An awesome display by the Team!

The 1st game was against the old nemisis Melbourne.
The first half was a very defensive affair for Ilkeston with Melbourne firmly entrenched in the Ilkeston half.
Good solid defensive work and firm tackling, with Captain Tom Briddon leading by example keeping Melbourne at bay.
The start of the second half saw Melbourne again knocking on the Ilkeston try line. Midway through the half, Melbourne finally broke through and scored what was considered to be a dubious try.
This was followed shortly after by their second, which was the result of a few seconds lack of concentration on the Ilkeston defence.
A firm tackle by Jacob Keane in the middle of the pack showed that Ilkeston still had the spirit to come back, but try as they may they could not break free. Melbourne finally running out winners.
To say the boys were disappointed would be an understatement.

The 2nd game was against a Derby B team, and after only a few minutes a superb break by Jacob Keane saw him score in the corner.
Ilkeston were now piling on the pressure, good running and vision from Finn, cutting in from the wing, eventually saw Tom Briddon go over for the second try.
This was quickly followed by a try for Liam Gavin.
Half time Ilkeson 3 Derby B 0
The second half saw Ilkeston playing down the slope and they quickly got on the score sheet again.
Ilkeston's own future All Black in the making, Jacob going clean through the Derby defence to score.
Further tries quickly followed by Sam, Jack and Jacob getting his third of the game.
A great performance by ALL of the Team, forwards and backs giving their all and showing just what they were capable of.

The final game was against a strong tackling Bakwell team. This was a forwards battle with some good work done by Anthony, Guy and Welshy, Anthony in particular making some good carries.
Midway through the half, some good back play saw Jacob Keane go over to score.
The second half again saw some good forward carries and some good link play with the backs.
Midway through the half Welshy showed his strength by scoring in the corner with 3 Bakewell players trying and failing to hold him up.
The game was finally made safe when Ilkeston won a scrum near the Bakewell line. Ilkeston pushed the Bakewell pack back, quick ball from scrum half Regan to Tom saw him go over to score.

Ilkeston under 12's were through to the finals in the Cup next year.
As the coaches said it was an awesome display by everyone.
The team led well again by Tom Briddon and good skills shown by Jacob Keane, Jack, Finn, Beau, Guy, Welshy, Anthony and Regan at scrum half. Finn being awarded Man of the Tournament for some excellent play.
A special mention should also be made to Taylor for coming to support his team mates after just missing out on the squad.

Well done lads, keep it going!