AN injury ravaged Ely Tigers side defied the odds to register their first win of the season at Norfolk-based side Holt on Saturday.

Rugby

Holt 13

Ely 26

AN injury ravaged Ely Tigers side defied the odds to register their first win of the season at Norfolk-based side Holt on Saturday.

Despite being six first-choice players short, Karl Hayler’s side comfortably matched their high-flying opponents and ran over three tries in what was ultimately an assured win.

Coming in to the game Ely handed call-ups to Todd Woollard, Rob Molloy and Charlie Coupland with more experienced development squad members Tim Mills and Matt Kelly also drafted in.

The Tigers set up for the first half to receive the kick but were rattled somewhat by a lusty Holt side that launched straight into attack. Ely were pinned in their own 22 for most of the opening exchanges but their well-drilled kept Holt at bay.

After soaking up the Holt attack’s the tide finally began to turn for Hayler’s men and defence turned into attack. Holt began to make some telling mistakes and Ben Forteath capitalised to kick Ely into a 6-3 lead. Ely’s forwards began to dominate up-front and at the set piece and with Holt on the back foot Forteath was able to find a gap in the defence to run through and score under the posts. Ely were well placed at 13-3 going into half-time.

The second half saw Ely maintain their forward pressure and they continued to keep Holt anchored in their own half with a solitary Holt attack bringing a penalty.

Though Ely’s fortunes threatened to change when several players, including captain Hayler, were lost to injury they retained their attacking intent and broke through in the last 20 minutes as Forteath crossed the line once more.

More good work from the Ely forwards allowed hooker Jamie Orpwood over for the line for try number three. Holt were able to answer back with a score of their own but it was to no avail as Ely were able to stay on top and win the game 26–13 and post their first points of the season.