Match report - U12s v Matlock & Casuals (H)

After an 8:30am inspection the pitches were declared playable to the relief of all concerned.

Despite limited space the coaches of all teams worked together to get two games playing concurrently to ensure as many players as possible were able to play rather than stand around getting wet.

The smaller pitch seemed to favour the strong and direct Matlock team in the first game. Despite defending well for large periods of the first 20 minute match, the Blue and Yellows were able to control possession and field position and cross the try line for a number of unanswered scores.

The second 20 minute period against the other Matlock team started much brighter for the Elks as they scored two well worked tries. Matlock showed excellent resilience and responded with a number of tries of their own in a much closer game.

Finally the Elks played against local neighbours Casuals. Showing a greater ability to go forward and generate continuity, the home side scored some good tries, whilst excellent defence kept the away side at bay for the whole 20 minutes.

In seriously wet conditions, the young players of all three teams demonstrated well developed contact skills with and without the ball, and some of the kicks to space were well exectuted on a day made for gaining territorial advantage.

Thanks to both Matlock and Casuals for making the journey to the Stute.

Next Sunday sees the Elks training at home.