Elks Mauled By Lions

Unfortunately the Lions forwards were dominant throughout and set the platform for a Lions victory.

The Lions first attack was halted by Lewis Taylor who stripped the ball from the opposition hooker. Elks then won a penalty and kicked for touch and won clean ball through Steve Quinn and the ball was moved right but Elks were penalised for holding on.

Lions then started to take control up front keeping things tight with forward drives. Elks conceded a kickable penalty on 11 minutes but the kick fell short.

Elks then had their first real attack through Lewis Taylor but after recycling the ball it was knocked on. Elks were penalised at the scrum allowing Lions to kick into the Elks 22, they attacked from the line out and only good defence from Greg Taylor prevented a likely score.

Following 2 bangs to the head Adam Corcoran was forced off with what looked like concussion and was replaced by Tom Pottinger.

The Elks scrum was penalised again, this time in front of the posts giving Lions an easy 3 points on 20 minutes. Elks were guilty of far too many basic errors giving Lions easy field position, after another Elks penalty the Lions missed another shot at goal after 23 minutes.

Lions continued to press and after some good forward drives the ball was kicked ahead and a fortunate bounce went the Lions way allowing the pickup and score after 29 minutes, the kick was missed from out wide giving the Lions an 8-0 lead.

Elks came back well but too many knock ons were halting any progress. From an Elks line out Dan Taylor was fed the ball and broke well in midfield, the ball was recycled and Lions were caught off side. The penalty was kicked by Joel Haigh after 38 minutes, making it 8-3.

Elks attacked from the kick off through Quinn and recycled well giving another chance for L Taylor who broke well down the blind side but was forced into touch bringing half time.

Dean Chapman replaced Ben Wells.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the Lions forwards dominating the breakdown area. Elks were conceding penalties under pressure and after some successive penalties Quinn was sin binned on 44 minutes.

Lions took complete control with the extra man and scored 2 tries on 45 and 50 minutes to move clear at 22-3.

The Elks were under constant pressure despite some heroic defending and conceded another try after 58 minutes to make it 29-3

Elks finally had some decent ball to work with but knock ons were spoiling any real chances.
Elks had another good chance with a line out in the Lions 22 and after the ball was won it was moved left and Greg Taylor finally found a hole in the Lions defence and burst through to score on 65 minutes, converted by Haigh to make it 29-10.

Elks took heart from the score and had their best spell of the game with some good running from Quinn and the Taylor boys, although there were still too many knock ons.

Lions had a scrum in their own half and the No 8 picked up and went on a great run, the ball was recycled and Elks were caught off side. The Lions opted for the kick at goal which was successful on 75 minutes making it 32-10.

Lions had a man sin binned late on as the Elks looked for another score but the Lions defence held firm. FULL TIME 32-10.

The Elks were bitterly disappointed with the result and the performance following a good build up to the game, the Lions intensity and aggression at the breakdown set the platform for their deserved victory.

With 3 games still to go any 2 from the top 5 could still be promoted so it is all to play for, starting Saturday against Paviors - 3.00pm kick off.

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report

Link to Derby Telegraph report

Link to Nottingham Post report