Elks no match for Market Rasen

Relegation threatened Market Rasen visited the Stute and produced an all-round display of desire and aggression which the Elks could not match, eventually running out 3-32 winners.

Elks began with the slope advantage and were first to score with a well struck penalty from Joel Haigh giving them an early 3-0 lead after 3 mins, Rasen responded quickly with a penalty of their own to level it up at 3-3 after 5 mins.

That was about as good as it got for the Elks as Market Rasen dominated the game with strong defence and hard aggressive running.

Their first try was from a trademark catch and drive from an attacking line out after 9 mins, extras missed making it 3-8.

Despite playing uphill Rasen dominated possession and created an overlap for the second try after 16 mins, again unconverted making it 3-13.

Elks did respond this time but handling errors halted any decent moves, Jack Partington made a great break through the defence but was held up short and Rasen turned the ball over and counter attacked, Elks were penalised and warned about the number of breakdown penalties being conceded.

Rasen again attacked from a line out and worked the ball into midfield, they broke from the back of the ruck and poor defending allowed an easy run in for a try, converted to make it 3-20 after 34 mins.

Rasen were looking hungrier for the ball in all departments and only some solid defensive work prevented further scores before half time.

Elks were now uphill and facing a huge mountain to climb to get back into the game, the effort was better especially from Tom Pottinger and Jake Lamb but basic errors were halting any chances of scoring.

Further Elks attacks were again thwarted by individual errors and Rasen counter attacked, Elks were penalised and marched back another 10 metres for backchat, Rasen took full advantage as they kicked for the line out and again caught and drove over the line for another try, extras missed making it 3-25 after 57 mins.

Elks tried to respond but there was no team effort just individual attempts which were easily stopped by Rasen, indeed they finished the game stronger and scored their final try from an attacking scrum on the right, extras missed making it 3-32 at full time.

Few highlights for the Elks but Man of the Match goes to Tom Pottinger who showed the desire and effort may of his team mates did not.

This was certainly a day to forget for the Elks as Market Rasen turned up ready to go and the Elks did not, Rasen fully deserved their victory which looks likely to help keep them up this season. No game next week due to Easter but next up is Matlock away who are also battling relegation so will be another team up for the fight.