A MARAUDING Ely Tigers side were denied victory in dramatic fashion on Saturday as a late try snatched a 23-16 victory for Stowmarket. Having matched their lofty opponents for much of the game, Mark Mitzman s men entered the last few minutes with victory

A MARAUDING Ely Tigers side were denied victory in dramatic fashion on Saturday as a late try snatched a 23-16 victory for Stowmarket.

Having matched their lofty opponents for much of the game, Mark Mitzman's men entered the last few minutes with victory in sight but a late lapse in concentration allowed Stowmarket to steal the win.

Skipper Mitzman, said: "We're gutted to have come so close to winning against one of the top sides in the league.

We played our hearts out today and there is nothing I could say we did badly. "I am tremendously proud of all the guys who played today and who put their bodies on the line week in week out for the team."

The game kicked off in earnest but within a few moments the Tigers had lost possession and were able only to watch as the ball was rumbled over the line for the first Stowmarket try.

From the restart the Tigers worked hard to work their way back into the match and, following some great play, were awarded a penalty which was duly converted by Ed Fahy to narrow the margin.

To the frustration of the home faithful, Stowmarket immediately responded with a second try to restore their advantage but the setback proved only a fleeting one as skipper Mitzman, spotted a hole in the visiting line and with quick hands from Kieren Kennett crashed over the line to bring the score to 10-10.

With the Tigers front eight beginning to dominate, Stowmarket started to make mistakes and the Tigers punished their indecision by forcing a penalty to move into the lead.

At the half-time break both sides came out with renewed purpose but it was Stowmarket who made their possession pay as they broke through the defences to being the score to 15-13.

Again the Tigers came back strong and whilst under pressure Stowmarket yielded a penalty which Fahy kicked between the posts to put the Tigers back in to the lead. 16-15

In the final 10 minutes though, Stowmarket dealt Ely's hopes of victory a hammer blow as they broke through the lines to score. In the dying seconds the Tigers gave away a penalty which was kicked to finish the match 23-16.

The loss sees Ely slip to second from bottom of the Eastern Counties Division 1.