Elks register first win of the season

The overnight rain cleared and the game was played in bright and breezy conditions.

From the kick off Elks struggled to gather the ball and gifted possession to Scouts, they counter attacked to the 5 metre line and Elks scramble defence was caught off side, Scouts kicker missed the first opportunity of points with a pulled kick after 8 mins.

Elks soon had their first visit to the Scouts half and were rewarded with a penalty following handling at the ruck, the returning Jono Falls was spot on with the kick giving Elks the lead 0-3 after 11 mins.

Elks again failed to deal with the kick off handing the initiative back to Scouts, they took full advantage and moved the ball left to find an overlap and run in for the first try, this was well converted from the left corner to make it 7-3 to the Scouts after 16 mins. Simon Bennett was forced off with a calf injury and replaced by Sam Humphries.

Elks were quick to respond and Dan Rollins took clean ball from an attacking line out, Stevie Quinn broke off and was halted but Scouts were off side, Falls again struck the ball well and reduced the deficit to one point at 6-7 after 21 mins.

The breakdown was being well fought by McGuire, Quinn, Mahoney and Humphries and Scouts were penalised for holding on, Jake Lamb kicked to the 22 but the line out was lost and Scouts cleared, Scouts were again penalised at the breakdown and Lamb kicked to the 5 metre line, Rollins took a clean catch and the forwards drove towards the line, the ball was moved right but Elks were penalised for coming in at the side and Scouts cleared.

Elks launched another attack and following a good tackle the Elks were penalised at the ruck, back chat the cost the Elks 20 metres and Scouts cleared the danger.

The Elks left it late in the half to produce their best move of the game, Rollins took clean line out ball and the backs launched an attack through Greg Taylor, he was dragged down at the 5 metre line but the ball was recycled quickly and moved right, a miss pass found Joel Haigh in space and he darted over to score after 38 mins, Falls again kicked well and the Elks led 7-13 at half time.

Elks began the half well and were soon in the Scouts 22 with an attacking line out, Rollins caught clean and the ball was moved right, play broke down but Scouts were off side and Falls duly obliged with another 3 points after 44 mins making it 7-16.

Scouts responded well after this score and had their best phase of the game, this was helped by numerous mistakes from the Elks and some poor discipline which resulted in a yellow card for Rollins for not rolling away after 54 mins.

Scouts took advantage of the extra man and carried play into the Elks 22, Elks were again guilty of not rolling away and they reduced the deficit to 10-16 after 62 mins.

This time Elks took the kick off well but knocked on soon after gifting possession to Scouts, it was a nervy finish to the game as Scouts looked for the vital score and Elks defended well.

Elks counter attacked following a Scouts knock on and play was moved left, Scouts were penalised for a high tackle which resulted in a somewhat harsh yellow card as the tackle seemed clumsy rather than malicious. This reduced Scouts to 14 after 66 mins.

The Elks took full advantage of the extra man and were soon camped in the Scouts 22, another attacking line out saw Rollins take good ball and play was moved right, the ball was recycled but knocked on, Elks were penalised at the ensuing scrum and Scouts cleared to half way.

Scouts had one final attack with a line out 5 metres out but the throw was long and Mahoney stole the ball, G Taylor broke out and made 30 metres, Scouts were penalised at the breakdown and Lamb kicked to half way.

Again Rollins took clean ball and play was moved left, the ball was knocked on but Scouts were off side, Falls stepped up and made the game safe with another clean strike on 78 mins, making it 10-19.

Mahoney dealt with the kick off and the ball was kicked dead bringing full time.

A much improved performance form last week saw the first win registered, some glimpses of last season’s back play were visible although discipline cost Elks dear at crucial times. Rollins stood out with some great line out takes and the rest of the forwards battled hard at the break down. The receiving of kick offs caused many problems and the backs looked rusty at times although injured players are now becoming available strengthening the squad.

Man of the Match goes to Matt McGuire who apart from his set piece work put in several important tackles and carried some hard yards with ball in hand.

Next week sees the first home game against Old Laurentians who have already suffered 2 heavy defeats. Kick Off 3.00PM