Play Offs Still In Reach

They came away with the win but only after a close finish, buoyed by the return of Stephen Fowkes.

Kettering’s young side had been in good form recently so the Elks knew only a top performance would seal the win. The Elks began well with Alex Ayres and Dan Taylor linking nicely and putting Dan Mahoney in with the first scoring chance, Kettering’s defence forced him into touch close to the try line.

Steve Quinn stole the Kettering line out and the Elks pack drove forward towards the line, Kettering were unable to stop the drive and Adam Corcoran emerged with the ball to get the first try on the board after 8 minutes, this was unconverted by Jono Falls but both kickers were to struggle in the strong wind.

Elks attacked again from the kick off with Quinn showing up well with some strong running and centres Ayres & D Taylor causing problems in midfield.

After another period of possession the Elks recycled quick ball and Marc Moore, Greg Taylor and Dan Taylor linked up well to free up Lewis Taylor on the wing. He showed great footwork to evade the defence and scored on 13 minutes to extend the lead to 0-10. Conversion missed.

Elks were dominating territory and possession and following a clean break by Jake Lamb he fed L Taylor who put up a cross kick which bounced nicely for D Taylor to collect and score on 15 minutes. Falls missed the conversion in the windy conditions but the Elks were pushing clear at 0-15.

Despite the bulk of possession the Elks were still giving up penalties at the breakdown, one of these gave Kettering a shot at goal after 20 minutes; this was well struck by the Kettering kicker to reduce the lead to 3-15.

Kettering took heart from the score and started to get more into the game making good yardage from a scrum, this was halted with a knock on and the Elks scrum was looking strong, putting huge pressure on the young opposition pack.

Elks were soon on the attack again with D Taylor and G Taylor linking well to give L Taylor another fine chance but on this occasion he was held up by some good defensive work by Kettering.

Elks were still in great field position with a 5 metre scrum and drove the Kettering pack backwards over the line with Corcoran gaining his second try. Falls missed the conversion on 33 minutes but the Elks were pushing clear at 3-20.

Stoker replaced Smithurst after 36 minutes. The Elks were still dominating possession and had another good chance to score after a break by Steve Fowkes was recycled and moved right, Kettering defended well and won a scrum allowing them to clear. Elks were still giving penalties away at the breakdown and this allowed Kettering another shot at goal which was successful after 38 minutes.
No further scores were managed before half time making it 6-20

Rain started to fall at half time and continued for the rest of the game, with the wind still strong it made it increasingly difficult to play rugby.

Elks were still dominating possession with strong running from Ayers and the Taylor boys. The breakdown was still causing problems for the Elks who couldn’t seem to match the referee’s interpretation. This resulted in several penalties which broke play up and allowed Kettering to clear into the Elks half.

Both sides were struggling for any continuity in the difficult conditions and knock ons were stopping most attacking opportunities.

Wells & Smithurst replaced Fowkes & Mills after 63 minutes. Elks continued to try and play running rugby when perhaps the condition were more in favour of a tight forwards game.

Fowkes returned for Stoker after 68 minutes. Elks were still conceding penalties and Kettering kicked to touch, Elks were penalised at the line out and a quick tap saw Kettering burst through to score on 70 minutes; this was converted to make it 13-20 with 10 minutes to play.

Elks were now struggling with decision making as nerves came in to play. Luckily Kettering seemed happy with their losing bonus point and the game rather petered out in the last few minutes with both sides content with the result. Final score 13-20.

Elks will be happy with the outcome but concerned that the result should really have been put beyond doubt by half time. Elks move into 3rd place with one game to play and a bonus point win could see us in the play offs. Let’s make a massive effort to cheer the lads on next week as it is also our attempt at a new Guinness World Record for the most consecutive passes. The kick off is 3.00pm at home against Spalding but the family fun day starts around midday, see the website for further details.

Some great performances on the day from Steve Quinn, Dan & Lewis Taylor but after being out for 18 weeks the return of Stephen Fowkes gave the forwards a much more organised look and he picks up the Man of the Match.

Link to Ilkeston Advertiser report

Link to Derby Telegraph report

Link to Nottingham Post report