Elks Go Down To Lowly Peterborough

With Ben Wells, Steve Quinn, Stephen Fowkes, Josh Meakin & Jake Smithurst all missing from the forwards it meant Matt McGuire & Jack Wilkinson from the colts playing in the second row.

The Elks kicked off and were soon penalised at the breakdown and Boro kicked to touch but the line out was scrappy and the Elks put the pressure on which resulted in a penalty against Boro for holding on. The Elks kicked to touch and Jack Wilkinson took clean ball, the maul was driven but held resulting in a scrum. Elks won the scrum but were penalised for accidental off side so Boro kicked to touch and Wilkinson took another catch which was fed to the backs but knocked on - which unfortunately was to be the theme of the day.

Boro cleared and after another Elks penalty Boro took play into the Elks 22. From the line out, Boro drove towards the line, the maul was held up but with the Elks penalised again, Boro took a quick tap penalty and forced their way over on 11minutes and this was converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

From the kick off the Elks won the ball back but were turned over in midfield. Boro kicked ahead and Joel Haigh fielded well and cleared. Boro were then penalised for off side but the kick to touch was missed, Boro counter attacked and the Elks were penalised for not rolling away from the tackle area.

Boro kicked to touch but the line out was not straight, but after winning the scrum the Elks knocked on. From the Boro scrum the No 8 picked and made good ground, the ball was re-cycled and Boro broke through the defensive line where support was on hand to score on 24minutes and with a successful conversion it was 14-0. This was a fair reflection as far too many mistakes were being made by the Elks.

From the kick off Elks worked their way down into the Boro 22 and finally had some decent ball in the opposition 22, following good work by Ryan Mills the Elks were held up short but recycled well and moved the ball left to score through Matt McGuire on 30 minutes, well converted by Haigh to make it 14-7. The restart did not go 10 metres but from the scrum Elks were turned over and lost the put in. This fired up the pack who then pushed Boro off their own ball. Play was briefly stopped for an injury to Matt Watkins who was struggling to shake off a persistent shoulder injury.

Elks launched an attack with Mills carrying well, Boro were penalised at the breakdown and the Elks kicked to touch, although the ball was cleanly won it was knocked on. Elks took the ball against the head and Haigh went blind and was held up short, the ball was recycled and knocked on by Boro after an attempted interception. From the scrum Dan Taylor went on a good run but was tackled well, Boro were again penalised at the breakdown and this time the referee had a stern word with the skipper. Elks then looked like scoring on the right but a forward pass was given, this brought half time with much to think about for the Elks.

The Elks started the second half with the advantage of a slight wind and hoping to turn things around; Elks were soon in the Boro 22 but again we knocked on. The Elks won back the ball, Boro were penalised for offside and the kick to touch was the option, but the line out was overthrown and Boro went 70 metres down the field into the Elks 22.

Elks tried to clear but yet again knocked on. From the Boro scrum the No 8 went blind but was held up near the line. Elks turned over the ball and Alex Ayres made good ground in midfield, from the breakdown the ball was kicked ahead only for Boro to field well and counter attack. The Elks were then penalised for side entry into the breakdown. Boro opted for a shot at goal but this was pushed wide on 50 minutes. Elks kicked long from the drop out and Boro knocked on in the 22 allowing easy possession for the Elks.

Despite seeing plenty of possession and territory the Elks were struggling with any cohesion due to poor passing and handling. Play was held up on 58 minutes when Watkins had to leave the field with a recurrence of his shoulder problem. He was replaced by debutant Jonathan Down who had recently joined from Derby. Greg Taylor moved to flank as Down took his place in the backs. Elks attacked again but were penalised at the breakdown and Wilkinson was sin binned for going off his feet, it looked harsh as he was hit from behind and had no real option. Boro again opted for the shot at goal but this was again pushed wide on 60 minutes.

The Elks managed to launch a decent attack and Jono Falls made a great break down the right only for the ball to be knocked on. Boro knocked on from the scrum and Elks had the ball back, they attacked well and Boro were penalised twice in quick time for slowing the ball down and not rolling away. The referee lost patience and yellow carded the Boro centre. Haigh opted for the kick at goal and was successful on 65 minutes making it 14-10. The majority of the last 15 minutes were spent in the Boro half but Elks could not make any real chances due to the poor quality of the ball handling - I don’t think I have seen so many knock on`s all season.

Boro finally managed to clear the ball from danger and back chat from the Elks gave them a penalty which they kicked to touch, the ball was won and Boro ran the clock down and kicked dead to gain the victory.

On the day Boro deserved their win, but I’m sure the boys will be bitterly disappointed with the level of play shown. The front row was probably the only highlight of the day and Man of the Match goes to Ryan Mills who apart from the dominant scrimmage, carried well in the loose.

Link to Derby Telegraph article.

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report.

Link to Derby Telegraph report.

Link to Nottingham Post report.

Things need to improve greatly for next week when we entertain Market Bosworth at home 2.15pm kick off.