Elks defeated at second placed Syston

Elks made a promising start with Greg Taylor soon involved making a promising break, after recycling the ball it was knocked on.

Both sides then had scoring opportunities but knock on’s from both halted any progress, defences were on top as both teams probed for any openings.

Elks were penalised at a scrum and Syston opted for goal, the kick was pushed left after 12 mins. Elks were quickly penalised again at another scrum and this time the kick was struck cleanly to open the score at 3-0 after 14 mins.

The kick off was returned well by Adam Corcoran and Jono Falls who was eventually bundled into touch, Chris Tipton stole the line out and this time Syston were penalised, Falls shot at goal was pushed left after 18 mins.

Most of the play was around half way as both sides struggled to get past strong defences, Syston had a good opportunity in the Elks 22 from a line out which was driven by the forwards, the ball was recycled but knocked on and Jacob Heath counter attacked and fed Alex Ayres who made ground to the Syston 22 before being tackled into touch, Elks stole another line out and Syston were caught off side, this time Falls made no mistake with the kick and it was level at 3-3 on 30 mins. Simon Hallam replaced Dan Hyams.

The kick off was well caught by Tipton and Elks cleared, Syston returned the kick which was fielded by Richard Hutchinson who went on a storming run carrying for 25 metres before being stopped, Syston were penalised at the breakdown and Jake Lamb kicked to the corner.

The line out was taken by Tipton and moved right, the ball was recycled and moved back left where Heath chipped through with the ball just going into touch before Elks reached the ball.

Syston cleared from the line out but the ball was returned well by Jack Partington and Tom Pottinger all the way to Syston`s 5 metre line, Elks failed to make the chance pay and Syston cleared bringing half time. 3-3. Steve Mahoney replaced Tom Southall.

Elks were soon under pressure after kick off and great work from Matt McGuire earned a penalty and allowed Elks to clear, from the line out the ball was carried well by Corcoran, G Taylor and Tipton taking play to the Syston 22, Elks got the lineout throw and the ball was caught by Tipton and moved right, Pottinger came on a great angle and burst through but a brilliant last ditch tackle halted his run.

Elks were seeing some good territory and possession but the Syston defence led by their back row was strong. Steve Quinn was replaced by Southall.

Elks pressure finally told when from another Tipton line out the pack drove on and the ball was moved right, G Taylor made an incisive break and off loaded to Partington to score under the posts on 51 mins, Falls with the extras making it 3-10.

Syston responded well and were soon in the Elks 22, they had a long spell of pressure and it eventually told as they scored out wide, the conversion was well struck to level the scores at 10-10 after 60 mins. Hyams replaced Kartar Soar.

Elks came back again and had a great opportunity in the Syston 22, the ball was spun right and a long pass intended for the wing was intercepted by Syston who made 60 metres up field, Elks scrambled well in defence but gave away a penalty which Syston kicked to take the lead 13-10 after 67 mins. Dan Taylor replaced Partington.

Elks were seeing plenty of possession but Syston’s rush defence was stifling any opportunities out wide. Syston were using the catch and drive well from line outs and making good ground, they worked their way into the Elks 22 and had several pick and drives at the Elks line, the defence was working well but pressure told and Elks were penalised, the penalty was made worse as G Taylor received a yellow card on 75 mins. Syston took the penalty kick to make it 16-10.

Elks tried to run from deep but Syston saw their chance with the extra man and were clinical in finishing off the Elks, they scored 2 further tries which were both converted to make the final score 30-10, the final score flattered Syston although they thoroughly deserved their victory.

Elks had several opportunities to score, especially first half but against the top sides you get punished if you don’t take them. The team all worked had with both second rows putting in a shift, Hutchinson played well but Man of the Match goes to Chris Tipton who ran strong and took many clean line outs.

Next week sees a break from league action as the Elks visit Paviors for a 3 counties cup tie, kick off 2.15 then it's back to the Stute for the annual Winter Beer Festival which is on all weekend.