Vousden steers Ely through Walden test
Saffron Walden II 12 Ely II 17 FOR the second time in six weeks Ely II travelled to Saffron Walden – this time for a GK Cup quarter-final – knowing the opposition would be keen to make amends for their close and hard-fought defeat in the corresponding l
Saffron Walden II 12 Ely II 17
FOR the second time in six weeks Ely II travelled to Saffron Walden - this time for a GK Cup quarter-final - knowing the opposition would be keen to make amends for their close and hard-fought defeat in the corresponding league match.
Ely travelled with only 14 players, so everyone realised that a hard afternoon lay ahead for the re-jigged line-up.
Saffron Walden won the toss and decided to play with the wind, and after five minutes Ely found themselves playing with just 13 men - a pack of seven and six in the backs - after one of their players limped off.
Buoyed by their numerical advantage Saffron Walden tested Ely's resolve, and the home side scored first but missed the kick to lead 5-0 at the break.
If the first half had been about consolidation and survival, then the second was all about taking the initiative.
Most Read
- 1 Back garden log cabin needs permission says council
- 2 Preschool 'special in people's hearts' to close after more than 30 years
- 3 ‘It’s sadly coming to a natural end’ - restaurant to close its doors by August
- 4 21st century agreement on future of 17th century pub
- 5 Daughter pays tribute to model engineer who 'tried his hand at anything'
- 6 New bid for housing thwarted by Great Crested Newts
- 7 ‘It’s been very rewarding’ - Letizia amazed by support for La Strega
- 8 Change of plan for A142 Mepal bridge works as July closures announced
- 9 Axing BBC TV news from Cambridge 'a backward step' says MP
- 10 BMX star, 11, hopes world debut can lead to Olympics dream
Ely took the game to the home side who in turn wilted under the pressure, and Peter Vousden scored a try which Lee Benzie converted.
Dan Gardener then made a driving run five metres from the line, and Benzie again converted from almost in front of the posts to make it 5-14.
Saffron Walden responded with a try of their own, but Benzie gave the visitors breathing space with a successful penalty and it finished 12-17.
Other News: The First XV - beaten 48-3 at Saffron Walden on Saturday - have confirmed Jimmy Nicholson as their new Senior Head Coach, and Carl Ward has been appointed as Sports Therapist for the club.
Ely Tigers have also secured a £10,000 grant for the installation of mobile floodlights.
