The Elks unbeaten start of the season came to an abrupt end on Saturday when they suffered their first loss to Ashfield 2's.

It was an all round lack lustre performance and they never looked like getting anything out of the game. The game began with wind and rain making handling conditions difficult and scrappy play from both sides made for an unforgettable first 25 minutes.

It was Ashfield who registered the first points when a series of rucks took them close to The Elks try line, when a crash ball saw them score the first try of the game.

The Elks were being penalised heavily on the penalty front, sometimes harshly, for holding on. One such penalty saw the Ashfield full back slot a penalty to make the half time score 0 -8.

It was much the same for the first 20 minutes again in the second half.

Some dubious referee decisions and poor play from The Elks, making for a very frustrating game to both watch and play in. This frustration boiled over after an unnecessary flare up where Tama Keane was struck several times, saw Ilkeston reduced to 14 men with retaliation resulting in a yellow card. Amazingly no action was taken with the Ashfield player who had started the incident.

Worse was to come, when the line out, which was poor all game saw a simple steal from Ashfield who ran unopposed to make the scoreline 0 - 13 with 10 mins to go. The Elks finally got into the game which saw a try for Big Red, when the ball was fed down the line. This was followed by a series of close breaks into the Ashfield 22, but yet again frustrating decisions saw the game end when Ilkeston looked destined to score but were pulled back when advantage was being played.

This signalled the end of a truly forgettable game allround for The Elks, who were unrecognisable to the side who had won their previous 5 games.

Man of the Match went to Steve Preston, who put in some strong runs and breaks.

No game next week as The Elks have a Saturday off, however return to action on 26th October where Mellish 2's provide the opposition in a home friendly.

A much improved performance is anticipated.