Match Report 3 Counties Cup 1/4 Final - Saturday 6th March 2005

Derby 26v15 Ilkeston

Ilkeston made the short journey to Haslams Lane for this 3 Counties Cup Quarter Final encounter against Derby. The Elks chances of pulling off another giant killing act, having beaten Newark in the pervious round, suffered a setback with the absence of Chapman, Quinn and Faulkner through injury and leading try scorer Draper who was unavailable.

Encounters between the two sides are generally keenly contested affairs and this was no exception. The Elks made the perfect start and went 0-7 up after 8 minutes through a Kendal try which he converted himself. The score came from a scrum 50 meters out. Debutante Allen fed fly half Rudkin who sliced through the Derby defence. His found Hallam who put fullback Kendal through a gap.

The Elks scrummage was functioning well with front row Naylor, Prescott and skipper Charlton asking some searching questions of their opposite numbers. The line out experienced a few problems but Garland, Wiltshire and Murray managed to cover their own ball against a bigger and heavier outfit.

With the wind at their backs the Elks could have extended their lead after 16 minutes. A Flemming steal at a Derby line out was moved to midfield where a searing Taylor break created an opening for Singleton. His dash for the line was whistled back however being adjudged to have put a foot in touch.

Having absorbed early Elks pressure Derby began to get a grip on the game. The use of the driving maul made good use of their forward power and created problems for the Elks. The pressure on the Elks was further increased when Garland received a yellow card thus reducing them to 14 men. The seven man scrum toiled manfully and crucial tackles by Kendal, Flemming, Rudkin and Allen repelled wave after wave of Derby attacks until the 36 minute.

A Derby line out take inside the Elks 22 was driven forward for no: 6 Dove to score. Derby then scored a second try one minute into injury time and took the lead for the first time at 12-7. Scrum half Royer took a quick tap penalty and fed Radcliffe who sped through a retreating Elks defence. Burrows converted in front of the posts.

The Elks must have felt hard done to going behind so close to the interval and knowing that they will have to play into a strong wind in the second half. To their credit they attacked from the restart and another Taylor break gave Kendal a penalty kick which he converted to leave it 12-10 at half time.

The Elks made the worst possible start to the second half. From a promising move involving Prescott and Jonno Falls, after a take against the head, turnover ball put them deep inside their own 22. Quick ruck ball put Dove over from close range. The conversion by Burrows made it 19-10.

The strong wind made it difficult to kick for position and the Elks spent long periods inside their own half absorbing Derby pressure. The forwards replied by using the Derby tactic of using the driving maul to good effect and the backs made good use of the ball provided. The high risk strategy employed was almost rewarded when a Hallam break created space. His pass however was intercepted by Spencer and only an Allan covering tackle prevented a score for Derby.

The Elks enterprise did bear fruit 15 minutes into the half when Pringle was rewarded for a sterling afternoons work with a try. A line out inside Derby's 22 was taken by Garland and driven forward and over the try line. Pringle emerged from the bodies on the floor to claim the score and make it 19-15.

Harding replaced Kendal and was soon in the action supporting a powerful run by Murray. The Elks continued to take risks as they searched for a score which would enable them to regain the lead. An attempt to move the ball from close to their own line gave Derby another score through Dove, converted by Burrows and making it 26-15 with 10 minutes remaining.

The closing minutes saw the game played at a frantic pace as both side showed a willingness to to move the ball. Half chances were created by Rudkin, Singleton and Falls at one end while tackles by Prescott, Murray, Flemming and Allan denied Derby at the other.

This was an entertaining encounter where both sides contributed skill, flair and endeavour and will give the Elks confidence as they return to league action next Saturday at Glossop.

Coach Dave Hutchinson was full of praise for his side, "It's always difficult when you take on sides 2 leagues higher, particular when you are without some key players. We are a very young side, still developing, but this was a good experience for them and will give them confidence for the league run in", he commented.

League action is away to Glossop Saturday 12th March. Kick off at 3.00 p.m.