ILKESTON travelled to Bakewell Mannerians in the heart of the Peak District for the first time in many years and continued their 100 per cent start to the season.

The hosts had made a good start to their own campaign after promotion, winning three and losing only once out of their four matches.

The game was a double header with the winners taking the league points and also progressing to the next round of the NLD Shield.

Success in the Shield is a stated aim for the Elks this season after poor results and performances in recent seasons.

The grey and overcast conditions at Bakewell were, to the travelling Ilkeston faithful, hopefully just weather conditions and not a reflection of their team's performance. Unfortunately that was not the case.

The Elks didn't have the best of starts and looked as though they needed a little time to settle.

A territorial kick by centre Greg Taylor took play into the hosts' 22 but the Elks were penalised after a scrum and pressure was relieved.

The same player again attacked and his half break into the home side's 22 gained a penalty. The kick at goal was refused and a line kick chosen instead.

That was decision that left the crowd wondering as the Elks had their two kickers available and in good form.

A poor line-out allowed Bakewell to win the ball and clear and the chance of the first points recorded missed.

Eleven minutes into the game the Elks took a quick line-out but lost the ball at the breakdown. Bakewell took advantage from a chip forward by Hutchinson and a gather by Ellsworth took him over for the first try. Hutchinson converted to make the score 7-0.

Bakewell were confident of their abilities and were willing to run the ball and caused the Elks defence severe problems.

The Elks were conceding too many penalties giving away possession and territory. Bakewell's backs were plying Ilkeston's normal style of open running rugby and were unlucky not to advance further after a near perfect cross field kick.

Stenhouse put the Elks on the board after a 45 metre penalty kick from near the touch line went in off the bar to make it 7-3.

Ilkeston welcomed debutant tight head prop Matt McGuire who was not having it all his own way with Bakewell's forwards just as confident as their backs.

Bakewell should have increased their lead when a 40 metre penalty attempt was missed from yet another decision against the visitors.

From the restart Bakewell moved the ball wide and missed another penalty attempt. Ilkeston were pushing their luck.

After 29 minutes Stoker took a line--out and the ball put out to Stenhouse. His break took play deep into Bakewell's 22. A penalty against the Elks at the breakdown was compounded when Dan Taylor was binned for dissent.

Good interplay from the Elks forwards, putting together phases and hard yards, came to nothing when they were again penalised for holding on. Far too many errors in every area of the Elks game were being punished by Bakewell who had real thoughts of an upset.

After 32 minutes came an excellent try by the hosts' backs showing real pace against a flat footed defence.