ILKESTON have made history by winning their first-ever NLD Cup.
The Elks edged out their higher-league opponents Scunthorpe 10-8 in a gripping final at Matlock to lift the Three Counties trophy.
Ilkeston went behind to an 11th-minute penalty but were seeing plenty of the ball and they gradually settled into the game, with Greg Taylor involved in much of their good play.
When Scunthorpe were caught offside after 35 minutes, Jack Partington struck the penalty cleanly to level the scores.
Ilkeston pressure early in the second half was rewarded when an opponent was sent to the sin bin.
The Elks took advantage of the extra man in the 52nd minute. From a five-metre scrum, the pack drove over the line, with Adam Corcoran getting the vital touch-down.
Partington added the extras to make it 10-3.
Scunthorpe threw everything forward but Ilkeston held firm until the 75th minute, when they conceded a try from an attacking maul.
However, the conversion crucially drifted wide and the Elks hung on to celebrate a famous win.
“This was a fully deserved victory,” said Ilkeston director of rugby Lee Jones.
“The defence were outstanding and performances were strong throughout the side.
“(Alex) Ayres and Corcoran were excellent but man of the match went to Greg Taylor, who kept the team going forward with some great tactical kicking and immense tackling in defence.
“It was a fantastic finish to a season which has been very inconsistent due to injuries and unavailability of key personnel.
“However, this gave opportunities to several young players who have shown great promise and all looks good for next season.
“A big thank you to all the players and coaching staff for giving the club a great finale.”
To cap off a great weekend for the club, the Under-19 Colts won their NLD Plate final 17-12 against Mansfield, coming back from 12-0 down at half-time.
Rugby union: Ilkeston celebrate historic win over Scunthorpe as they lift NLD ...
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