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.

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.