Match Report Saturday 7^th October 2006.

 Kettering 39v5 Ilkeston

 The long hard road to establish themselves in this league continues for the Elks as they suffered another defeat on Saturday. Kettering who were relegated into this league last season showed that they are used to playing at a higher level and generally showed far too much pace, power and an ability to make the right decision at the right time.

 Ilkeston were never really in the game did however, on occasions, produce some excellent phases and showed enough intent that leads one to think that while serious the situation is is not yet desperate. With some of the lower positioned teams in the league to come in the next month, survival can be achieved. 

Injuries again played a big part in this game. Even before a ball had been kicked the Elks lost a complete front row to injury and lost two more during the game. The value of in depth squad has never been so clear but this is not something the Elks enjoy and the prayer beads are out in the hope that the physio table works its magic and that those still walking stay intact in the coming weeks. 

Kettering started much the stronger of the two sides and the visitors took time to shake off the long journey. Kettering’s Jones penalty kick was quickly followed by a converted Voss try and the score read 10v0 after 10 minutes.

 The makeshift front row of Pringle, newcomer Robinson and Moore, returning after 9 months out through injury, battled gamely but had difficulty covering their own ball. This together with the combative nature of the Kettering line out, aided by some generous refereeing, meant that the Elks generally worked off scraps. The Elks worked hard at their defensive duties and testament to their efforts was that despite conceding possession 80% to 20%, they resisted Kettering pressure until the ninth minute of injury time in the first half before a Jones penalty gave Kettering a half time 13v0 lead.

 The visitors could have put themselves on the board and their backs showed invention, pace and skill but generally moves fell short due to lack of support at vital times. Taylor was safe as houses at full back and ever willing to counter from deep. Wings Draper and Evans made the most of the little bit of ball they did see and Draper in particular also made a massive contribution to defence.

 The midfield of Faulkner and Cook rattled up an impressive tackle count and showed touches with the ball in hand which with more regular supply could have caused Kettering problems. Rudkin at fly half probed and prompted, tackled everything that moved but despite his energy could not influence the outcome.

 Scrum half Townsley and the back row of Jones, Locke and Darby found themselves on the back foot all day and together with Stoker and Garland their duties were largely defensive.

 The second half echoed the first with the Elks desperately trying to salvage something from the game. There were a few bright moments, notably when Taylor and Draper combined to take play the length of the park. Rudkin also produced a little bit of magic to buy Cook and Faulkner some space and Stoker produced a trademark charge.

 Reward did come when fine play by Darby, Draper and Garland at last produced quick ball, going forward which allowed Rudkin to put Taylor in space and he in turn put Evans over in the corner. It was however too little too late as by that time Kettering put the game out of sight.

 Classic Brewery Man of the Match – Adam Draper.