U11's ready for Paviors after extended break

Due to Christmas and the exceptional weather conditions Ilkeston under 11's finally played their first match in 9 weeks. This saw the young Elks making the short trip to Paviors on a beautiful sunny morning. Whilst the warm up had its usual appearance of late Burn's night celebrations by the players, this was in complete contrast to the way they commenced the match.

Immediately from the kick off Ilkeston's forwards provided a platform for Liam Arnott Clark to provide ball to his backs. Aidan Norris then collected the presented ball, and ran half the length of the pitch going through the Paviors’ defence like a knife through butter to score within the first couple of minutes. Whilst Paviors always looked dangerous going forward when their backs had the ball, Ilkeston were able to diminish this through constant pressure. This pressure particularly through Cameron Greenfield and Ben Middleton was finally rewarded with a try for Middleton from a fumbled knock on by the Paviors’ full back, enabling him to score. Ilkeston's forwards continued to dominate their opposite number, and providing opportunities to the backs enabling wingers Connor Corrigan and Sam Rose to make valuable yardage. Paviors finally broke the Ilkeston defence even with the excellent tackling of centre Zack Lebeter, the ball being distributed along their back line to score. The first half was completed with Middleton picking up loose ball just outside the Paviors 7 metre line to dart over for his second of the match. Half time came with the scores Paviors 5 - Ilkeston 15.

Paviors made changes bringing on some quicker and larger players. The Elks also made changes to rotate the squad. The changes for Paviors were immediately rewarded with a try, and the next couple of minutes showed the metal of Ilkeston's vastly improving performance as they absorbed everything that was thrown at them. The forwards played as a complete unit with the front three of Aiden Norris, Alfie Cox and Jordan Pritchett attacking at every opportunity. This coupled with the help of Billy Derbyshire and Cameron Greenfield, who had replaced the injured Robbie Boddington, ensured that Ilkeston grasped the upper hand. Even changing the backs with Issac Smith returning as flyhalf, the Paviors players could not handle the directness of Ilkeston. This was highlighted as Norris drove over for his second try. Intelligent kicking from full back Joseph Doughty enabled wingers Luke Moore and Christopher Goodall to chase good open ball. As the home side tired Ilkeston ran in their last two tries of the day. The first, a powerful run from close range by Corrigan, and the second as reward for his bravery from Arnott Clark, as he marshalled his forwards towards the line and placed the ball down. Final score Paviors 10 - Ilkeston 30.

An excellent performance with the forwards winning the match. The only improvements are to speed of rucking and reduced ball watching, and the short-sightedness of the backs who continue to run into dead ends, rather than expansive rugby. Overall a brilliant match for all involved. The bench mark has been set as Ilkeston work towards the NLD finals on the 7th of March and the players will be expected to maintain this standard.

Man of the match went to Liam Arnott Clark in the backs, and the vastly improving Jordan Pritchett for the forward, However, it could have gone to almost the whole team!'

Jon Doughty.