THE Ely Development squad had a torrid time at the weekend, going down 20-6 at home to Hitchin 2. Suffering from a number of key injuries and hampered by atrocious conditions, the Tigers were unable to hit top form and were picked apart by a well drilled

THE Ely Development squad had a torrid time at the weekend, going down 20-6 at home to Hitchin 2.

Suffering from a number of key injuries and hampered by atrocious conditions, the Tigers were unable to hit top form and were picked apart by a well drilled Hitchin side.

Disappointed Ely skipper Mills said: "A little disappointed with the game today. We certainly didn't help ourselves when we had the wind by not playing the game in their half as much as we should have done."

Ely received the kick to start the game and started well. Good defence paid dividends after about 20 minutes as Joel Scott-Paul held up a certain score over the line. Ely then moved down the pitch and took the lead with a penalty 3-0.

From the restart, however the Hitchin pack worked hard to put their elusive 10 in to a gap and he powered through two tackles to score under the posts. Conversion kicked 7-3. Again Ely fought back and just before half time Mark Egerton struck another penalty to bring the score to 7-6.

The wind held Ely in their own half but they were determined to run the ball out keeping it alive and making reasonable ground but not enough to make the difference.

Hitchin were exceptional at regaining their feet after the tackle and getting their hands on the ball. This either guaranteed their ball or slowed it down for Ely. Soon the pressure told as and un-gathered line out throw was snapped up by the Hitchin lock that rampaged over the line from short range.

Ely were now playing backs against the wall stuff and minutes before the end the Hitchin 10 went through a gap to score leaving the end score 20-6.