U14's through to Shield Semis despite loss to Paviors.

The Ilkeston U14s travelled to Paviors keen to conclude a successful league campaign with a win in good playing conditions.

However from the start it was clear that Paviors would provide a stern test of this ambition as the hosts ran in an early try in the second minute of the game. They fed the ball to their strike runners who took full advantage of the wide pitch to create space and cross the line. Ilkeston responded well looking to impose their close game and maximise the strength of the forwards. Cameron Greenfield touched down after a sustained period of continuity.

Unfortunately for Ilkeston, Paviors were more successful in imposing their game and a lack of organisation in the Ilkeston defence was exposed as Paviors ran in four tries, converting two. Half time ended 24-5 to the hosts.

The young Elks shrugged off a further converted try in the opening phase of the second half and dominated the remainder of the game. The scrum created a solid platform for the backs, and enabled Ilkeston to compete fiercely. Greenfield crossed for his second try and Gregor Macintosh and Tom Caines added one apiece. However The hosts responded at the death with a final surge to touch down.

Ilkeston forwards comfortably won the scrummaging and rucking contest, but the team's handling was not as slick as it needed to be. Whilst Paviors were deserved winners, the Ilkeston coaches remain pleased with the attitude and style of the team. They go into the semi finals with confidence high that they can progress through the final stages of the competition.

Final Score 41 : 20.
MOTM James Thorpe