Elks push league leaders all the way

Syston began with the slope advantage and made all the early running although both sides were making uncharacteristic handling errors making it a scrappy opening.

Elks entertained top of the table Syston and played their part in an entertaining game eventually losing 20-31Syston kicked from hand well and were playing the game in the Elks 22, they knocked on from a promising line out position and Jake Lamb cleared well.

Angus Hulme was showing up well for the Elks with some important line out catches and hard running, he was well supported by second row partner Chris Tipton who’s aggressive play took the game to Syston.

Syston had another opportunity from an attacking line out but although the catch was made it was knocked on soon after, Syston were penalised at the ensuing scrum and Alex Ayres took a quick tap and made ground the half way, Syston turned the ball over and attacked in midfield, Isaac Taylor was then guilty of a spear tackle and was shown a straight red after 28 mins.

Credit to the Elks 14 as they stepped up their game and defended heroically as Syston tried to gain the upper hand, with Ayres in particular tackling strongly.

Elks had an attacking line out and Tipton caught well, the maul was driven forward but illegally dragged down, this time Syston were reduced to 14 for ten minutes after receiving a yellow card.

Elks kicked for touch and again won line out ball, Tom Pottinger was on the attack and the ball recycled for Hugh Smith to have a charge, he was halted but the ball again recycled to Tom Hicks who crashed over in the right corner on the stroke of half time, Jono Falls missed the extras but the Elks led 5-0. Dan Hyams replaced Angus Hulme.

Elks began the second half well with an early attack but Syston kicked clear after tuning ball over, Elks were penalised at the following breakdown and Syston took a quick tap and sped through a flat footed defence to score under the posts, extras added to make it 5-7 after 44 mins.

Syston were soon on the attack using their catch and drive line out to good effect, one such drive was illegally dragged down and the referee was consistent and yellow carded Matt Watkins after 48 mins.

Syston kicked to the corner and helped by their numerical advantage caught the line out and drove over to score after 49 mins, extras missed 5-12.

Elks responded well with in particular Dan Hyams who went on 2 great charges down field, Syston were caught off side in front of the posts and Falls slotted the kick to make it 8-12 after 57 mins. Dan Bell replaced Kartar Soar.

Syston came back strong and put pressure on the Elks scrum, the ball was turned over and their centre found space to sprint clear and score after 59 mins, extras missed but Elks shipped 10 points whilst down to 13 men, 8-17.

Elks launched an attack through Ayres which made ground but soon after was knocked on, Syston counter attacked and found an overlap down the right wing, Falls was outnumbered and could not prevent the score after 63 mins, extras added making it 8-24.

Elks responded well from the kick off with Tipton making 30 metres, the move was carried on with Falls and Hugh Smith, it was recycled and moved right and popped up to Tipton again who was unstoppable from 5 metres, Falls added the extras to close the gap to 15-24 after 68 mins.

Syston came back strong and applied huge pressure in midfield, the ball was turned over and they ran in another score as the Elks tired from playing so long with 14 men, conversion added to make it 15-31 after 73 mins.

Credit to Elks for battling the full 80 mins and they attacked through Lamb, Tipton & Hyams. Elks had an attacking scrum and Simon Bennett drove to the line but was held up, Elks had a 5 metre scrum and following several forward drives the ball came to Lamb who darted over for the final score of the match. Full Time 20-31.

After last week’s disappointment this was a much improved display from the lads, especially playing nearly 60 mins with 14 men against the league leaders. Syston were clinical when they had the numerical advantage and rightly top the league, several excellent performances from the Elks notably Tom Hicks, but stand out Man of the Match was Chris Tipton who was great in the line out and superb in the loose with some great tackles and strong driving runs.

A mention too for the days official who was excellent throughout and kept the breakdowns honest and clear the whole game.

Next week sees the visit of Kettering and with 3 teams at home and a pre-match lunch should be set up for a great day.