ELY 3s moved into a share of top spot in the Deuxieme League after a convincing 26-17 win over Shelford 4. In a keenly contested fixture which saw the lead change hands several times, it was Ely who emerged victorious as they made the most of a tiring vis

ELY 3s moved into a share of top spot in the Deuxieme League after a convincing 26-17 win over Shelford 4.

In a keenly contested fixture which saw the lead change hands several times, it was Ely who emerged victorious as they made the most of a tiring visiting side to run over two late scores.

Captain Ben Brownlie, said: "It was a brilliant performance from everybody and was a great result. We are now joint top of the league and have one more game to play to try and clinch the title."

Straight from the first whistle the tempo was set to a high level with both teams eminently aware of the game's magnitude. Shelford settled quicker though, and managed to score in the corner on nine minutes.

The Tigers came back well from the kick off and some good forward work saw Allan Turpie go over to tie the scores at five a piece on the quarter-hour mark.

Shelford's response was immediate with another unconverted try two minutes after the restart to take the lead again 10-5, but within five minutes Gavin Ross slotted into the back line from fullback to take the ball through and score under the posts. He added the conversion to give the Tigers the lead for the first time, 12-10.

For the remainder of the half Ely set up shop in the Shelford 22 in search of a crucial score. The home defence held firm though, and no further points were added before the half time whistle.

Shelford recaptured the lead within five minutes of the restart after a well worked try was converted to take the score to 12-17.

The score only proved to be the wake up call Ely needed though, andthey upped their game in the ensuing minutes, proving a real menace to the home defence.

The pack and backs linked wonderfully, and the angles of running onto Vic Cato's passes at fly half cut gaping holes in the home side's defence.

Although they tackled valiantly, the constant pressure was eventually brough to bear on Shelford and Jimmy Gillborn came in off the wing to touch down under the posts. Ross added the two points to regain the lead 19-17.

Eight minutes later the same two scored again, this time a deft move along the backs ending with Gillborn sliding home. Again Ross was good for the conversion and the Tigers held firm for a crucial win.