Blues claim the win despite the Elks leading at half-time

The Blues scored the first points five minutes before the Elks hit back, Nela Loti dazzling with footwork and toeing the ball forward several times to eventually pick it up and plant it down five minutes out from half-time.

The try was converted and the Elks led 7-5 at the break.

The second stanza saw more of the same, grinding play but it was the Blues who put points on the board and raced ahead to lead 25-7.

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The Elks managed to cross for one more try via Lofa Taukei before the full-time siren sounded, the Blues running out 25-12 winners.

Of their performance, Elks coach Tom Benton said the pieces of the puzzle are there, but they aren't coming together.

"Our attack is just not coming together," he said.

"We were able to hold the ball with the simple, slow attack but just getting our flowing attack when we should be capitalising on the forward momentum is just not happening."

Benton was happy with the efforts of the forward pack.

"The whole forward pack in first grade did what we wanted, we just could get the points on the board to capitalise on what they were doing," he said.

"It was a pretty good performance, would've been nice to get the win.

"We have got plenty of people that can play footy there but we just can't seem to cross the line and you don't win games if you don't get across the line."

This Saturday's task gets tougher with the Elks heading to Walcha to play the undefeated Rams.

"We will turn up," Benton said in anticipation of the clashes.