U12's retain Nottingham

Ilkeston U12's 0 v Nottingham U12's 0

Ilkeston welcomed local rivals Nottingham to the Stute - keen to test their early season performance against Nottingham. Despite the scoreline, this was an excellent game with passages of play from both sides belying their age.

Nottingham started the stronger and despite some excellent breaks, rarely threatened the Ilkeston line with outstanding defence from all. The Nottingham forwards were very powerful but the Elks defence remained firm in the face of the strong opposition. Having weathered the early storm Ilkeston started to fight back and powerful breaks from Davidson and Marzano threatened the Nottingham defence. Half time arrived and Ilkeston were competing on level terms keen to take the initiative into the half.

Half time saw the Elks give opportunities to Skinner and Hickinbotham replacing the wing pairing of Charlie Marriott and Bull-Jones. Skinner made his presence count by putting in a try saving tackle against the Nottingham outside centre before the Ilkeston pack started to dominate. They were secure on their own scrum and created a series of powerful mauls, led by the indomitable Pilkington, Blount and Sloan. Despite twice getting over the Nottingham line, Ilkeston could not ground the ball - testament to the Nottingham defence and the game ended scoreless.

Kit Taylor