ELY Ladies Roller Hockey narrowly missed out on a spot in a regional final after losing out 2-0 to a team of international calibre from Bury. The ladies team, one of just a handful in the country, drew Bury for the third year in succession in the Eastern

ELY Ladies Roller Hockey narrowly missed out on a spot in a regional final after losing out 2-0 to a team of international calibre from Bury.

The ladies' team, one of just a handful in the country, drew Bury for the third year in succession in the Eastern Counties knockout semi final but were seldom fazed by their lofty opponents, who boast no less than four England players.

In front of a good and vocal crowd, Ely started brightly and created several chances but couldn't quite find their form in front of goal.

At the other end meanwhile, superb defending meant there were few chances for Bury until 14 minutes into the game when they found the back of the net and it was not until six minutes from the end that Bury scored their second goal.

Ely battling hard to try and find a goal but they struggled to trouble the experienced Bury goalkeeper.

Ely U15s meanwhile, were narrowly edged out by Bury in the qualifying tournament for the National Club Finals.

A number of last minute withdrawals left the competition a three horse race between Plymouth, who had travelled 6 hours to get to Soham, Ely and Bury.

Bury won the first match against Plymouth 12 - 0 which left Ely with the daunting task of having to try and score more, as goal difference was a vital factor.

The crowd were not disappointed as Ely notched up a 23-0 win in reply, setting up a tense decider between Ely and Bury.

Ely took an early lead in the final but Bury replied with two quick goals. Ely were unfazed though, and good teamwork between Max Dunnand and Sam Norton caused Bury several problems and soon brought the score back level.

Bury rallied against the setback and scored three more to take a comfortable lead into half time. Ely pressed hard in the second half and hit the post four times, but despite scoring one further goal the score ended 7 - 3.

In the U17s tournament, the first match effectively decided the qualifier for the finals. Unfortunately for Ely, this was against a very strong Peterborough team, who pressed from the start and soon took a 3 - 0 lead. Ely started to organise themselves soon after however, and pulled a goal back before half time. In the second half the good work continued and Ely pulled another goal back but Peterborough ultimately proved too strong and ended 5 -2 winners.