OLD LAURENTIANS produced a much improved performance against Ilkeston but despite outscoring their opponents by three tries to two, the match came down to a kicking duel which was won by the visitors to claim a 15-24 win, reports Mike Warwick.
The last time these two sides met in the Midlands One East division, OLs found themselves on the recieving end of a 116-0 hammering back in September.
But on Saturday they proved that they can compete at this level despite not having any points to show for an impressive performance.
OLs made the better start with the scrums and lineouts going their way and some strong driving mauls showed their intentions of making sure the Elks did not have the easy run out.
During the opening exchanges the pattern of the game developed with OLs missing a penalty and the Elks scoring with one to lead by three points after ten minutes.
Undaunted, OLs once again took the initiative and after forcing their way into the Elks 22 they produced an excellent lineout which ended with Glenn Todd crashing over for the first try of the game. The conversion was missed but the hosts were 5-3 ahead after 15 minutes.
The lead however was shortlived with OLs coughing up possession and the visitors managed to get their noses in front for the second time in the match.
Referee Kindy Devgun made it clear he was not going to stand for any nonsense by sending two Elks men to the sin bin and OLs made the most of their two-man advantage with two quick tries.
The first went to James Orbinson and the next went to Glenn Todd for his second of the game but significantly neither try was converted as the hosts led 15-11 and there was time for Elks to score another penalty to narrow the gap to just one point at the mid-way point.
The hosts failed to trouble their opponents in the second half and ten second half points followed by a penalty helped Elks achieve a rather fortunate victory.
This Saturday OLs are back on the road to take on high-flying Kettering who sit two places above Ilkeston in fourth place in the league table.
