Ilkeston started in a very positive fashion, taking the game to the opposition. A period of pressure and good re-cycling of the ball led to Michael Hayes scoring under the posts to open the scoring. However the Elks then seemed to go to sleep and Paviors made the most of a set of quick backs and Ilkeston’s poor tackling to run in 4 tries without response. Half time- 26- 5.

Ilkeston lost Hayes and Warwick Waudby for the second half to injury, resulting in some changes. However they recovered their fire and started to play as a team. Paviors added another try before Josh Jackson picked from the base of a scrum and powered over for the Elks. Paviors added a sixth try before the end, leaving the final score as 36-10.

Elks showed good effort and commitment for the majority of the game, and whilst there is much to work on, it was a promising and encouraging start. Special mention to Aneurin Lings for playing hooker for the second half, somewhat of a change from his normal position on the wing. Indeed as the team was being re-arranged during half time and the search for a hooker took place, he was the only one to step forward whilst all around his colleagues shuffled their feet and stared at the ground!