Elks struggle at top of the table Bedford

Elks began well enough but the line out was an issue all game and halted any momentum from kicks to touch. Bedford’s backs looked lively but Alex Ayres in particular tackled well and stopped them at source.

Following a loose clearance kick Bedford opened the scoring with a slick counter attack scoring under the posts, extras added making it 7-0 after 20 mins.

Both sides were making unforced handling errors which led to a very stop start game with few continuous phases. Elks lost scrum half Joel Haigh to injury replaced by Joe Marsden.

Bedford began to apply more pressure as half time approached and their backs produced some quality rugby resulting in 3 quick tries, 2 of which were converted making it 26-0 at half time.

Elks began the second half well but again the line out was not functioning well as several balls were spilt or stolen, from one steal Bedford broke the length of the field but great work from Joe Marsden held up the Bedford player over the line.

Bedford were seeing the bulk of possession and territory but basic handling errors were halting their attacks, Bedford continued to pressurise and a clever cross kick was well caught by the winger who dived over to score, extras missed making it 31-0 after 64 mins.

Elks had few chances to get on the scoreboard but heads never went down and they battled hard to the end, Bedford had the last say of the game with another score on the left wing, well converted to make it 38-0 at full time.

With a much changed team and several inexperienced players in the line-up this wasn’t a bad effort against a team who look destined to go up, everyone battled hard and heads never dropped.

Alex Ayres tackled well in the back line along with Joe Marsden and Josh Meakin and Marc Moore stood up well in the pack, Man of the Match goes to Tom Pottinger who had numerous ball carries and won some decent line out ball when moved to the front of the line.

Next week sees the visit of Bugbrooke and hopefully a return to winning ways, kick off 2.15