"Young Guns" start to fire!

A mixture of youth and experience proved to be the correct formula to undo a spirited and experienced Roll Royce side at the "Stute" last Saturday. Marshalled by pack leader Steve Preston and inspired by the mercurial Steven Rice the forwards provided a solid platform for the free running backs under the guidance of team captain Simon Brown. Periods of sustained pressure by the forwards led to a flowing back line move for Ilkeston's first of six converted tries. Royce's however were determined to be part of this game and fought back with a well worked forwards try immediately afterwards. Ilkeston crossed the line twice more before a repost again inspired by Royce's strong forward line brought them back into contention with 2 tries. After the break a moment of "Welsh Wizardry" by long serving full back John Doughty brought a fine individual try and the Elks pack then created another opportunity for the back line to cross. Ilkeston were by now starting to control the game and the running of the back line regularly created panic in the visitors defence, this led to the final try in a move started in Ilkeston's own 22 with the ball being turned over by the visitors after a fierce forward onslaught led to the ball passing through every pair of hands in the line before being deposited under the posts. This was a fine team display by a side that is developing week by week, and special mention must be made of all of the ex youth section players who have stepped manfully into the senior game and promise a bright future for the club! Should you wish to be part of that bright future, if you are a past player, or have never played rugby before contact the club for details of our training evenings