Moderns 31v27 Ilkeston

Of all the highs and lows of the season this performance must surely qualify as hitting the deepest depths. Deprived of a number of regular starters the Elks cause was further hindered by the loss of Scott Rudkin early in the game. Despite the enforced changes the Elks should have had enough fire power to fashion a victory but their lack of tackling, ineffectiveness at the breakdown and the inability to finish chances allowed Moderns to dictate the pace of the game and score at will.

With barely 10 minutes gone Moderns claimed the lead when Carrol strolled over from close range. Gaunt converted. The Elks attempted tom move the ball into the strong wind but poor handling and lack of pace out wide meant the Moderns line stayed intact till the 25th minute. Mark Hooton and Tama Keane, both making their first start of the season, combined to put Cook clear. His try converted by Jono Falls brought the scores level.

From the restart Keane fielded and found Jono Falls. His weaving run took him the length of the field. His perfectly timed pass put John Britton over in the corner. The Elks stretched their lead on 34 minutes when pressure from Locke at the line out caused Moderns to lose control of the ball. Steve Mahoney pounced and fed Adam Stoker for a try.

As the half time whistle approached Moderns made the most of some sloppy tackling. First McGuire scored from a 5 yard scrum and the Philips ran in unopposed when a quickly taken line out found the Elks defence asleep. At 21-17 down but with the wind and the slope to come the visitors would not have been too concerned about the second half. The sin binning of Cook and the loss of Montague and Pringle however further complicated the task at hand. Moderns realised that their salvation lay in keeping the ball alive and speeding up every phase of the game.

With Moderns in the driving seat the next score came very much against the run of play. A promising Moderns attack broke down deep inside the Elks half. Jono Falls scooped up the ball and set off on a mesmerising run which earned him a try in the corner and regain the lead.

Within minutes however the visitors defence was again found wanting when Feesey strolled over from a quickly taken penalty. The home side increased their lead to 31-22 with a typical forwards try driven from a line out. The Elks did find some rhythm when a series of phases created quick ball and swift hands found Locke in space. His score brought it to 31-27 but it was too little too late and the Elks were left regretting the missed tackles and squandered chances.

Classic Brewery Man of the Match - Jono Falls