Elks lose close game

The Elks travelled to Matlock hoping to get back to winning ways, although the defence was good some poor options in attack cost us chances of scoring.
The first 10 minutes was very even with defences on top, Matlock forwards then upped their intensity at the breakdown and put the Elks under pressure, the defence was finally beaten on 20 minutes as Matlock scored a converted try to lead 7-0.
The Elks battled back well and scrummaged well with Will, Max and Tom really starting to come together as a front row, unfortunately the line out continued to give us problems and we really need to work on this at training.
Despite having a good supply of ball the Elks back line took too many wrong options and continued to run sideways giving our wider players no space to work in.Half Time 7-0
The second half kicked off and the Elks straightaway made a mistake which gifted easy possesion to Matlock, only a great cover tackle by Sean prevented Matlocks flying winger from scoring.
Matlock continued to press for another score but some great defence kept them out. The Elks made some changes as George, Eddy, Rhys and Kaell came on to replace some tired legs and keep up the defensive effort.
Again the Elks attacks were halted with silly mistakes or poor options.
The game was halted a few minutes early due to a serious looking ankle injury to scrum half Billy. Thankfully nothing was broken but he will be out for a few weeks.
Overall it was not a bad performance but we need to use our possesion more skillfully and improve our line out work, some ill discipline at the breakdown also needs working on so we all need to be at the Gallows on Thursday.
We now have a game against Long Eaton on Nov 11th so please make yourselves available.
Nick