A Matt McCarthy hat-trick helped Ely Tigers get back to winning ways on Friday night.

Ely Standard: Ryan Clark breaks away to score the final try of the match. Photo: Steve WellsRyan Clark breaks away to score the final try of the match. Photo: Steve Wells (Image: Archant)

McCarthy’s impressive treble helped Ely on their way to a 31-12 victory over West Norfolk on Friday night.

The Tigers overcame a shaky first half to claim their sixth win of the season and move to within two points of fourth-placed Thetford – who they take on this weekend - in the London Leagues Eastern Counties standings.

West Norfolk defended well in the opening 15 minutes but their resistance was finally broken by McCarthy, who dotted down after stepping inside the defence.

Ely Standard: Tom Jackson releases the ball. Photo: Steve WellsTom Jackson releases the ball. Photo: Steve Wells (Image: Archant)

Matt Ings intercepted a pass and sprinted the length of the pitch to score a second, but Norfolk reduced the arrears with an unconverted try before the break.

Ely raced out the blocks in the second period and McCarthy added his second and third tries. The hosts notched a consolation try but Ryan Clark extended Ely’s lead late on after sprinting through.