Before Saturday, Banks, 6ft 3ins and 16 stone, had never scored for the first team in over 300 matches since being picked to play in 2000.

But he ended the famine in style, crossing twice, as the Tows forwards wrestled the game from the hosts.

Ilkeston had just missed out on a play off place last season and their 2011/12 campaign had begun strongly with three wins out of four.

Their class soon became apparent at Hallam Fields Road. A line out drive released centre Dan Taylor. Fly half James Connolly converted and the hosts led 7-0.

But the Tows pack refused to be bossed out of the game and realised they had the measure of their hosts up front.

Three times, the pack went through the phases, picking and driving. And three times, they scored.

Banks crossed first, followed by No 8 Chris Kirby, deputising as captain, before Banks, now getting the hang of this try-scoring thing, went over for his second.

Matt Yuill added two of the three conversions and Tows turned round 7-19 up in the baking hot sun.

With Tows in charge of the scrum, it was up to the Ilkeston backs to get the hosts back into the game.

Lewis Taylor, one of three Taylor brothers in the Ilkeston backs, led the response with an uncoverted try which put the pulsating game in the balance.

Tows then looked to have let slip the game, into which they had thrown everything, when Lewis Taylor crossed for a second.

Connolly converted with a fine kick to level the scores at 19 points apiece, and the hosts were now being roared home by their supporters.

Amid the charged atmosphere, Connolly kicked cross-field for his winger but the ball stood up for full back Yuill to run on to it.

Yuill deftly chipped two defenders and regathered to put away a delighted Chrissie George beneath the posts.

Yuill converted and the Tows forwards ground out the last five minutes to claim a thrilling victory.