Unbeaten run ends away to the Stags

A disapointing result for Coalville last weekend as they went down to Ilkeston at the Stute in a closely fought contest.The match was switched from the first team pitch to a very smaller one due to the rain fall in the previous weeks although having walked on the said waterlogged one seemed in better condition than the one used.

The Memorial ground side were soon on the offensive with 15 phases inside the hosts 22 which eventually came to nothing though and Ilkeston cleared their lines.The hosts using their huge forwards progressed into the visitors 22 and gained a penalty,slotted over by the number 9.Both defences held the uppermost in play as the wet ball made handling a big problem hence the kicking game being the order of the day,a long clearance by Coalville deep into Ilkeston's half seemed safe but as the home winger set off on the return at full speed three would be tacklers were left for dead as he sped for the corner,a great tackle by Liam Nelson stopped him short of the line but quick ball by the hosts had them over the whitewash to notch the first try of the match on 15 minutes,the conversion was missed.On 25 minutes Coalville opened their account with a Will Keeling penalty as Ilkeston were caught handling in the ruck.The remainder of the half became a midfield battle as both teams searched for an opening and when one was found a dropped ball or a missed pass spoilt the earlier efforts as the pitch cut up further,both sides missed penalties due to the pitch conditions.

Into the second half and Coalville levelled the score after a good move involving many hands put Nelson in for the try,the conversion was missed.Coalville started to controll the game at this point putting the home side under the cosh but couldn't find away through the Ilkeston reargaurd and some odd referering decisions halted the visitors efforts.A breakaway from the hosts put them five metres from a try but another tackle from Nelson held them up only for a not releasing penalty being awarded much to the dismay of captain Sam Massarella who had words with the official but fell on deaf ears.11-8 to Ilkeston with 20 minutes left.A few close calls for the visitors to win the game at the death but credit to Ilkeston for their excellent defensive play.Coalville gained a losing bonus point to put them into second spot after the first quarter of the season.

Coalville are at home to Lincoln this saturday kick off 2.15pm.