Elks began well enough with Jack Partington and Jake Lamb carrying well, this was continued by Adam Corcoran who was solid throughout the game.ONs had the first chance for points following a high tackle but the kick was missed after 5 mins, the heavy ground was not helping place kicking for either side.

ONs were soon back on the attack with a series of forward drives down the left, the ball was recycled and moved into the centre where space was found for the first score to ONs after 8 mins, extras missed making it 0-5

Things were to get worse for the Elks when ONs came back strong down the hill from the kick off, another good forward drive released quick ball and ONs created an overlap on the right for their speedy winger to score after 12 mins, extras missed making it 0-10.

It was all ONs as they attacked again and Elks were penalised, Paul Stevenson made an early tackle without being 10 metres and he was yellow carded on 14 mins.

Elks were again under pressure in their own 22 but some heroic defending kept ONs at bay until their scrum half found space to squeeze through after 25 mins, this time the easy conversion was added making it 0-17. A heavy defeat was looking likely but credit to the Elks as they battled well to get back into the game.

Alex Ayres had some strong runs supported well by Stevenson, good work on the floor by Matt Watkins turned possession over and Elks were on the attack, they pressured the ONs line and earned a 5 metre scrum, as they drove towards the line the ONs front row stood up in the scrum and the referee awarded a penalty try, extras by Lamb to reduce the deficit to 7-17 after 32 mins.

Elks finished the half well with Richard Stevenson taking good line out ball and the backs breaking through with Ayres, unfortunately a knock on soon after halted the move. Half Time 7-17, Dan Bell was replaced by Simon Hallam.

Elks now had the slope and were looking to close the gap, a good kick by Partington gave Elks good field position and ONs knocked on at the line out, Elks scrum drove strongly and gave quick ball to the backs, the move broke down but ONs were offside in front of the posts and Lamb slotted the penalty to make it 10-17 after 43 mins.

Elks had another attack but following a knock on ONs made 30 metres and were counter attacking well, Elks were offside and ONs kicked the penalty to make it 10-20 after 48 mins.

Dan Rollins was replaced by Will Taylor making only his second start for the Elks, he moved to the wing allowing Kartar Soar to slot in on the flank.

ONs went back to the pack as they made some solid ground up the slope, Elks were penalised and ONs had a chance for further points, the kick was pushed left on 52 minutes.

Elks were forcing the play but basic errors were halting any real chances. ONs were keeping things tight in the heavy conditions and possession was not coming the Elks way, Elks were penalised again and another chance fell to ONs, this time the kick was pushed right leaving the score unchanged after 68 mins.

Elks were trying desperately to get another score and a losing bonus point but time was running out and ONs were keeping possession well, they finished the half strongly and were camped in the Elks 22 as the full time whistle blew. Final score 10-20

ONs on the day fully deserved their victory which at 17-0 after 25 mins could have been a lot worse for the Elks, credit to the lads for battling back into the game but despite the effort got no points from the match and slipped down to fifth in the table. ONs showed why they are second and played solidly throughout the game.

It was heavy going for both sets of backs on the sticky pitch and turned into a forward arm wrestle for much of the game, Corcoran, Hyams and Stevenson all played well but Man of the Match went to Matt McGuire whose set piece was strong and support play excellent.

Next week sees a visit to close rivals Paviors who have been defeated twice already this season, let's make it a hat trick of victories and get back on the winning road. Kick Off 2.15 at Burntstump.