Ely Tigers recorded a handsome victory in their London 3 Eastern Counties League opener, thanks to some help from the old guard.

The experienced Joel Scott Paul scored the opening points for Ely with a penalty against Norwich Union on Saturday, before he crossed for the game’s first try.

Scott Paul scored a second try soon after, as the visitors replied with a try of their own at Cambridge Commodities Park.

Ely’s Charlie Coupland then pounced on a poor restart to allow debutant George Newman to run home as Scott Paul scored a conversion.

Ely Standard: Charlie Coupland breaks away for Ely Tigers vs Norwich Union.Charlie Coupland breaks away for Ely Tigers vs Norwich Union. (Image: Steve Wells)

Norwich did respond soon after half-time, but another penalty from Scott Paul added further daylight between the two teams.

Some missed conversions proved costly for the away side as Tigers continued to ease further away on the scoreboard.

Coupland freed Scott Paul to score a try after a kind bounce from a Jake Alsop kick, before Newman put the game beyond the visitors.

Ely Standard: George Newman scored on his debut for Ely Tigers in their league win over Norwich Union.George Newman scored on his debut for Ely Tigers in their league win over Norwich Union. (Image: Steve Wells)

There was still time for another home try thanks to captain Matt McCarthy who crossed after being set free by Alfie Ramswell to complete the scoring.

Ely travel to Holt in a league clash on September 25, 3pm.