Eastern Counties Division Two Norwich Union 14 Ely 23 THE Ely forwards dealt well with a big, heavy pack to ensure victory in their penultimate league match of this year s campaign. The Tigers welcomed back fly-half Sam Sanders-Hewett but were short of

Eastern Counties Division Two

Norwich Union 14 Ely 23

THE Ely forwards dealt well with a big, heavy pack to ensure victory in their penultimate league match of this year's campaign.

The Tigers welcomed back fly-half Sam Sanders-Hewett but were short of three other players from last week.

Ely kicked off against the wind but the strength of Union's scrimmage was immediately apparent.

An effective, early move from Ely's backs was taken over by the forwards, and three phases later Lee Kupyn broke from 40 metres to score a try.

The territorial advantage was kept by the home side, but the Tigers' defence remained steadfast.

Ely capitalised on Union's pressing when No.8 Stacey Mould picked up and cleared, leaving Lee Coulson to score and extend the lead to 10-0.

After struggling to clear their lines, Ely won a line-out and the outstanding Coulson delivered the ball off the top. Sanders-Hewett broke with the ball before returning to Coulson, who scored another try and Sanders-Hewett converted.

Ely looked commanding but Norwich Union forced their way over from a rolling maul to make the half-time score 17-7.

An Ely penalty kick, early in the second half, made it 20-7.

A lucky kick by Norwich Union fell into the Ely 22-metre area, and the bounce resulted in a line-out to the home side. They won it and pressed to the line to make the score 20-14 going into the final stages.

Ely's forwards had performed immensely, and exhaustion meant that all the reserves were used.

One more Sanders-Hewett penalty and some tremendous tackling from Carl Ward secured the win.