Ilkeston Too Hot for Peterborough

The Elks started playing downhill and were quickly into their stride, after 2 minutes Lewis Taylor made a superb break down the left and as the last man tackled him he was able to offload back inside to Adam Corcoran who went over for the first score, converted by Jono Falls.

A great turnover from Matt McGuire soon put the Elks back on the attack who were then penalised for off their feet at a ruck. Peterborough then attacked but the move was halted by Steve Quinn which resulted in a long stoppage as the Peterborough player was stretchered off - unfortunately this turned out to be a broken ankle, so we wish him a speedy recovery.

The stoppage did not help either team as play was broken up and halted with several knock on’s and line outs not straight. The Elks gave away too many silly penalties and one of these was kicked on 30 minutes to make the score 7-3

The Elks quickly attacked again but another knock on halted play. Elks then took a scrum against the head but again a poor option resulted in a knock on. Another attack was foiled by a forward pass; things did not seem to be quite clicking into place.

The Elks then had a great finish to the half with communication and execution much better, a break first by Alex Ayres and then Joel Haigh, put Hugh Smith in for a try which was converted. From the kick off the ball was taken by Corcoran who ran it back with Steve Fowkes in support and eventually passed to Lewis Taylor to go over, try unconverted.

Corcoran was then involved again as a kick ahead was gathered and passed to Greg Taylor who eventually ran out of support. Half Time 19-3.

The second half began with uncontested scrums due to a further Peterborough front row injury; this to be fair hindered the Elks who had started to dominate the scrummage.

The Elks discipline again let them down though as Peterborough were able to clear their lines. A great kick by Greg Taylor put the Elks back in the opposition 22. The line out was well stolen by Simon Bennett who fed Haigh who came back blind and good hands put Greg Taylor in to score, unconverted.

Peterborough then came back and had their best period of the game, some good drives and runs in midfield allowed them to score 2 converted tries to bring them right back into the game at 24-17. The next Elks visit to the Peterborough 22 ended with them offside for an easy 3 point penalty kick by Jono. The Elks then attacked well and recycled the ball several times although wrong options seemed to be taken. Finally after 6 phases, good handling put Ayres in on the right, unconverted making the score 32-17.

Peterborough came on another attack but good defence from Corcoran forced a penalty which allowed the Elks to clear. As players tired in the heat, both sides used their benches to bring on fresh legs. The Elks then pressured the Peterborough line and a loose pass was pounced on by Corcoran to score, unconverted.

Ilkeston came back strong again and only good scramble defence kept them out. The Elks then had a series of scrums and eventually Corcoran picked up and drove over for the final score which was again unconverted. Final Score 42-17.

Although the heat played a part in the game there were more mistakes than usual and I’m sure the players and coaching team will work on this during the week. Man of the Match Adam Corcoran.

Next game away at Market Bosworth 3.00 KO

Nick Pettitt
Club President

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