RUGBY UNION: Ely Tigers end Wymondham’s unbeaten home run but development side are mauled by March Bears

Ely Tigers extended their excellent start to the season with a 34-17 success over rivals Wymondham last weekend.

Ely Standard: Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

The Tigers travelled to Norfolk to take on a side that hadn’t lost at home for over a year and showed why they are currently challenging for top spot with an impressive attacking display.

But Ely’s afternoon got off to a disappointing start, with the hosts dotting down in the first minute after their full-back darted around their defence.

Ely responded well and notched their first try courtesy of Like Wileman, before he added his second to send his side into the lead.

Ely Standard: Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

Joel Scott Paul added a penalty but the Tigers were pegged back before half time with Wymondham touching down following a rolling maul.

But the Tigers came out firing in the second period, with Scott Paul adding another three points and Matt Ings crashing over for another converted try.

The home side reduced the arrears again with a try of their own but Ely finally got the bonus point they were searching for thanks to Scott Paul’s fine individual try.

Ely Standard: Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

Wymondham fought hard and claimed their own bonus point but the Tigers were able to hold on to claim their third straight Eastern Counties league success. They’ll look to go five matches unbeaten when they take on eighth-placed Crusaders at Downham Road on Saturday (3pm).

Ely’s development side, however, were sent to a disappointing 57-27 defeat in their battle of the Fens clash with March Bears.

The Bears ran in nine tries in their impressive victory, with Tom Swann helping himself to a hat-trick.

Ely Standard: Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

March’s Connor Porter also kicked six conversions as Ely’s second side were defeated for the first time this term.

They will hope to get back to winning ways this weekend when they host Shelford 4ths.

Ely Standard: Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER Action from March Bears' 57-27 win over Ely Tigers Development. Photo: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)