U11's remain confident with good display of rugby.

This week saw Ilkeston under 11’s taking the short trip to West Bridgford. Historically this has always been a hard fixture and the Elks were met by a very substantial size squad when they arrived. As a result it was agreed that two matches would be played with the away teams players needing to double up in some positions.
Fly half Issac Smith commenced the match with an excellent lofted kick off to allow forwards Cameron Greenfield and Aidan Norris the ability to immediately introduce themselves to the Bridgford forwards. The first half saw the home side applying constant pressure to the Elks defence and only staunch tackling from Tom Caines ensured that a cricket score wasn’t about to happen. Unfortunately during this half Ilkeston lost their captain Robbie Boddington through injury, to be replaced by Tom Jolly. During this period West Bridgford scored through their winger. The try was then converted to make the half time score 7-0 to the home side.
The second half finally woke the Ilkeston forwards and at the first scrum saw the tight unit of Felix Rasbusin, Connor Connelly and Aidan Norris immediately use their technique against the bulk of the home side. From these set plays scrum half Ben Middleton was able to supply quick balls to the backs which allowed Joseph Doughty to burst through the defence only to be held up. The impact from the forwards enabled Doughty to force himself over the West Bridgeford try line. The resulting conversion was kicked by Smith to mark the very first additional points scored by the young side. Score now 7-7.
West Bridgford immediately responded to score a converted try to move the score on to 14-7. Missed tackles centre field allowed Bridgford to score again to make the score 21-7 but Ilkeston’s heads remained aloft and through determination. The last 10 minutes saw Ilkeston camped in the West Bridgford 15 metre area. A panic pass by the centre allowed Smith to jump on and score a try. Unfortunately the try was unconverted.
Unfortunately the West Bridgford defence remained intact even through darting runs by Zack Lebeter, Connor Corrigan and Christopher Goodall who is settling well at fullback.
Final score 21-12 to the home side.
Man of the match – Tom Caines

The next match saw the introduction of the balance of the Ilkeston players. The experimental front row of Richard Hunt, Alfie Cox and Liam Arnett Clark was from the start experiencing great success against the West Bridgeford pack. The second row of Greenfield and Liam Flinders allowed little time for the home sides to settle and applied constant pressure.
Due to the size of the squad of Ilkeston, seven players from the first game were required to play again. Tiredness started to become apparent and the home side came in waves to attempt to break the Ilkeston resilient defence. The ‘Tom and Jerry’ centre partnership worked well and ensured the home side were only rewarded with one converted try through the whole first half. Score 7-0.
The second half commenced with the coaches ringing the changes due to either tiredness or injuries and saw the introduction of Smith, Norris and Rasbusin. Firm tackling from Sam Rose kept the opposition winger at bay and despite a great team effort Ilkeston were unable to breach the home sides try line.
A good match which finished with a win to West Bridgeford 7-0.
Man of the match Aidan Norris.

Overall a good performance, unfortunately poor tackling and the allowance of the opposition time to attack led to the Ilkeston under 11’s downfall. Next match away against Coalville on the 1st of November.... Jon Doughty

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