Ilkeston Colts 19 - 27 Paviors Colts

Likely to be our sternest test to date and the match against Paviors Colts turned out to be exactly that.

Playing down hill in teh first half, 2 minutes into the first half, bringd a penalty that we kick to their 22m line,
a presicion line out from Austin and the boys leads to a driving maul up to the 5m point. two more phases follow
before the backs score under the posts. Euan converts to make it 7-0 Elks early on.

From the restart two quick penalties allow Pavs to get inside our 22m, they play one way, cut back on the inside
line and gain yards, send it the other way and another inside line ran hard, allows them to score a converted try.
Score 7 - 7.

A period of good sustained play gets the Elks playing in the Pavs half but poor execution and not using our overlaps
allows Pavs to gain a line out and clear their lines. Pavs gain possession back in our 22 from an interception, nearly
go over in the corner, but do go over on the very next pick and go. 12 - 7 to Pavs.

The next 15 minutes of play mainly takes in the middle of the pitch with the Elks probing into enemy terratory
but never making the most of the pressure created. However, this changes when an Elks scrum on the Pavs 22m
is followed by a strong pick and go from number 8 Jake, is followed by a “boss” carry from Niyal who shows good
strength and a surprising amount of pace to run in the next try under the posts. Score 12-12.

From the restart Pavs gain possession early on. Once again their 15, who is having a good game, cuts back on the
inside line and gets behind our defence. Pavs recycle the ball quickly and we can reset ourselves quickly enough
to prevent the score in the corner with an overlap. Score 17-12 to Pavs and so it remains till half time, after a missed
touch denies us pressure in the dying seconds.

Ten minutes into the 2nd half and Pavs slot a fantastic kick down the slope, we lose the line out and the spin it out
from their scrum and score in the opposite corner. 22 - 12 to Pavs.

From the kick off we pressure Paviors, leading to a penalty for holding on. A minute of good attack from the Elks
using some pitch width leads to our next try from Dev. OP slots over the conversion to bring it to Elks 19-22 Pavs
with 30 mins to go.

A period of fairly even handed play follows, but this is brought to an end when the Elks give away some needless
penalties in their own half, allowing Pavs to capitalise on a driving maul from a line out, leading to an easy try. Is
the comeback over? Elks 19-27 Pavs.

An overlooked overlap in the dying minutes would have made the scores closer but in the end Paviors were
worthy winners as they probably used the slope and the width to greater advantage than the home side.

Andrew Evans & the Colts Coaching Team

Next Match: Saturday October 18th vs Matlock @Matlock 2pm KO