LEAGUE leaders Ilkeston brushed aside Market Rasen & Louth RUFC 45-3 in the Midlands One East (North) league.
Ilkeston secured possession from the Rasen kick-off, allowing scrum-half Joel Haigh to launch a high kick and, with indecision in the Red and Green ranks, Ilkeston regained the ball.
Lewis Taylor opened the scoring for Ilkeston, followed by Haigh's conversion.
The high intensity opening continued as Rasen turned the ball over five minutes later and Taylor repeated the dose with another score.
Haigh slotted the conversion, but soon after it was Rasen kicker Meehal Grint's turn to put over a successful kick with a penalty.
The Elks were relentless. Their forwards drove prop Ben Wells over the line to extend their lead.
Rasen narrowly missed out as winger Nick Harvey was just beaten to the touch-down, chasing centre George Edell's intelligent grubber kick.
The introduction of Rasen's new signing Matt Sutton at fly half added some fizz and invention, but it was the Ilkeston forward machine that extended the lead with a carbon copy catch and drive finished off by number eight Adam Corcoran and converted by Haigh.
Ilkeston went in 24-3 ahead at the break.
The home team began the second half with a blitz, scoring three tries in 14 minutes.
An early probing run from the livewire Haigh gave flanker Steve Quinn enough room to take an inside ball to force his way over the whitewash.
Rasen's task was made harder three minutes later when number eight Leigh Dearden was harshly yellow carded.
A penalty and several phases later, Rasen were unable to repel another fierce forward drive as Corcoran barrelled his way over.
Four minutes later, Corcoran crashed over and Haigh converted.
In the latter stages, the Red and Greens worked tirelessly, but they were unable to unlock the disciplined and well-drilled home defence.
Newark, currently one point behind Rasen in the table, are the visitors to Willingham Road on Saturday (3pm).
