Derby win battle of defences

Heavy showers during the morning made running rugby difficult although both sets of coaches will be pleased with their respective teams defensive performances.

Elks had the slope first half although Derby had the first real chance from a promising attack which was halted on the 5 metre line, a great steal from Greg Taylor allowed Elks to clear.

Derby attacked again and recycled well, Elks were too keen with the defence and were penalised for off side, the penalty was well struck to give Derby the lead after 7 mins 0-3.

Elks had their first real attack from a scrum resulting in Derby being penalised for collapsing, Elks kicked to the corner and won clean line out ball, the ball was moved into midfield with Alex Ayres on the crash, he was well tackled and Derby won a penalty at the breakdown, they cleared to halfway and took good line out ball, the attack was carried on to the Elks 5 metre line where again G Taylor stole the ball and the Elks cleared.

Elks then had their first visit into the Derby 22 following good work from G Taylor and Hugh Smith, Smith was dragged down just short of the line but poor discipline resulted in the Elks being penalised for going off their feet at the ruck, this allowed Derby to clear.

Elks were battling hard with Dan Taylor and Ayres carrying well but Derby’s defence was strong preventing any real line breaks, things got worse for the Elks when Greg Taylor was forced off with injury after 23 mins, replaced by Sean Gordon.

The Elks finished the half well and following several good phases Derby were penalised for off side, Andor Benji converted the kick to level things up as the half time whistle blew making it 3-3.

The forwards were in front of the kicker from the restart and Derby had a scrum on half way, Elks won the ball against the head and Derby were penalised, Elks kicked to touch and after winning clean ball attacked through Tom Pottinger, Derby again defended well and the move broke down.

Derby were starting to dominate territory and possession although the Elks defence was strong and clear openings were not being found.

Derby attacked from a line out on half way and moved the ball left, good hands in the conditions found space on the left for probably the first time in the game and the Derby winger squeezed in at the corner after 60 mins, the conversion was well struck from the touchline to make it 3-10.

Elks responded well through Chris Tipton and Pottinger but again Derby defence stood strong, Elks tried valiantly to get back in the game through Ayres and Pottinger but the gaps were not to be found in a resilient Derby defence.

Elks had one final chance again through Pottinger but he was forced into touch bringing the final whistle, full time score 3-10.

Derby probably deserved to edge the game as their defence was impressive throughout the game, if the Elks play to this level for the rest of the season we will certainly have more wins than losses as the skill level was high and defence strong.

G Taylor, D Taylor and Ayres all battled hard to find gaps and the forwards looked solid, Man of the Match goes to Tom Pottinger who defended very well and looked the most dangerous Elks player in attack.

No game next week as the World Cup Final takes place so next action is in the Cup on Thursday evening, away at Matlock kick off 7.30, next league action is away at Huntingdon on Nov 7th 2.15 KO.