On a great day for rugby the Elks U15s put in one of their best performances for some time.

Playing on the 1st Team pitch the Elks won the toss and chose to play downhill.

The first 10 minutes was hard fought with both sides defending well.

Using the slope well the Elks had a scrum on the opposing 22 metre line, from this John Taylor picked up and went blind and drove forcefully towards the try line. John could probably have made the line himself but unselfishly passed to Billy who went over for the first try.
Adam converted well from wide on the left. 7-0

Mansfield replied with several attacks into the Elks 22 but were stopped with some great tackling all round but especially John and Max who both tackled superbly throughout the match.

The Elks then played their way into the Mansfield half with some great running rugby involving all the backs.
One such move was spun out to the left and Ben Banton joined the line from full-back to score wide out on the left. a great try to watch!
This was again converted by the reliable boot of Adam.

Elks ended the half with a penalty in the opposition 22 and despite shouts from the touch line to kick the points, a quick tap was taken which ended with the ball in touch. Remember lads take the points when you get chance! Half time 14-0

Mansfield began the second half well using the slope to pin the Elks back in their own 22, but the defence held firm.

The Elks then had a period of pressure in the Mansfield 22, and from a scrum about 10 metres out John Taylor picked up and drove through 2 tackles before crashing over.Adam again converting. 21-0

This spurred Mansfield into some sustained periods of possession & territory.
Some great tackling stopped the attacks well, but eventually the pressure told and Mansfield went over for an unconverted try.

The next ten minutes were fairly even but Mansfield gained some more ground using the slope well, however a period of ill discipline from Mansfield mainly for back chat to the ref allowed Ilkeston to clear their lines.

Mansfield came again and only 2 excellent tackles from first Sean & then Ben Fisher stopped Mansfield scoring.

The Elks started to tire in the last couple of minutes due to the massive defensive effort in the second half.
Mansfield ended the game camped on the Elks line and forced their way over for a well deserved try which was converted to leave the final score at 21-12.

This was a big step up in overall performance from the lads and showed coches and parents alike what is possible when the lads put in this amount of effort.
The whole team and subs played well but John Taylor put in a great performance having his best all round game I have seen him have.
The team was again skippered excellently by Billy who is developing into a good captain and leader, and also having spoken to the ref, he is being a real nuisance to the opposition! Keep it up.

The team effort overall was excellent, so a big thank you to all the lads from me.
Don`t forget training on Thursday.
P.S thank you to the lads who turned up to support even though they were not registered. We will soon have a proper squad!
Nick