ELKS SUFFER HARD LESSON

Classic Wines and Spirits Man of the Match – Marc Moore

This was a bad day at the office for the Elks. They suffered their heaviest defeat for over two years, were left pointless for the first time this season, indeed since playing Mansfield in 2007, and were deservedly dumped out of the Derbyshire Cup by their hosts Matlock.

It is not easy to profer an explanation for such a poor display but the approach and performance of the two sides may lay in their priorities for the remainder of the season. The league reorganisation has saved Matlock from relegation and allowed them to concentrate on this competition. League focus is, however, very much part of the Elk’s mindset with three games left and a slender single point lead to protect against Spalding if they are to be promoted as Champions.

Matlock approached the game as though it mattered while Ilkeston minds appeared to be elsewhere. Indeed, only one side played rugby and became worthy winners.

On a dry and sunny day it was clear from the start that both sides had a desire to move the ball, unfortunately only one side demonstrated the skills necessary. In a fairly even first half, which ended 5-0 to the home side, there were few outstanding moments. Matlock’s backs all threatened but the visitors had tacklers on hand to cope with the threats. Greg Taylor again showed his ability to read the make and make vital interventions.

Matlock enjoyed a period of pressure which they should have turned into points but resolute defence close to the line denied them. Their opening try came seventeen minutes into the into the half when a steal against the lineout throw saw scrum half Young waltz his way to the line unhindered by numerous available tacklers who appeared to be taking in the delightful views of the Dales scenery. Indeed, the views are reminiscent of those available at Kirkby Lonsdale where the Elks endured a torrid pre-season game, although in that case excess imbibement the night before could be blamed. The Elk’s only real chance came with Dan Taylor’s break through midfield which was ended when the ball spilt in the tackle.

The second half was all Matlock’s where every bounce and decision seemed to go there way. They scored a further five tries, all of which owed much to their pacy three quarters and ability to turn defence into attack but also to the unpredictable way in which a rugby ball bounce on a rock hard surface.

The first came from a hack down field and the ball bobbling away from fullback Dan Taylor with barely five minutes of the half gone. The visitor’s cause was further damaged when Rich Burne was consigned to the sin bin and Matlock took advantage of the extra man to score from a five metre scrum. As the Elks were forced to chase the game they took risks and one promising attack from Cook, Connolly and Rudkin was stopped when his pass was intercepted and the gleeful recipient raced the length of the field to score. The harder they tried and the more desperate they became the more errors the Elks made and Matlock were only too grateful to punish such mistakes.

The final whistle came as a great release to the visitors, as they were left to reflect on the poorest of performances, and the home side celebrated their progress into the Derbyshire Cup final. The players were quick to accept responsibility which was clear when Captain Craig Charlton reflected “If you don’t turn up and compete then you can’t expect to win games. We need to make sure that we get things sorted for the last three league games”.