Under 11's...Singing in the rain!!

Rugby weather had finally arrived!! A trip to unknown opposition Coalville meant digging out dinghies and arm bands to ensure all Ilkeston’s under 11’s returned ready for school.
After losing the toss Ilkeston received the first kick off and immediately set the scene of what the travelling spectators would see for the next 40 minutes. The ball was confidently collected by Issac Smith, feeding the ball to full back Joseph Doughty who broke through the defence to score. The weather had subsided, but the home side were met by a storm from the young Elks. From each kick off that Ilkeston received, Smith was able to provide clean ball to both the forwards and backs. The forwards relished the opportunity to produce straight hard running, and were rewarded with tries for both Aidan Norris and Robbie Boddington. This made the score 21-0 to the away side after the first 8 minutes, but Ilkeston had only just started. A lapse though at the next kick off with a knock on enabled Coalville to attack the Ilkeston line, and they were rewarded with a converted try.
This was a wakeup call, and Ilkeston immediately responded. The new centre partnership of Cameron Greenfield and Tom Caines looked impressive and constantly made good yardage. Caines making his trade mark weaving runs which was rewarded with a try. Norris again ran straight through the home defence like a knife through butter to score. The next Ilkeston try was a just reward for strong tackling and gutsy running and support play from newcomer Sam Rose, who scored his first try for Ilkeston on the wing. The home side attempted to get back into the game, but the constant competitive rucking of Alfie Cox, Billy Derbyshire and Boddington ensured that any tackled home player was immediately turned over and scrum half Ben Middleton was able to either feed his backs or make darting runs. Inside centre Greenfield burst through the defence to score his first of the day.
Half time and with Issac Smith having converted 6 of the 7 tries the score was 47-7.

The Ilkeston coaches demanded more at half time. Also making changes, bringing Connor Corrigan off the field who had been laid up in bed all week poorly and not looking his usual self and the introduction of Jordan Pritchett. The second half mirrored the first, but although Ilkeston had attempted to bolster the home side with some off their players, the Ilkeston players continued their dominance. Further tries from Caines, Doughty, Norris and a second half hat-trick from Greenfield was great reward for Ilkeston’s hard work. A further highlight of the day was a well worked move from the forwards, Aidan Norris making a great break straight through the defence, turned and presented the ball for hooker Felix Rasbusin to score. Smith again converted 6 of the 7 tries. Final score 116-7 to Ilkeston under 11’s.

A very big thank you to the Ilkeston players who kindly volunteered to play some of the game for Coalville. These included Jack Walker, Luke Moore, Alfie Cox and Liam Arnott-Clark who ensured this match was possible and even sided. Tackling slightly disappointing but very little required. Next week sees the visit of local rivals Nottingham to the Stute who will ensure a very hard match and Ilkeston the need to build on this result.

Man of the match Robbie Boddington, leading by example.
Jon Doughty.