Chances not taken as Elks defeated by Paviors

Pavs made the early running downhill and were soon in the Elks 22, continued pressure told and ex Ilkeston player Adam Corcoran got the touchdown from a driving maul, extras added making it 0-7 after 5 mins.

Elks gradually came into the game with Steve Quinn leading the attack, Joel Haigh continued the move and fed Aaron Garvey on the wing, he was halted short of the line but Pavs were offside in midfield and Haigh slotted the penalty making it 3-7 after 14 mins.

Elks were starting to concede breakdown penalties and after several infringements the referee lost patience and dispatched Ellis Hallam to the bin after 18 mins.

Pavs took full advantage of the extra man and ran in two quick tries, one of which was converted making it 3-19 after 27 mins.

Elks finally got the backs into the game with both Dan and Greg Taylor causing problems for Pavs, following another G Taylor attack Pavs were caught offside and Haigh duly slotted the kick to make it 6-19 after 30 mins.

Elks began to link phases together and played their best rugby of the half, continued attacks through Steve Mahoney, G Taylor and Garvey took play to the Pavs 22, the ball was recycled and Mahoney charged through a gap to score under the posts, Haigh with the extras making it 13-19 at half time.

Elks must have fancied their chances now having the slope in the second half but continued to run the ball from their own 22 instead of kicking for territory, Pavs forced mistakes and launched a counter attack from which they scored on 48 mins, extras added making it 13-26.

Elks now had a mountain to climb and despite putting in a huge effort the final passes were not going to hand and at least 3 overlaps were wasted, matter were not helped when Dan Hyams received a yellow following a late challenge.

Frustrations grew amongst the Elks as passes were dropped and discipline became poor, despite having the bulk of possession Elks could not get back in the game. Pavs defence was solid and they denied the Elks chance of a losing bonus point and they held firm in the final minutes. Full time 13-26.

Pavs deserved their victory on the day but the Elks will be disappointed with their execution as plenty of overlaps were created but not taken.

Discipline was also poor as many penalties were conceded at the breakdown and two yellow cards gave Pavs a man advantage for 20 mins.

Next week gets no easier as the Elks visit top of the table Bedford Athletic, kick off 2.15