The game was played as a league and cup double header after the recent bad weather led to a fixture back log. Elks had lost at Mansfield early in the season but with the team now looking more settled were hoping to turn things around.

Elks began the game with the slope advantage but the strong blustery wind caused problems for both sides. Elks were soon on the front foot and following good recycled ball in midfield it was moved out to the right where Isaac Taylor finished strongly to score the first try after 9 mins, Joel Haigh missed the extras from out wide. 5-0

Mansfield responded quickly and following good work in midfield had a line out in an attacking position, the ball was caught cleanly and driven over to level the score after 16 mins, the conversion was missed in the windy conditions. 5-5

The Elks were soon back in the Mansfield 22 and the scrum was looking strong putting huge pressure on the opposition pack, Mansfield conceded 3 penalties in quick succession for various scrum offences and following a fourth infringement the referee awarded a penalty try after 27 mins, Haigh added the extras to make it 12-5

Elks were quickly back on the attack but a not straight line out allowed Mansfield to clear, Elks attacked again and from a scrum they marched forward 10 metres before releasing the ball to the back line, it was moved right and recycled and Reuben Alley was on hand to pick up and drive over on 36 mins, Haigh converted to stretch the lead to 19-5. No further scores were registered before half time.

Mansfield now had the slope for the second half and were soon in the Elks 22, they kept the pressure on and forced their way over after 42 mins, converted to reduce the lead to 19-12.

Elks responded well and used the dominant scrum to gain territory, from another advancing scrum the ball was moved quickly right and recycled to create a clear overlap for Alex Ayres who ran in unopposed after 49 mins, Haigh missed the conversion making it 24-12

Mansfield refused to lie down and came back strong, Elks were penalised for off side and Mansfield took the shot at goal to reduce the lead to 24-15 after 57 mins.

Elks had another promising attack on the right but the final pass fell short when a score looked likely. Elks soon created another chance from scrum ball in the Mansfield 22, the ball was moved left and Ayres again showed his power to burst through and score on 59 mins, Haigh converted to make it 31-15.

Toby Keep replaced the impressive Tom Holland, and Jack Partington replaced Jake Lamb. Mansfield threw everything at the Elks in a bid to get back in the game but the Elks defence stood strong and the scrum continued to be dominant, Elks ran the clock down and kicked dead to signal the end of the game with a great win. 31-15

This was an excellent team performance highlighted by the dominance in the scrum which created space for the backs, Man of the Match deservedly goes to one of the front row and Tom Holland got the nod just in front of Marc Moore and Matt McGuire.

History was made for the club as it will now be a first appearance for the team in an NLD cup final, Scunthorpe from the league above are our opponents on April 26th at Matlock RFC 3.30 Kick off. Let’s get there and support the lads!

Back to league action next week away at Market Rasen.