ELKS WIN AT MODERNS

Man of the Match - Adam Stoker.

Once there was a game called rugby, now there is a variation of that game dominated by the ELVs or the new law experiment. In the past, two sides battled for the ball at the breakdown and once won, tried to outwit and outmanoeuvre the opposition. Now both sides are orchestrated by a whistling symphony and wander about in a daze trying to make sense of the conductor’s directions.

On Saturday the amount of whistling would not have been out of place at the NottingHill Carnival. The law makers may have a perfect understanding of the concept involved in this experiment and they may feel that constant stoppages, leading to a lack of continuity makes for a better spectacle but they would be hard pushed to anyone at this game on the pitch or in the crowd who agrees with them.

Despite the stop start nature of the game both sides tried manfully to get to grips with the referees interpretations and produce flowing rugby. It was noticeable that when the game was allowed to go through a number of phases it resulted in three of the five tries.

The first 27 minutes were a non-event with penalties and free kicks making all but goal kickers and line kickers redundant. Moderns gained the lead on 17 minutes with a penalty and from the restart the game momentarily came alive. Adam Stoker regained the restart kick and Scott Rudkin drove the ball on. When the ball was turned over the home side failed to find touch. Gordon Pringle fielded the ball and linked with Dan Taylor who fed Neil Stenhouse. His weaving run created a two on one and his perfectly timed pass put Bryn Locke over in the corner to make it 3-5.

Locke's joy was short lived as minutes later he was yellow carded for infringing what can only be described as an interpretation of the ELVs. His dismissal provided Moderns with a penalty to regain the lead at 6-5. The Elks advantage was immediately restored by a Stenhouse penalty following good work by Taylor and man of the match Stoker.

The lead was extended on 36 minutes with a classic Taylor try as he jinked through under the posts after some deft handling by Rudkin. As half time approached the game at last developed a pattern, some second phase ball was allowed and the backs on both sides were allowed a share of the ball. The Elks forwards had established a solid platform in both scrum and line out and while never dominant they did provide a supply of quality ball.

As the second half commenced the youngster Tom Hall was replaced by returning from injury captain Craig Charlton. With barely 2 minutes gone Moderns were undone by their desire to be adventurous. Moving the ball from inside their own 22 brought pressure form the Elks midfield. Debutant JJ Connolly charged down an attempted clearance, Rudkin scooped up the ball and strolled to the posts. Stenhouse converted and retired from proceedings. Another first team regular returning from injury Alan Cook took up station at centre with Connolly moving to fly half.

If Moderns thought the adjustment in the Elks backs would offer respite they were deluded. A Quinn take at the back of the line out was driven forward. When the ball was released swift hands carried the ball wide and an undefendable line taken by Taylor brought him his second try. Jono Falls converted to give the Elks a comfortable cushion of 6-29.

The home side could have capitulated with a quarter of the game still to go but Moderns are known for their defiant spirit and responded with an opportunist try following some sloppy Elks work at a line out on 10 meters. Russ Garland replaced the impressive Bryn Locke and his weight, height and fresh legs presented extra problems to a tired Moderns pack.

As the game drew to a close Moderns upped their efforts but could not find their way through a determined and well organised defence. A piece of foul play, more accident than intent, saw a flurry of fists and Moderns centre Mapp red carded. A punishment most felt to be harsh and not a true reflection of a game played in the correct spirit.

The 11-29 result means that the Elks prepare for next weeks visitors Grimsby, sitting on top of the table. While the season is yet young the omens look good and this side will surely be a match for anyone in this league.