Ely Tigers’ pursuit of a top four spot in the London 1 Eastern Counties League was halted after coming unstuck away from home. 

The visitors endured 15 minutes of pressure against Shelford II on March 4, before Joel Scott Paul kicked Tigers’ first points of the game in their 29-16 defeat. 

That lead lasted 10 minutes as Shelford raced into a 14-3 half-time advantage. 

Ely were awarded another penalty early in the second half, which Scott Paul took to add three more points to the scoreboard. 

From the restart, Tigers handed the home side a chance to increase their lead after a penalty was awarded following a knock-on as Shelford opened up an 11-point margin. 

Scott Paul then missed a chance to cut the gap after a missed penalty, even though Ricky Neale stormed through the Shelford defence to score the game’s next try. 

But despite Jordan Barnes' try, Ely conceded another try late on. 

Ely play their final home league game of the season when they face Diss at Cambridge Commodities Park on March 11.