Warm reception for Caldy

This Sunday saw Ilkeston under 12s welcoming two unfamiliar teams, Mansfield and touring side Caldy from the Wirral. The first match against Caldy who last week had collected silverware from the Hoylake Festival commenced with Ilkeston receiving the ball, the intentions of the away side were very clear, as they hit the catcher immediately turning over the ball. Ilkeston's forwards were asleep and it looked to be a long day ahead. The Caldy Scrum Half was a live wire and at every opportunity he fed his Fly Half, the Caldy backs were the quickest that Ilkeston's players had met this season and complete with the inability of the Elks backs to tackle Caldy scored three unanswered tries in the first half and it seemed that a cricket score was about to happen. Half time Ilkeston 0 Caldy 19.

A brief 'discussion' at half time saw Ilkeston enter the field with a better attitude and clearer image of what was required of them. Unfortunately Caldy had not heard this discussion and immediately scored a converted try. Backs against the wall and playing with a number of key players missing Ilkeston finally awoke and the players in all positions started to compete and stop showing so much respect for the opposition. Forwards Aidan Norris and James Thorpe battled their ways to convert ruck ball and Robbie Boddington whilst carrying an injury attempted to gain yardage. Again Ilkeston lost key players Lebeter and Doughty through injury however the remainder of the half saw Ilkeston apply pressure to the Caldy line but good kicking by the Fly Half cleared the lines for respite. Final score Ilkeston 0 Caldy 26.

Caldy played Mansfield whilst Ilkeston took stock. Another convincing win for Caldy along with the scalp of Matlock the previous day gave them a successful end to their tour and allowed Ilkeston to play Mansfield. Mansfield shaken similarly to Ilkeston appeared to offer a more equal challenge and the first half reflected this as both sides attempted to gain dominance but the forwards were more alert and the backs started to tackle very well. Half time Ilkeston 0 Mansfield 0.

Further changes for both sides allowing squad players valuable game time. These changes worked better for the home side as firstly Norris drove through a tight gap to score between the posts and almost immediately hooker Jack Walker broke down the flank with the Mansfield all unaware to score his third try of the campaign. Unfortunately very soon after this the referee blew his whistle for full time to a very enjoyable competitive game. Final score Ilkeston 10 Mansfield 0.

Man of the Match Forwards - Jack Walker.
Man of the Match Backs - Frank Hemingray.

An enjoyable morning of rugby played under glorious sunshine so unfamiliar to the game of rugby union with a great turn out of spectators to support and encourage all the young players.

Squad - Aidan Norris, Alfie Cox, Ben Middleton, Conor Corrigan, Fane Checkley, Felix Rasbusin, Frank Hemingray, Gregor McIntosh, Issac Smith, Jack Walker, Jakson Horton, James Thorpe, Jordan Rathbone, Jordan Pritchett, Joseph Doughty, Luke Moore, Luke Twigger, Richard Hunt, Robbie Boddington, Tom Davidson & Zack Lebeter.

Jon Doughty.