Match report - U11s v Burton (H)

A far more cold, grey and damp morning than many had become accustomed to of late awaited the under 11 players from Ilkeston and Burton, though the intensity of rugby played by both sides at times seemed to move the thermometer towards boiling point.

With both organisations proud to be accredited as Quilter Kids First clubs due to their player-centred approach to the game, and the close relationship that the coaches of both sides have formed, the scene was set for an encounter that promised to challenge the players both physically and cognitively. It had been agreed prior to kick off that a points scoring system would be in place with the intention of encouraging teamwork, creativity and decision-making, and the environment that this generated for both sets of players certainly facilitated a fascinating game.

Team captains Johnny from Ilkeston and Ryan from Burton had a quick game of rock, paper, scissors, leading to the home team kicking off. The Staffordshire side used their first piece of possession to good effect, mixing strong running from their powerful ball carriers, decisive ruck clearances and precise handling to create a number of attacking opportunities. The Elks were quick to respond with some bludgeoning defence and crafty methods of getting the ball back to put the pressure right back on the visitors. By the end of the first period, both sides knew they were in for a fiercely contested encounter.

During the first interval, each team was asked to select a way to attack based on how the other was defending and what was happening in the game, which, if successful, would earn them extra points for a try. Demonstrating their rapidly improving awareness and maturity, both opted to try and get the ball wide to players on the wing, attempting to get outside the defensive line, rather than go through it. This new way of scoring seemed to work well for both sides, as in ever worsening conditions, the catch-pass skill level on display from every single player was remarkably high. Whilst the visitors elected in the main to go forward and create continuity through offloads to players providing support around the ball, the home side favoured moving the ball early, be that through several sets of hands, or via a number of astoundingly accurate miss passes.

After a brief reminder of the Core Values at the half time break, both teams continued to impress with their ability to go forward with the ball, and their bravery and work rate on defence. The breakdown became more and more hotly contested with Burton continually putting two abrasive players into the ruck on both sides of the ball to great effect, allowing them to both retain and regain possession. The Elks showed their ever growing ability to creatively solve problems by looking to keep the ball alive where possible and move it wide to players supporting space. An almost identical try for each team showed what effective work off the ball in attack can do, with supporting players coming from depth, at pace, running intelligent angles leading to tries directly from set pieces.

The game finished as it started with strong ball carries and tackles by both teams. In an instance that demonstrated a high level of awareness and decision making, a Burton player asked the ref for the score and how long was left on the clock; the information provided to the player confirmed that it was last play, leading to a decision to attempt a clearance off the pitch to bring the game to a halt with the visitors ahead. Strong pressure from the Ilkeston defence to challenge the kick allowed the home side to recover the ball and squeeze over in the corner for the equalizing score.

Immediate feedback from coaches and spectators of both teams was that the game had been contested by two very gifted and competitive sides. The odd fractious incident during what was a fierce encounter was soon forgotten as both sets of players gave three cheers for each other, and even managed to squeeze one in for the ref! A joint photograph of both teams was the perfect way to round off another fabulous display of under 11s rugby down at the Stute.

The weekly awards handed out to the Ilkeston players this week went to:

Matti Hinds – hard work hero – week after the week Matti continues to become more and more involved in the game. In a match characterised by high levels of physicality and work rate, Matti had more touches on the ball, and to greater effect, than ever before.

Ethan Scully – defensive warrior – at times the Ilkeston side threatened to be outmuscled and outworked, before individual interventions changed the momentum of the game. Ethan was at the heart of that all morning. Despite the size and speed of certain Burton players, Ethan was regularly the first Ilkeston to defender to go forward and make an impactful low tackle, halting the progress of the attack.

Warren Gant – attacking weapon – a huge focus for the Ilkeston players has been placed on the ability to move the ball to players in space at the right time. As this has progressed we have challenged the team to fix defenders and select an appropriate pass. Few have grasped this to the extent that Warren has. All morning, whether it was a jinking run to carry the ball forward, a cheeky offload, intelligent support, or a well-timed pass, Warren was at the middle of everything the home side did well on attack.

A belated word from last Sunday as well to Matthew Robinson who was awarded a set of green laces for showing the Core Value of Sportsmanship for attending to an injured opposition player.

Thank you to our friends down the A38 for making the journey to play us this morning. A close relationship is forming between the coaches and we look forward to playing you again next season. All the best for your upcoming tour.

One small incident during the game that heightened the emotions on the touchline notwithstanding, both sets of parents observed the game magnificently this morning, with the away team even giving the referee a round of applause after the match. In the bar later, the man in the middle commented that it was £10 extremely well spent!

Next week sees Ilkeston training at home, before three away games on the bounce at Newark, Derby and Matlock.