Mistakes cost Elks

The Elks started well with kick offs much improved,Stamford looked very dangerous in the backs and were soon to get on the scoreboard with the left wing scoring, this was converted to make it 0-7 after 7 mins
On the Elks next possession Sean put a speculative kick onto the right wing, Nathan was first to the ball and kicked ahead,he outsprinted the defence to touch down after 10 mins to make it 5-7

From the kick off Elks attacked and were awarded a penalty, crucially the kick to touch was missed and Stamford ran the ball the length of the field to score near the posts making it 5-12

Elks then had another spell of possession but knocked on in the contact area, this was again returned by Stamfords swift backs to score again making it 5-17 at halftime.

A poor start from the kick off allowed Stamford easy ball and they worked the ball well in the backs to create space and score 5-24

Elks tried hard to get back in the game but Stamford tackled well and some poor contact skills allowed the ball to be spilled on too many occasions.

Elks put good pressure on a Stamford line out and Max burst through to steal the ball, he broke well down the blind and off loaded to James Marriott to score his first try for the team making it 10-24. Well done James.

Elks kicked off and some shoddy tackling allowed Stamford to run back and score and convert making it 10-31.

Basic mistakes were costing the Elks dear and from another mistake Stamford scored again late on to make the final score 10-34.

This wasn`t a bad performance, the kick offs were much better, the scrum was good and the line out is improving. The most obvious errors were made in the contact area with ball being dropped or dislodged by the tackle,we need to do plenty of work on contact skills before our next game.
It was always going to be tough against a good Stamford side so dont be too disappointed, playing up in the NLD cup from the shield is a tough challenge so hard work needs to be put in.
Have a great Xmas and see you all in the New Year
Nick