Spalding Deny Elks Winning Finale to Season

In the end the result of the final league game of the season was academic to Ilkeston. They lost, but had they won they would still not have achieved second place and a play off spot, as Paviors won at home and claimed that honour. The same cannot be said for their hosts as they
needed to win to maintain their league position. At the start of the day Spalding sat one place off the relegation zone, equal on points with the
side below, but with a better win lose ratio and only three points above the bottom club. All of bottom four clubs won, against top six opposition.

As the constant updates fed through from the crowd to the players the difference was perceptable as Ilkeston watched their fate being decided
elsewhere and Spalding dug deeper to ensure their survival.

The atrocious conditions with driving rain and a pitch, showing the wear of a long season, more resembling a skating rink, did not suit running rugby and the game was a litany of errors with dropped ball and penalties for players going off their feet a feature. To his credit Mr Ward, the referee, did his best to adapt to the conditions and allow for advantage to be played where possible, although his interpretation at the numerous scrums, where Ilkeston were totally dominant, did raise some debate.

The early stages suggested a romp for the visitors as they raced into a 0 - 7 lead after ten minutes. Despite the conditions the Elks intention to keep the ball in hand and stretch the game paid dividends in the opening exchanges. Moving the ball from deep Falls, Dan Taylor, McKelvey and Greg Taylor earned a line out inside Spalding's twenty two. Fowkes secured the throw, the forwards mauled towards the line, Corcoran peeled off and muscled his way over. Falls converted from the touchline. The keep the ball in hand tactic paid dividends seven minutes later with a second try. Recycling through numerous phases and superb hands, considering the conditions, from McGuire, Moore, Bennett and Lewis Taylor took play close to the Spalding line. Quick ruck ball from Haigh
fed Rudkin and his finely timed pass to Gatehouse put him into the corner to stretch the score to 0 - 12.

Although the Elks dominated the possession and enjoyed the lions share of territory, the home sides tenacityand endeavour never faltered and they tackled with a ferocity that kept the waves of attack at bay. When the opportunity presented itself they showed an ability to make the most of slender pickings. With Brown, Williams and Chappell willing ball carriers and Anker and Sharman scavenging to keep them in the contest chances were bound to to come. The first on thirty two minutes followed a line out take and swift delivery into midfield. The elusive Williamson ghosted through a gap and fed Adams who finished in style to make it 5 - 12 at half time.

The news from the sidelines and deteriorating conditions set the agenda for the second half. The Elks continued to dominate possession but failed to capitalise on ball provided and territorial advantage. Early in the half Spalding reduced the arrears when Lucas kicked a simple penalty to bring the score to 8 - 12. News from afar continued to drift in and Spaldings resolve was visable as they repulsed wave after wave of Ilkeston assault. The Elks created opportunities but desperate defence and the conditions denied them a score which would have deflated the homeside. As the game entered injury time Spalding mounted one final onslaught but Elks appeared to have survived until a poor defensive kick and even poorer chase, coupled with three missed tackles, saw Adams claim his second try, and I am sure the freedom of Spalding, to
secure a narrow 13 - 12 victory and survival for next season.

Classic Drinks Man of the Match Joel Haigh.