Tigers make it two-in-a-row

Ely Tigers 35

Woodbridge 20

AN outstanding display from Jamie Russell ensured the Tigers secured their second successive league win on Saturday.

Unwaveringly accurate kicking from the Tigers’ vice-captain earned an impressive 15 points for the home side, and proved instrumental in breaking-up countless attacks from Woodbridge.

The win sees Ely climb one place up to sixth in the Eastern Counties League 1.

Ely piled the pressure on the visitors straight from the outset, with the backs hitting some good lines. It was Woodbridge who would take the lead however, as they collected the ball from an Ely ruck and raced clear for a try.

The Tigers redoubled their efforts in the ensuing minutes and Russell collected his first points of the day from a hastily conceded penalty.

Minutes later and Ely ran home their first try of the day courtesy of John Hunt. Ely then began to take control of the game and moved further ahead via Kevin Houghton, who ran over Ely’s second try. Ely continued to press and just before the half-time whistle, they bagged their third score as a quick tap penalty from Mark Goude was taken to the line and recycled for captain Karl Hayler, to score a short blind side try.

The two teams began the second half determined to play hard and the first 20 minute period of the half saw Woodbridge run home a try to get back into the game.

The visitors’ comeback was short-lived however, as Coulson once again exploited gaps in the defence to to score under the posts. Woodbridge were able to respond with one more try but the home side kept out in front through the boot of vice-captain Jamie Russell who’s kicking display made sure Woodbridge were chasing the game for much of the match.