Elks Beat In Form Towcestrians

Elks kicked off with the slope in their favour and following a Towcester knock on, were soon on the attack with Greg Taylor and Dan Taylor, both looking sharp with ball in hand.

Towcester were penalised at the next breakdown and the Elks opted to kick to touch but the line out was knocked on allowing Towcester to clear. They then had their first possession in the Elks 22 and were soon given a chance for points when the Elks were penalised at the breakdown, the shot at goal was missed on 10 minutes.

Elks continued to attack but some solid defence kept them at bay, when, following several phases of play, the Elks recycled well and Lewis Taylor made a great break and quick hands put Ryan Mills in the clear and he crashed over on 17 minutes, this was well converted by Joel Haigh to give the Elks a 7-0 lead.

Elks fielded the kick off well and were soon on the front foot again only to be halted with a penalty for crossing. Towcester cleared to half way, but Dan Taylor went on a great run only to be felled by a high tackle, this resulted in a yellow card for the Towcester centre on 28 minutes. Haigh converted the penalty to make it 10-0

The Elks took full advantage of the extra man and launched wave after wave of attacks, some great handling on the right put Jonathon Falls in to score on 33 minutes, this was unconverted to make the score 15-0

Elks were soon back in the Towcester 22 and missed a great chance to add to the score when the ball was knocked on, allowing Towcester to clear. Elks won the line out and attacked again on the left, Ayres made a lovely break and fed Greg Taylor who showed great strength and handed off the defender to burst through and score on 38 minutes, this was converted by Haigh to make it 22-0.

From the kick off, the Elks were soon on the attack and Matt Watkins made a superb break to gain 30 metres, unfortunately the ball was knocked on soon after. Towcester finished the half on the attack and had some good possession in the Elks 22, this was well defended by the Elks with birthday boy Jake Lamb, putting in some good tackles. This brought an end to a great half of rugby by the Elks to take a 22-0 lead into the second half.

Changes at half time saw Dean Chapman off for Simon Hallam and Josh Meakin off for Tom Pottinger.

Towcester then showed why they have been in good recent form and were soon in the Elks 22. Following an Elks infringement, Towcester kicked to touch and won clean ball from the line out, this was driven over for a score on 45 minutes to make it 22-5.

Elks responded immediately and after several phases Haigh burst through to score and convert his own try on 48 minutes to make it 29-5

Falls was replaced by Dan Mahoney on 49 minutes.

Elks attacked again and Towcester were penalised at the breakdown, Elks kicked to touch and won clean ball and moved the ball left. Steve Quinn stormed through the line and was stopped just short of the try line, the ball was quickly recycled and moved blind putting G Taylor into space to score his second try on 52 minutes, conversion missed making it 34-5

Towcester did not drop their heads and came storming back on the attack, well defended by the Elks.

D Taylor retired on 57 minutes with an injury to his hand, replaced by Meakin.

Towcester continued to attack and from a 5 metre scrum Elks were penalised where the Towcester scrum half took a quick tap and forced his way over on 58 minutes, this was unconverted to make it 34-10

Towcester attacked again but after the ball was turned over, Haigh put in a great clearance kick to gain 40 metres.

McGuire retied with an sore hip and was replaced by Chapman on 60 minutes.

Elks attacked again and won clean ball through Jake Smithurst at the line out, the ball was quickly moved but knocked on.

Elks were penalised in midfield and Towcester took a quick tap and made good ground down the left, this was recycled well and the ball moved quickly for them to score in the corner, this was unconverted and brought the final whistle leaving the score at 34-15.

Despite losing the second half, the first half performance was a dominant one and won the game. The forwards put in a sterling display and allowed the backs to have some good quality ball. There were many fine displays but from a great back row effort Steve Quinn got the nod for Man of the Match.

Link to Derby Evening Telegraph article.

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report.

Link to Derby Evening Telegraph report.

Link to Nottingham Post report.

Next game the re-arranged fixture against Market Bosworth Jan 19th 2.15 Kick Off

Great stuff lads keep up the good work!