Elks worked their way back in the game but mistakes were being made therefore losing any real momentum, Elks were trying to quicken the game up and following good play moved the ball right, this was knocked on by Paviors and the referee deemed it deliberate and sin binned the Paviors player.

Elks used the numerical advantage well and were camped in the Paviors 22 where the ball was moved left and then right and Greg Taylor burst through to score on 23 minutes, the conversion was missed to level the scores at 5-5.

The Paviors kick off failed to go 10 metres but they made up for this by pushing the Elks scrum backwards and forcing a penalty. This was the pattern of the game for the next 10 minutes as Elks conceded penalties at the scrum.

Paviors kicked for territory from the penalties and were camped in the Elks 22, from the next scrum the Paviors No8 picked up and drove over to score on 36 minutes; this was converted to make it 12-5.

The Elks came straight back and following several phases of play, Paviors were penalised for side entry, the referee quickly went for a yellow card and sin binned the Paviors player on 39 minutes. Elks tried a quick tap and moved the ball right but were penalised at the breakdown. This was the final play of the half with Paviors leading 12-5. Josh Meakin replaced Ben Wells.

Paviors started the second half and Elks knocked on, the Elks soon turned possession over and were back on the attack with G Taylor and Tom Pottinger. Elks conceded another scrum penalty and Paviors cleared to half way where they won good line out ball but were turned over in midfield following good work by Pottinger.

G Taylor counter attacked and Paviors were penalised for side entry, Jonathan Down took clean ball at the line out and the ball was moved right where G Taylor timed his run perfectly and had enough strength to force his way over despite 2 tacklers. The conversion was missed to make it 12-10 after 48 minutes.

Paviors were kicking deep looking for territory but full back G Taylor was catching and kicking well. From a Paviors scrum they controlled well and drove forward, the scrum collapsed and Meakin was singled out as the guilty party and sin binned on 52 minutes.

Elks defended well as Paviors looked likely to score when the ball arrived at Jack Townsend in his own 22 and he linked superbly with G Taylor to work down the blindside. The ball was finally passed back to Townsend to score on 55 minutes, this was unconverted to give the Elks the lead for the first time in the game at 12-15.

Paviors were still kicking more than running and Jake Lamb fielded one such kick and fed G Taylor to go on a counter attack. This was kicked ahead and a good chase forced Paviors into touch where Down again won the line out but the ball was knocked on.

Play was concentrated around half way as both sides made basic errors. Paviors were still dominating the scrums and launched an attack deep into the Elks 22 but it was well defended by Pottinger and Wells. Paviors were still on the attack and the Elks were penalised for not rolling away. The referee judged G Taylor guilty and sin binned him on 67 minutes.

Paviors opted for the scrum and drove towards the Elks line, the scrum was wheeled and the referee deemed it illegal and awarded a penalty try, this gave an easy conversion to make it 19-15 to Paviors on 68 minutes.

Elks tried to come back with running rugby but basic mistakes were gifting turnovers to Paviors.

Paviors continued to use the scrum well and put huge pressure on the Elks, as time was running out Elks tried to run the ball from their own 22 but the pass went forward and Paviors had a scrum. This was controlled well at the base and driven over on the stroke of full time, converted to make the final score 26-15 to Paviors

Paviors were deserved winners on the day and made great use of their heavier pack in the muddy conditions, Elks tried to play their running game and although 3 tries were scored the set piece was the downfall. Not many stand out performances on the day but one guy who did manage to raise his game was Greg Taylor and he gets the nod for Man of the Match.

After a disappointing result everyone will be looking for an immediate response as we return to League action.

Next week is a tough away fixture against Peterborough Lions KO 3.00

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report

Link to Derby Telegraph report

Link to Nottingham Post report