Elks defeated on the road at Newark

Elks travelled to Newark and despite having some good spells eventually lost 21-12 in a rather scrappy game. Newark began with the wind advantage and were soon on the attack, the Elks defence was good although most of the first 15 mins was in the Elks half, when Ilkeston did have the ball poor body positions caused turnovers and spilt ball. Aiden Norris linked well with Harry Walton but the last pass was adjudged forward and the attack halted.

Elks conceded a penalty and Newark kicked to the 22, the line out was caught and driven over for the first score on 19 mins, extras missed. 5-0.

Newark’s No10 was using the wind well and pinning Ilkeston back in their own half, the Elks did get some chances but again poor execution meant the ball was too often spilt or passes went astray.

Elks tried to run out their own 22 but were halted and gave away a penalty, Newark’s fly half made no mistake with the kick making it 8-0 after 34 mins.

Newark continued to attack and from one such attack Elks were guilty of a high tackle, again the Newark 10 was accurate and extended the score to 11-0 at half time.

Elks needed to regroup and get back in the game but had the worst possible start when from a poor clearance kick the ball was returned to score with some sloppy tackling not helping, the conversion was added making it 18-0 after 46 mins.

Newark were full of confidence and attacked again, another Elks penalty resulted in 3 more points from the fly half making it 21-0 after 53 mins.

Elks responded well and attacked down the left through Zac Lebeter, he offloaded to Jake Lamb who time his pass well to allow Luke Bayliss to sprint through and score, extras added from Walton making it 21-7

Elks were soon on the attack again and were only halted as a result of a spear tackle on Aaron Garvey, although not malicious it was a clear red card offence and Newark were down to 14 on 65 mins.

Elks line out continued to function well with Aiden Norris winning many clean throws and the Elks started to have more territory and possession.

The attacks from the Elks kept coming but the passing was not slick enough to break down the Newark defence, Lamb in particular caused many problems for the Newark midfield with some bulldozing runs.

As the clock ran down a Newark scrum was turned over and a quick pass put Alex Ayres through to crash over on 79 mins, the conversion was missed leaving the Elks short of a losing bonus point as the final whistle blew. 21-12.

Not a vintage performance from the Elks but Newark remain top and the Elks have now played several of the top sides and will now have good chances to register their first league win, starting next week with the visit of Ashbourne.

Norris, Walton and Ayres all had good games but Man of the Match goes to Jake Lamb who had many strong runs into the Newark defence and kept several Newark attacks at bay.