Game 2 against a `banana skin` side.
A foggy morning greeted us at the Stute and nearly all the players arrived on time as it was Marathon day.
As we finished the warm up, the sun broke through and the starting 15 looked in a positive mood following the great victory last week.
Captain Ryan got the boys together for a team chat and rather loud `squeeze` and we were ready to go.
From the whistle, we stated how we left off at Ashfield. The scrum was solid against a lot of big lads but again, the solid back row did their job and controlled the forward play from the outset.
Anthony scored the first try with a typical strong run through the center with good support from Luke in the second row.
Charlie F was next on the score sheet with a lovely worked try with plenty of passing to get the ball to him. This was converted by Jack F.
Another try from Anthony at the end of the first half converted by Mr Tasker.
19 - 0 at half time.
Second half proved to be a bit more of an up hill battle. Ilkeston put some very fast players on the wing and it wasn`t long before 2 quick tries were scored by the home team.
Ryan got one back with a great move helped by Max A.
Ilkeston got another try halfway through the second half again after poor defending from ourselves.
Jack G got another back with a very well worked move and converted by Connor.
Charlie T had a cracking game as prop bursting through the line using his strength and pace.
Levi made some cracking tackles as did Cole who I think had his best match so far.
Takora was solid as hooker and Alex again propped up the front row.
Mick is making flanker his own position but was injured late in the 2nd half but made it to the end of the match.
Josh in his new position of 2nd row was effective and Luke and Max B continued to impress.
Ewan and Dylan showed their experience by being calm in all phases of play.
Another win but a few concerns that we must work on before the next match:
- Dont ever turn off and think you have a win in the bag.
- Use the width of the pitch and release our fast wingers.
- release the ball quicker to the backs. A ball moves faster through the air than players can run!
31 - 15 was the final score, but lets not get ahead of ourselves as WB will be a much harder match.
Well done again and another thanks to the parents for the valued support.

Mike