Our opponents arrived and looked ready to go – immaculate kit, organised warm up and more tattoos than us. We on the other hand were running late despite being the home side. However, at some stage the whistle gets blown and we are either ready or not.

We were ready – a poor clearance was fielded by Adam Lambert and he shifted it early to Josh Farley. Huge miss pass out to Ryan Gibson in space. The big fella timed his spin pass well as Sam Brooks ran in the opener. Beautifully converted by Farley.

We did miss a few opportunities as our lineout struggled to get going. However, after a Gibson lineout win Michael Searle and Louis Matthews combined for a line break. From the ruck Max Cook spotted Sam Cleife free for the try. Again converted by Farley for 14-0 lead.

We had great width in our attack as Louis Matthews and Brandon Gilbert made some line breaks against a drifting defence. Ilkeston fired some shots but a Michael Searle steal stopped them.

Novos went on the attack again. David Medjigbodo-Lawson made a great run and off loaded inside. Brandon Gilbert the beneficiary as he ran in for the try. Naughty shoulder charge received after scoring which Gilbert just laughed off, as is his style. 19-0

Heading towards the end of the half Ilkeston upped their physicality. They started getting over the gain line and their 9 made a break down the middle and threw a great pass for the try. 19-7 Vos still up.

On the stroke of half time there were a few handbags. All the little fellas starting on each other.

Ilkeston with the wind at their back started strong and were camped in our 22. Big hit from debutant Peni Kawa under the sticks kept them out. Alongside some counter rucking by Ben Rodgers, Andrew Kirton and Rob Baldwin.

The boys then got back on attack with a break out from our line. However, at half way the ball was intercepted and Ilkeston went in to make it 19-14. Game on.

We finished the game on top – Louis Matthews causing carnage in attack alongside Brandon Gilbert. Few good bounce out carries from Rob Baldwin at the back of the scrum. Eventually we made the match secure after Josh Farley put in Sam Brooks down the far side. Conversion added to make the final score 26-14.

A great win against another level 6 side. Best bit was probably around how much we can still improve.

Great debuts from Thomas Young and Peni Kawa. Two young props who could make a big difference in the next few months.

This week we have Selby at home where we will see a few more debuts.

An interesting few months ahead for us as we try cater for all the new lads. Looking forward to that challenge.

Up the Vos !