EASTERN COUNTIES DIVISION ONE West Norfolk 20 Ely 7 ELY produced a rugby performance filled with determination and spirit to test their third-placed opponents. The Tigers, still seeking their first points of the season, had two players sin-binned after an

EASTERN COUNTIES

DIVISION ONE

West Norfolk 20 Ely 7

ELY produced a rugby performance filled with determination and spirit to test their third-placed opponents.

The Tigers, still seeking their first points of the season, had two players sin-binned after an ugly second-half brawl involving 30 players and a couple of supporters but did not wilt.

Ely matched their opponents in every department and it took the hosts 20 minutes to take a 7-0 lead through a winger running under the posts and a conversion.

But Ely upped the tempo and hit back when Daniel Coulson jinked his way to the line after strong running from Stacey Mould, Gavin Ross and Daniel Coulson. Jamie Russell converted from the touchline for 7-7.

But West Norfolk grabbed another try before half-time for 12-7.

Lee Kupyn forced West Norfolk to change tactics and the match soon became scrappy and ill-disciplined.

Kupyn and Jimmy Gilborn were yellow-carded following a brawl, and a penalty was kicked to make it 15-7 to West Norfolk.

Ely replied with bone-crunching tackling and their spirit was epitomised by Mitch Kennet and man of the match Karim Faisali. But the hosts managed one more try when a winger squeezed over in the corner.