Ely Tigers ensured they would be favourites to land a top four finish after rounding off their home league campaign. 

Jake Alsop set the Tigers on their way against Diss, knowing a win would keep them fourth in London 1 Eastern Counties League ahead of fifth-placed Shelford II heading into the season finale. 

Alsop scored a penalty and oversaw the game’s first try when Ryan Edgeworth showed quick footwork to side-step a challenge and score under the posts in their 50-28 triumph on March 11. 

Ely built on their 10-point lead as Matt McCarthy went from provider to try scorer, and again Alsop added the conversion. 

Tigers switched off temporarily in the game at Cambridge Commodities Park as Diss closed the gap to 17-7 courtesy of a try and added conversion. 

But parity was soon restored for the hosts when Matt French crossed over to go into the break further in front. 

Alsop added the conversion to put Ely into a 24-7 lead. 

Aaron Borland extended Ely’s advantage soon into the second half, Alsop adding the conversion. 

This was before Diss charged down a kick deep into the Tigers’ back line to score their second try of the day. 

But directly from the restart, Luke Turner added his name to the scoresheet for Tigers.  

Diss pounced on a lapse in concentration from their opponents with two quick tries to close the gap to 10 points. 

But Ely muscled their way to victory thanks to Michael Reaves who bundled over to try. 

Borland added his second try of the afternoon after latching onto Turner’s pass on the wing, before Alsop helped Ely reach the 50-point mark. 

Ely, who sit three points ahead of Shelford II, go to second-placed Holt on the final day of the 2022-23 season on March 18.