YOUTH RUGBY Under-15 IN a dramatic campaign that included several difficult fixtures and a rare penalty shootout, the Ely Tigers under 15s made it to the final of the 2008 West Norfolk Sevens tournament. Despite only two weeks of practice under their bel

YOUTH RUGBY

Under-15

IN a dramatic campaign that included several difficult fixtures and a rare penalty shootout, the Ely Tigers under 15s made it to the final of the 2008 West Norfolk Sevens tournament. Despite only two weeks of practice under their belt, the 10 members of the team brought back the Norfolk Sevens plate.

In the pool stages, Ely faced West Norfolk, North Walsham and Norwich. Despite beating reigning champions Norwich by 33-0, three teams including Ely were all level on five points in the overall table. Ely had the most points and tries, but the rules stated that the remaining semi final spot would be awarded to the winners of a sudden death drop goal shootout.

Ely fly half Matt McCarthy kicked the ball right between the posts, with the opposition kickers both missing. This confirmed Ely's progress to the semi-final.

Ely produced their best performance of the day as they dominated possession, and scored some excellent tries, securing a 31-5 win over Dereham.

A tired Ely now played in the tournament final but could not muster enough energy to repel the West Norfolk onslaught of a very talented team. But it was enough to secure the Tiger 15s first piece of silverware.

Under-14

Ely Tigers (development) 33 Royston 17

ELY travelled to Royston with eight first team regulars on the bench or absent.

Early exchanges were even until 10 minutes in when Theo Ogier went over to open the scoring for Ely, Dan Malem converting. Ely looked dominant following their opening score and Malem soon went over under the posts for a second try following a solo run.

Royston replied with great spirit to get two scores from close range to bring the total to 19 -10 at the halfway point.

Soon after the second half kicked off, Fabio Falter scored Ely's fourth try and increased the lead to 26 - 10. Royston came back with some fierce counter attacks which finally turned to points as their powerful number eight scored his second try under the posts to bring the score to 26 - 17 with 10 minutes to go.

Both teams looked for the score that would make them safe or keep them in contention. Following a well worked move down the blind side, Adams, Falter and Malem combined well to open up a gap inside which Malem exploited to the full to score his second converted try of the game, to bring the final score to 33-17 to Ely.