U11's report vs Matlock

Ilkeston under 11s welcomed Matlock to the Elks final home match of the season. The home side were hoping to continue with the great improvements they had shown all through the season against a team who had beaten Ilkeston on the last three occasions. Matlock arrived depleted with a team of only 11 players due to Easter holidays whilst Ilkeston were able to field a full team plus five replacements.
A lovely sunny day brought out parents abound waiting in anticipation for a cracking fixture from both teams. Unfortunately mentally only one team turned up, Matlock. From the kick off from Ilkeston all the kick off practice from previous training sessions went out the window. This allowed the away side an immediate attacking position and through both their scrum half and fly half Matlock dictated the ferocity and speed of the game. Matlock ran through abundances of poor 'tackles' and ended the first half having scored five converted tries. Half time Ilkeston 0 Matlock 35.

Ilkeston raised their game slightly, winning all of their scrums (Matlock played one down in the scrum) Occasional flourishes from the Elks players made distance however the total lack of support from the forwards ensured that the tackler was able to gain his feet and collect the ball whilst any Ilkeston player was still five yards away. Matlock continued to play their desired game plan and completed the rout by scoring a further four converted tries. Final score Ilkeston 0 Matlock 63.

Matlock were a very good team but through this season we have met a number of good teams and responded well and picked ourselves up when required. Today Ilkeston were nowhere to be seen. Tackling was very poor, support play very poor, rucking poor, ball retention non existent, positional play was poor with players not talking to each other and leaving gaps for the opposition to attack. This everything that this team has been good at all season which brings the most disappointment.

The coaches will ensure that this one result will not take away the fantastic developments and performance that this under 11s has consistently achieved all season, put a line under it and look forward to the coming Derby festival next weekend where Ilkeston under 11s will return to the performances they desire.

Team - Aidan Norris, Alfie Cox, Ben Middleton, Billy Derbyshire, Cameron Greenfield, Connor Corrigan, Connor Connelley, Christopher Goodall, Felix Rasbusin, Isaac Smith, Jordan Pritchett, Joseph Doughty, Liam Arnott-Clark, Robbie Boddington, Sam Rose, Tom Caines and Zack Lebeter.

Man of the match not awarded this week for obvious reasons.

Jon Doughty