Elks march on to semi finals

Several changes were made from last week giving opportunities to others in the squad.

Pavs made the better start and had good territory and possession in the Elks 22, the ball broke loose and Steve Mahoney fed Greg Taylor who outsprinted the defence and went on a 60 metre run to score under the posts after 6 mins, Jack Partington added the extras to make it 0-7

Pavs were soon back on the attack and putting huge pressure on the young Elks front row, it was all Pavs possession as they made ground from several scrum infringements, from a line out Pavs broke left and attacked in midfield, only a great tackle by Alex Ayres stopped a likely score. Pavs had an attacking scrum and moved the ball right, Elks were caught off side and Pavs slotted the kick to make it 3-7 after 22 mins.

Elks responded well from the kick off with Ayres carrying well, he fed Partington who evaded several would be tacklers and made 30 metres to score, the extras were missed making it 3-12 after 27 mins.

Pavs were seeing plenty of ball up front but the Elks backline looked capable of scoring from anywhere on the pitch. G Taylor made another good break and fed Mahoney, Kartar Soar recycled the ball and moved right, good hands along the back line created an overlap and Jacob Heath finished in style to make it 3-17 after 35 mins, conversion missed by Partington.

Elks were still conceding scrum penalties and were lucky not to receive a yellow for persistent infringement, however Pavs were unable to take advantage from the penalties and the score finished 3-17 at half time. Simon Bennett replaced Toby Keep.

Pavs continued with their forwards working well and were soon in the Elks 22, a good tackle by Partington turned the ball over and G Taylor cleared to half way, Soar stole the line out and the ball was moved along the backs, Pavs defended it well and Elks were forced into touch, Soar stole another ball and Elks attacked, Pavs were off side but Partington's kick was pushed right on 47 mins.

Pavs drop out was caught by G Taylor and returned with pace, he off loaded to Soar who showed great pace to score under the posts after 50 mins, Partington added the extras making it 3-24. Dan Taylor came on for Heath.

Elks backs were soon on the attack through G Taylor and Tom Pottinger, the ball was moved left and Ayres broke through, he fed Partington who rounded the last man and scored his second try, he missed with the conversion making it 3-29. Keep returned for Dan Bell, Jack Wilkinson replaced Dan Rollins.

Pavs only real weapon was their scrum and it paid dividends when following several penalties against the Elks front row the referee awarded a penalty try on 66 mins, extras added to make it 10-29.

Elks response was immediate when a Mahoney turnover was quickly moved wide to find Isaac Taylor in acres of space and he sprinted into the corner unchallenged, Partington missed the extras making it 10-34 after 68 mins.

Pavs then produced their best rugby of the match combined with the Elks slacking off knowing the tie was won, Pavs scored two tries in the final 8 minutes with one conversion making the final score 22-34.

Apart from the final minutes this was a comfortable victory for the Elks despite some uncomfortable moments for the young front row, the back line had far too much pace and power for the opposition, G Taylor again played well, along with Ayres, Lamb and the back three, Man of the Match however goes to Jack Partington who has quietly improved all season and had a great all round game along with a brace of tries.

Next week sees a stern test away at unbeaten Kettering so get down to cheer on the Elks for what should be a cracker of a game.