U11's NLD Qualifier Report

This Sunday saw Ilkeston rugby club hosting the Derbyshire round of the NLD competition at the Stute. The pitches where in great condition considering the recent weather problems that we have been experiencing. With help from volunteers from the younger club age groups this event was a fantastic experience for all teams involved.

The structure of the competition pitched the young Elks against strong teams from Ashbourne, Chesterfield, Derby, Matlock and Melbourne with the bounty of cup competition for the teams finishing in the top four and a plate competition for the remaining teams in March.

The first game against Chesterfield was an even match with both sides tackling astutely and giving no space for either team to break the deadlock. The first half was marred with a Chesterfield player requiring ambulance attention, thankfully with no broken bones. This break in play meant the teams had to relocate to an adjoining pitch and neither team were able to pick up the play to win the game. Final score 0-0.

Matlock were the next opponents. Again a fixture which was equally matched. Matlock in previous seasons had dictated the matches but Ilkeston showed how well they had developed since last season and played Matlock well. Unfortunately as in the first match the Ilkeston forwards had still not awoken from their slumber and any 50/50 ball was being lost due to their inability to want to ruck over the ball. Final score 0-0.

The third match was the first time this squad had played Ashbourne. The forwards finally started to play the game we all know they are capable of and they ensured that passages and phases of play developed. This allowed prop Aidan Norris to score two more excellent tries through his strong running and with the support of his fellow forwards. This moved him on to 8 tries for the season. Ashbourne were never any threat in this match, the young Elks defended well and always looked dangerous when they had the ball. Final score 10-0 to Ilkeston.

Ilkeston’s coaches had finally seen the style of play they expected and were used to and prepared for the upcoming matches against the two strongest teams in the league Derby and Melbourne ‘A’. Unfortunatley this good spirit was soon diminished as Ilkeston’s forwards returned to their slumber and allowed the opposition teams to play their game. In the Melbourne match we were shown some excellent skills by Melbourne as they moved the ball to their wingers with speed and accuracy. Final score 20-0 to Melbourne ‘A’. Derby used a direct approach to their game and a combination of straight running and poor tackling ensured that this game was one sided. Dread appeared within the Ilkeston supporters as all of the day’s hard work was quickly dissolving away. Final score 30-0 to Derby.

The final match was against Melbourne ‘B’. A pep talk from the coaches requested a performance from this match with which the supporters, coaches and the players themselves could be proud off. Players stepped upto the line and from the kick off and Ilkeston did not disappoint. A try in the first half from Connor Corrigan was a just reward for the dominance they had experienced in the first half. Thoughtful kicking with the wind behind them allowed dominance within the Melbourne half. The second half increase in wind level dictated that the Elks would need to run more ball. Clean ball kindly provided by the forwards allowed Issac Smith to ghost over the line from the base of the scrum. The match was completed with a long distance try scored by Tom Caines started at the half way line. Overall the young Ilkeston players all raised their game to the expected level.

Overall a patchy performance from Ilkeston. Some high moments but more low points. Poor tackling and lack of desire when rucking allowed all the oppositions opportunities. A great positive was being unbeaten in 4 of the 6 matches. The plate awaits us in Newark in March.

Squad List : Aiden Norris, Billy Derbyshire, Connor Connelly, Robbie Boddington, Liam Flinders, Alfie Cox, Felix Rabusin, Ben Middleton, Liam Arnett-Clark, Isaac Smith, Cameron Greenfield, Tom Caines, Zack Lebeter, Connor Corrigan, Sam Rose, Christopher Goodall, Joseph Doughty.

Jon Doughty