Elks bag 5 point win at home

Home side runs out 22-17 winners

Elks bag 5 pointer to push clear of bottom two.

In a nervy game littered with mistakes the Elks finally saw off Southwell to claim a bonus point win 22-17.

Elks began well up hill and were soon ahead from an attacking line out which the forwards controlled well and forced their way over, Simon Bennett emerging as the try scorer, extras well added by Lamb to make it 7-0 after 5 mins.

The next period was rather scrappy as both sides made mistakes although Southwell managed 3 points from a penalty following a high tackle making it 7-3 after 20 mins.

Elks then got some control back and after Southwell were penalised, Lamb kicked to the 22, Aidan Norris took clean ball and again the forwards pushed their way over with the same result as the first try, Bennett again claiming the touchdown. Extras missed making it 12-3 after 35 mins. No further scores were registered before half time.

Now Elks had the slope they looked to dominate possession but were still guilty of basic mistakes, this allowed Southwell back into the game and following a strong tackle in midfield they stripped the ball and broke away to score under the posts, extras added making it 12-10 after 65 mins.

The Elks went back to basics with some strong carries in the forwards, Southwell were penalised and Lamb kicked to the corner, another catch and drive followed with Kieran Lang emerging as the try scorer. Extras missed making it 17-10 after 70 mins.

Southwell were then reduced to 14 after a yellow card for a high tackle, Elks took full advantage of the extra player as Lamb spotted a gap out left, he kicked ahead perfectly for Charlie Clarke to gather the ball and score, extras missed but the lead was now 22-10 after 74 mins.

Southwell got a deserved losing bonus point as they ran in a try under the posts after 78 mins, Joe Marsden also received a yellow card for a high tackle, Elks closed out the final minute to register another bonus point win.

Not the best performance by the Elks as the backs mis fired with some sloppy passing, the forwards however put in a fine display with some well controlled mauling, Bennett showed up well with a brace of tries but Man of the Match goes to Tom Pottinger who had numerous carries with the ball and picked up some vital turnovers in defence.

Next week sees another home game against Lincoln which is another opportunity to climb the league table with a win. Kick Off 3pm