Matlock end the Elks winning run

Coming into the game Ilkeston had gone 13 games unbeaten while Matlock had won 7 from the last 10 which had seen them climb to eighth in the table.

Home advantage and the terrible conditions were major factors in deciding the outcome. The game was played on a pitch which at kick off resembled a ploughed field and deteriated rapidly during the game. The conditions suited Matlocks style and they made the most of their forward strength to record 3 tries from driving mauls.

The fact that the visitors could not find an answer to Matlock's tactics was understandable as the Elks pack bore scant resemblance to that which has performed so well in the winning run. With 2 changes in the front row, 2 in the second row and forced to play a prop in the back row the forwards struggled to find cohesion in the scrum, line out, ruck, and maul. As a result the backs were starved of ball. Conditions underfoot and a slippery ball further hindered a flowing game and the Elks rarely found any rhythm.

Even allowing for the terrible conditions the Elks showed early intent and looked to move the ball. Five minutes in Carney combined with Greg Taylor to counter from a Matlock clearance and earned a penalty which Connolly converted from 40 meters to give the Elks a 0-3 lead.

The lead was short lived as Matlock earned a scrum from the restart close to the Elks line. Brooks picked up from the base and his forwards drove him towards the line. Despite resisting the first surges the Matlock forwards were not to be denied and grounded the ball for a try converted by Young to give Matlock a 7-3 lead with only 7 minutes gone.

Following the score Matlock laid siege to the Elks line. Resolute defence denied the for 20 minutes and a Corcoran turnover in midfield enabled the Elks to take play into the opposition half. A Corcoran charge supported by Gatehouse and Dan Taylor took play into the Matlock 22 and earn Connolly a penalty shot which he converted to make it 7-6 very much against the run of play.

Matlock were playing the conditions better but the Elks always posed a threat and Greg and Lewis Taylor with Hallam worked hard to set up counter attacks from deep. One such counter started by Lewis Taylor and taken on by Carney set up quick ruck ball inside Matlock's 22. With a solid defensive wall in front of him Connolly spotted space out wide and an inch perfect chip found Greg Taylor who plucked the ball from the air and dived over to give the Elks an unlikely 7-11 lead at half time.

The second half told much the same story with Matlock dominating possession and territory. Matlocks ability to kick long pinned the Elks inside their own half. A Dan Taylor break could have extended the lead but the ball was lost close to the line. The conditions cost Connolly when he lost his footing and his penalty attempt fell short before Matlock again used the rolling maul to devastating effect to claim a second try following a line out close to the Elks line giving the a 12-11 lead which they never relinguished.

Injuries further complicated the Elks task when Carney, Lewis Taylor, and Holland were forced off to be replaced by Ayers, Falls, and Clarke.

Despite probings by Quinn and Corcoran and breaks by Dan and Greg Taylor the Elks could not put the finishing touches to some promising moves. Connolly too looked to make the best use of meager possession but the final act was left to Matlock when yet another rolling maul registered a third try and a 19-11 victory.

Despite the result the Elks remain second in the league, but they will hope that the growing injury list will ease and that firmer grounds will allow them to play a more flowing game and keep their promotion hopes alive

Classic Drinks Man of the Match - Dan Taylor.