“The boys played well Boy’s played well in terrible conditions in a backs to the wall game - they, showed a lot of heart; well done” was how one fan summered up Ely Tigers match against Stowmarket.

Ely Standard: Ely Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells. Erwin Nooteboom looks to release the ballEly Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells. Erwin Nooteboom looks to release the ball (Image: Archant)

However Ely’s target of second place took a blow after the loss away to Stowmarket.

Missing several players from the week before, the Tigers took a few minutes to get into the match.

They were caught napping when Stowmarket forced their way over the line in the first few minutes. Ely then started to settle into the game. A good flow of play forced Stowmarket to concede a penalty for offside.

The Tigers opted for touch and won the line-out. The ball was shipped wide to man of the match Tom Green who showed great pace to dart around his opposite number, he touched down in the corner and Matt McCarthy was on point to add the extras.

Ely Standard: Ely Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells.Jacob Muncey powers through the home defenceEly Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells.Jacob Muncey powers through the home defence (Image: Archant)

In the second half Ely lost the wind advantage and weather worsened. Stowmarket sealed the victory adding four more tries to their tally to bring the score to 29-7.

Ely Standard: Ely Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells. Tom Green touches down for ElyEly Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells. Tom Green touches down for Ely (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells.Sterling Fenton gets groundedEly Tigers v Stowmarket: PHOTO: Steve Wells.Sterling Fenton gets grounded (Image: Archant)