched over the line to score. This dominance continued as this time Norris charged through the non existent tackling to score his second of the day. Ashbourne attempted to boss with their size but Ilkeston were equal and always looked capable of scoring further tries. Final score Ilkeston 15 Ashbourne 5. Second part completed and placed the Elks in a clear position of qualifying for the cup!

The next opposition were the current Derbyshire champions Melbourne who throughout the day had looked at their usual dominant gear. Unfortunately players were becoming tired and as required by the NLD regulations the squad was fully used to allow players an opportunity to impress. Within the first two minutes Ilkeston lost both Caines and Doughty to injury not before Melbourne had run in their first four tries generally through fast pace, missed tackles and inexperience. Half time Ilkeston 0 Melbourne 20.
Ilkeston vainly attempted to compete with Melbourne but Melbourne were in their stride and it only took them a further five minutes to complete the rout. Final score Ilkeston 0 Melbourne 35. Disappointing result but a mixture of great opposition, tiredness and inexperience created the result. Lessons to be learnt but Ilkeston had to pick themselves up for their final match.

The final match was against Matlock who were laying second and pushing Melbourne all the way, Ilkeston's players pulled themselves together, encouraged themselves through leaders Smith and Boddington and stood tall for their last fourteen minutes of a already successful tournament. Unfortunately whilst the tackling and improved rucking the quality of the Matlock backs broke the game line every time and Matlock scored three unanswered tries in the first half. The loss again of centre Caines only compounded the fear Ilkeston coaches had for a repeat of the Melbourne game. Half time Ilkeston 0 Matlock 15.
Ilkeston awoke dragging their tired and frail bodies into the faces of Matlock and spent the next seven minutes playing toe to toe with the opposition. Going very close on a couple of occasions however Matlock's line was not to be breached. Final score Ilkeston 0 Matlock 15. A great result considering the mental state from the previous match.

Ilkeston's players achieved a wonderful, well deserved result today. Qualifying for the NLD cup and also high quality league rugby next season onwards. The team have shown a constant desire to improve and this gradual rise has confirmed the coaches knowledge of the ability of each of the players. Unfortunately a couple of players appeared a little lost this day however they should all congratulate themselves that their hard work has paid of at long last.

Players of the match:-
Forwards - Billy Derbyshire & Robbie Boddington.
Backs - Frank Hemingray, Cameron Greenfield & Isaac Smith.

Players -
Aidan Norris, Alfie Cox, Ben Middleton, Billy Derbyshire, Cameron Greenfield, Connor Connelly, Conor Corrigan, Frank Hemingray, Isaac Smith, Jack Walker, Jordan Pritchett, Jordan Rathbone, Joseph Doughty, Luke Moore, Nico Delbuono, Robbie Boddington, Tom Caines & Zack Lebeter.

Jon Doughty.