Both sides appeared to be safe from relegation before this game, but the winners knew that victory would more or less guarantee another season at this level, whilst the losers would still need to focus on further wins, against some tough opposition to be certain.

Both sides worked hard to play attacking rugby, which led to an open although somewhat error strewn game. The Blues took an early lead through a Joe Daniel penalty, and the game swung both ways over the next 20 minutes before a fine chip and chase by. Daniel saw him break through and feed inside to Joe Newman for the centre to score the opening try for the Blues. Daniel added the extra points to open up a 10 point lead.

Daniel extended this with another penalty and then scored a try himself on 35 minutes, which he also converted to see the Blues 20 points clear approaching the break. Back came Ilkeston and as half time approached they gained the reward for their efforts with a well worked try in the left hand corner, which was expertly converted to close the gap at the break to 20-7.

A penalty from the visitors closed the gap to 10 points on 45 minutes, but the Blues continued to dominate much of the proceedings without adding to their score and Ilkeston remained in touch until 5 minutes from the end when the Blues attacked with real precision from a scrum and Daniel scored his second try of the day as he dummies his way over in the left corner. The conversion was for once unsuccessful but the Blues were by now clear and saw the game out to secure an important win against a tough Ilkeston side, and gain revenge for the defeat earlier in the season when they travelled to Ilkeston.

A tough call on man of the match, which eventually went to George Newman, despite the fine performances of a number of individuals, particularly Daniel.

RAJ Man of the Match: George Newman