THERE was both joy and agony for the region s teams as they battled for silverware in a gripping finals day last weekend. While there was joy in abundance for the all conquering Ely ladies hockey team as they triumphed in their league cup final, there was

THERE was both joy and agony for the region's teams as they battled for silverware in a gripping finals day last weekend.

While there was joy in abundance for the all conquering Ely ladies hockey team as they triumphed in their league cup final, there was the despair of defeat for both the Ely Tigers second and third XV teams as they came up short in their cup finals.

Hannah Scotney's hockey team capped what has been a monumental season for the team by cruising past Peterborough 4-0 to seal the league and cup double. There was no such luck for Matt Eldridge's rugby second team though, as they suffered at the hands of Cantabrigians in a 45-3 loss.

Ben Brownlie's third team fared a little better as they battled valiantly against Upper Clapton but they were ultimately edged out 22-17 in a blockbusting tussle.

Victorious captain Scotney said, "I am extremely proud of my team's performance and would like to thank all my players for a great season. Their commitment and hard work has been awesome and the double is well deserved."

The two hockey teams were deadlocked coming into their final at one victory a piece following two bruising league games this season. Despite an uproarious season that saw them clinch the league at a canter though, there was just a hint of the coyness typically associated with tense finals as Ely tried to find their feat.

After their early nerves though, Ely soon kicked on and goals from Chanre Bond and Gemma Voutt ensured that Ely took control of the match. Ely were keen to make use of their ever improving wide game and fine work from Emily Kisby and Dani Fletcher ensured Peterborough remained on the back foot.

The pressure of Ely's polished play finally told on a wearying Peterborough side and their defence was breached on two further occasions as Bond added a second which was ably complimented by a show-stopping move from Krista Hopkinson finding Voutt at the back post who fired home.

The was no such celebration for Ben Brownlie's third team though, as his battling side picked up their second runners-up medal this year following an agonizingly close match with Upper Clapton.

Captain Brownlie, said: "It was a very hard game against a very good side. It was a shame to lose, but you can't take anything away from the lads. They can leave the field with their heads held high. It was a good game and the end to a great season"

Despite going in at the break level at 10-10, Clapton surged into a strong lead in the second half and ultimately left Ely with too much to do to save the game despite a epic late flurry from Brownlie's men which brought them to within touching distance of the Greene King Trophy and a firmly entrenched place in club folklore.

Ely ladies hockey team celebrate their success after beating Peterborough. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Ely's Rugby teams didn't fare so well however as they both lost out. Photo: HELEN DRAKE.