Elks Lose Close Game to Local Rivals

Dan, Greg & Lewis Taylor were missing so the back line was shuffled with Isaac Taylor on the wing, Jack Partington at centre and a debut on the flank for Reuben Alley.

Elks played uphill first half and soon had good territory and possession, Derby gave away a penalty and Joel Haigh converted to give Elks an early lead at 3-0 after 4 minutes.

Elks continued to look strong with some good forward play, Derby continued to give penalties away and the winger was yellow carded for interfering with play whilst off side. Haigh again converted to stretch the lead to 6-0 after 6 minutes.

It was all Elks in the early stages and Derby continued to infringe at the breakdown, their prop was yellow carded after 15 minutes reducing Derby to 13.

Elks opted for the scrum when an easy 3 points was available, the feed at the scrum was judged crooked and Elks were penalised allowing Derby to clear.

Elks continued to attack but were penalised for holding on, Derby were back to 14 players and started to look dangerous out wide, good pressure by Derby created space on the right and they scored after 28 minutes, conversion missed making it 6-5.

Derby’s confidence grew with this score and now back to 15 players they attacked again, good work left gave them a chance and following a fortunate bounce off an Elks player the ball dropped into Derby hands and they scored under the posts after 32 minutes, with the conversion successful it was now 6-12.

Elks responded well and were soon in the Derby 22, Derby were penalised for not rolling away but again the Elks turned down a kick at goal for a line out, the throw was not straight and Derby cleared. Derby had the final attack of the half but knocked on when in a promising position. Half time 6-12.

Elks made a poor start to the second half kicking straight into touch, Derby began the half well putting Elks under pressure, Alex Ayres halted several attacks with some excellent tackling.

The Elks then had a good period of possession and territory with Ayres and Adam Corcoran running well with ball in hand, from a break by Corcoran the ball was recycled quickly and Jack Partington timed his run well to beat the defence and score after 58 minutes, the conversion struck the post and made the score 11-12.

Elks were soon back on the offensive with Isaac Taylor making a 30 metre break, this was recycled and Corcoran was in support to score on 60 minutes, Haigh converted to make it 18-12.

Derby responded well and came at the Elks who were penalised at the breakdown, Derby chose the kick at goal which missed on 64 minutes.

The game was now mainly around both 10 metre lines as both sides battled for the upper hand, Elks had 2 great chances to score but knock on’s halted play.

Elks cleared deep but Derby gathered the ball and cleared to touch, strangely Derby were given the throw and from the line out and attacked. The Elks were penalised and Derby quickly moved the ball right to score near the posts, the conversion was slotted to make it 18-19 to Derby after 78 minutes.

Elks had one last chance to attack but following a Derby penalty the ensuing line out was not straight and Derby kicked dead to bring the final whistle. The Elks players were all disappointed to lose a game that was there to be won, small margins decide games like these and the Elks made vital mistakes at the wrong time when they had chance to pull clear.

Several players put in great performances but Alex Ayres was back to his best with some great defence and strong running in attack and he gets this week’s Man of the Match.

Next week we travel to newly promoted Huntingdon looking to bounce back and move up the table.