Slump in form continues

Elks began brightly with Jake Smithurst stealing an opposition line out and Simon Bennett taking a clean Elks line out, ONs were penalised for entering the ruck from the side and Elks kicked into ONs 22m. The line out was taken clean and the ball moved right but was knocked on. ONs counter attacked but knocked on themselves - play concentrated mainly between either 10 metre line.

ONs gradually gained the upper hand with their back row in particular starting to dominate. Elks had a line out deep in their own 22m but the ball was scrappy and bounced loose. The ONs hooker was quickest to react and registered the first score on 18 minutes which was converted to make it 7-0.

Elks produced a good response with a break from Joel Haigh, carried on by Smithurst and ONs were caught offside, giving Haigh his first shot at goal which was successful to reduce the deficit to 7-3 on 21 minutes.

The rest of the half was dominated mainly by ONs who ran in 3 further tries, converting one of these to make it 24-3 at half time, Elks will be very disappointed with some of the tackling especially around the fringes of rucks and mauls allowing ONs too much easy territory. Another blow for the Elks was an injury to Haigh forcing him off after 32 minutes, Jake Lamb moved to scrum half and Jack Partington came on at fly half.

Elks were much better in the second half with Chris Tipton taking many clean lineouts and Greg Taylor running strong and Lewis Taylor supporting well, the effort was there but a combination of strong defence and poor tactical decision making meant that Elks had very few try scoring opportunities. Tom Pottinger came on for Jack Wilkinson and Ben Wells replaced Tom Holland during the second half.

Strong running from Matt McGuire, Bennett and Wells made good ground for Elks but ONs aggressive defence was too strong on the day. ONs ran in a further try on 65 minutes, spreading play right then left and finding a 2 man overlap to run in unchallenged. Final Score 29-3. Man of the match goes to Jacob Heath who never put a foot wrong at fullback.

This was another disappointing day for the Elks with poor tackling around the breakdown a concern, the team as one after the game recognised the need for improvement starting with a big training session on Tuesday.

It doesn’t get any easier this Saturday, as Paviors visit the Stute - 3.00pm kick off. There is a pre match lunch before the game with tickets still available, 12.30pm meet for 1.00pm lunch.