Match report - U11s v Mansfield (H)

A sunny yet chilly Stute played host to a compelling game in which several things went well for both Ilkeston and Mansfield under 11s.

Before the game a comical rock, paper, scissors between the two captains Josh and Sophie to decide who kicked off had both players choose the same implement seemingly two dozen times before eventually the Mansfield skipper got the better of her opponent. In a game that saw several instances of the core values being exhibited by both teams, Ilkeston were the fastest out of the traps. The work that the team have been doing around going forward with support and creating continuity was evident for all to see on attack, as was the work on defence around identifying threats and applying pressure to get the ball back. The first period was some of the best rugby the Ilkeston u11s team have put together all season, though the sentiment seems to be shared every week which indicates ongoing improvement, something the players, parents and coaches should all be very proud of.

The second period saw Mansfield spring into life with some excellent work going forward of their own. The away team were able to put Ilkeston under pressure on both sides of the ball leading to a number of well worked tries during a very even fifteen minutes of rugby.

The size of the pitch and high intensity of the game began to show for both teams during the third and fourth period as the game broke up which facilitated some remarkable creativity and resilience. Superb individual efforts on attack and defence led to scores for both teams with Ilkeston able to go forward effectively creating opportunities for supporting players around the ball and in space, and for Mansfield who on multiple occasions defended seemingly certain tries from being scored before taking the ball 'coast to coast' and dotting down themselves via lightning quick runners with determined players in on their shoulder in support.

Both sets of coaches remarked after the game about the development of the two teams since we last met. Simon Jewkes, head coach of the Mansfield u11s was quick to suggest a group photo as a memento of a wonderful morning’s rugby.

A big thank you to Mansfield for making the long trip down on a Sunday morning, we look forward to playing you again next season and wish you the best for the remainder of the current one.

For Ilkeston, awards could yet again have been given out to every single player. The coaches were restricted to only having three to hand out however:

Max Stevens - hard work hero - this was effectively a hybrid of the hard work hero and attacking weapon awards. Max hasn't been around the team much this season due to a number of injuries and it's brilliant to have him back. The pirouette through contact continues to be one hell of an effective way to go forward, and in the short space of time that he's been back with us, his ability and willingness to pass the ball to players in support, and low tackle technique have come on considerably. Outstanding today - well done Max.

Josh Shoebridge - creative genius - highly effective on both sides of the ball (when his fitness meant he could keep up with play!), Josh enjoyed his best game for the Elks in several weeks. Given the responsibility of captaining the side he rose to the occasion coming up with several cool ideas to help the team go forward such as dummies and kicks forward, and showed his developing awareness by identifying the threat at a quickly taken free pass by Mansfield to put the receiver under pressure with a trademark positive tackle. Strong work today Josh.

Ethan Scully - defensive warrior - what more can be said about Ethan's heart and bravery on the rugby pitch? Always the first player to put the opposition team under pressure without the ball by going forward and effecting a meaty tackle, today was no different. Ethan continues to develop as a player by showing superb handling skills, an increasing awareness of the need to connect with his team mates both in the game and during breaks in play, and high quality decision making as demonstrated by a number of kicks he attempted on the day. An absolute role model player, Ethan should be very proud of his performance again today.

Special mentions must go to Dennie for his insatiable appetite to win rucks and make tackles, as well as his growing effective organisation of his team mates; Bladen for his best game ever going forward with the ball; Matt B for his usual miracle tries and uncanny ability to win the ball back (I know he had a very proud brother watching on as well which was ace); Matthew R for some courageous wide defence; Spencer for showing great resilience to get up and continue after a couple of heavy knocks; Luke for absolutely not looking out of place in his first ever game of rugby (if all our players called for the ball as loudly as him our ability to share information would be greatly improved!); and Johnny Gavin for adding some subtle touches to complement his genetic advantage through several sublime offloads and one absolutely outrageous dummy.

Next week sees the Ilkeston under 11s make the long journey to Meden Vale who were good enough to come to us at short notice earlier in the season when we didn't have a game, to whom we have been only too happy to return the favour during a weekend in which they have found themselves without any opposition.

Lastly, thank you to our superb parenting group who were as always very supportive of all players on both teams.