Ilkeston V Mansfield

A high quality match today against Mansfield, contested by two evenly matched teams.
The Elks performed as well as they have all season, construction 3 well worked team tries. The efforts and desire to work as a team, especially during counter-rucking made all the coach's & parents extremely proud of today's performance.
Both teams showed great technique in both tackle and rucking disciplines. Mansfield showed great awareness in defence, especially moving the ball in their own 22 quickly to their standout player, who scored a number of length of field solo tries. In each case, our guys worked valiantly to cut down space and put a good tackle in, but unfortunately at times to no avail.
On the whole a very encouraging performance from our boys with many positives. The main element of the game for us to work on, is getting support faster to the ball carrier, who has made the initial break.
Player awards today are decision of the day to Alex Atkins, Ians PHOHA award - will Grimwood and all round display to Blake Brown.