Elks Gain Another 5 Pointer

Injuries last week and this in the warm up meant there were some positional changes made. Matt Watkins, Jake Lamb & Louis Taylor were all out so Dan Taylor moved to fly half, Dan Mahoney went on the flank and Jack Townsend came in on the wing.

These changes had no effect at all in the first 15 minutes as the Elks with the slope, flew out the blocks and following quick recycled ball Stephen Fowkes crashed over on 3 minutes, converted by Joel Haigh 7-0.

The Elks were soon on the attack again and the forwards carried well with Ryan Mills being involved twice in one particular move. Kettering had a brief moment with the ball but superb defence and counter rucking by Greg Taylor won back the ball.

Ben Wells came off after 14mins with Josh Meakin going on. Haigh then made a great break from a scrum but the ball was knocked on near the line. Kettering were penalised for an early push at the scrum and the ball was worked left, continued pressure eventually told when Matt McGuire crashed over on 18mins, again converted by Haigh to make it 14-0.

The Elks were straight back on the attack with Kettering starved of any real possession. Following an Elks accidental offside, Kettering cleared to touch and won back the ball and the Elks were penalised again for offside and Kettering kicked to touch. They had their first real attacking chance but knocked on in the back line allowing Dan Taylor to clear. Despite having had very little ball, Kettering worked hard and combined with Elks mistakes play was concentrated around half way. Kettering worked their way into the Elks 22 and had a good spell of pressure ended by a knock on.

Fowkes was replaced by Dean Chapman on 35 mins with Chapman going to prop and Meakin dropping to the second row.

Following a collision at the break down play was held up for several minutes after Steve Quinn was knocked out. Fowkes was able to return to the field after treatment to replace Quinn on 37mins, who after a lengthy spell down was thankfully ok to leave the field on his feet.

After the long break in play both sides looked rushed and a bit flat and no further scores were registered before half time. 14-0

Kettering had the slope second half and kicked off looking to get back in the game, they were quickly on the attack and took play well into the Elks 22, the ball was worked left and quick hands gave them the opportunity to score, this was converted on 43mins to bring the score to 14-7

This immediately spurred the Elks into a response and following a good series of forward drives the ball was driven close to the line, McGuire was on hand to finish off and score on 46 mins, this was unconverted to make it 19-7

Both sides then made several mistakes and neither team could wrestle control as play was concentrated around the half way line, defences were strong on both sides with Alex Ayres in particular stopping many Kettering attacks with some powerful tackling.

Following a period of Kettering pressure Fowkes stole a line out which allowed Elks to clear to half way, the Elks launched a good attack with G Taylor and Jack Townsend linking well down the blindside eventually forced into touch. Next into the attack was Ayres who made a nice break but the ball was passed forwards, this seemed to be the theme of the Elks play as little mistakes crept in denying any real momentum or territory.

Elks did work their way into the Kettering 22 and a line out was taken by Fowkes and driven towards the line, Adam Corcoran broke off the back of the maul and used his power to force his way over on 66mins, the conversion was missed to make it 24-7.

Elks were soon back on the attack with Mills carrying well, Kettering cleared and Jono Falls returned but soon after the ball was knocked on, Kettering were quick to pounce and worked the ball down the blindside to score on 69mins - this was converted to make it 24-14.

Kettering could see they had chance to get something out the game and attacked again. The Elks were penalised at the breakdown and Kettering kicked the 3 points to make it 24-17. Ilkeston looked shaken by Kettering’s comeback and needed to dig deep, the forwards then took some control keeping things tight and denying Kettering possession, Elks got a penalty at a rolling maul and kicked to touch, despite losing the line out the forwards won back the ball and again kept things tight until the final whistle. Final score 24-17

A somewhat surprising score line after the dominant first 15 minutes but credit to Kettering who battled back well and were delighted with their losing bonus point, the Elks can still be satisfied win the win and 4 try bonus point considering the changes in the team. Greg Taylor and Ryan Mills both played well but for some great defensive work, especially in the second half Alex Ayres was chosen as Man of the Match.

With ON`s losing at Bedford it has really compressed the top of the table and should make for an exciting second half of the season.

Link to Derby Telegraph article.

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report.

Link to Derby Telegraph report.

Link to Nottingham Post report.

Next game away at Peterborough Sat 15th Dec 2.15 KO