Shelford Nomads 47 – 21 Ely Tigers – Battling Performance Despite Growing Injury List
A change in kick-off time saw Ely Tigers travel to face Shelford Nomads for a 12:30 start. With injuries already mounting, the Tigers were forced to make further squad adjustments – and within minutes, they lost Mitchell Kennett to injury.
Shelford struck early, scoring a converted try within five minutes. They doubled their lead on 35 minutes and then crossed again straight from the restart to go 21-0 ahead.
Ely showed real determination before the break. Matt McCarthy set up Luke Turner for the Tigers’ first try, converted by Jake Alsop. Moments later, Alfie Allen powered over, with Alsop again adding the extras to close the gap to 21-14. In first-half stoppage time, Shelford added another try – this time unconverted – for a 26-14 half-time lead. During the first period, Ely’s Carlos Diaz Meco joined Kennett on the injury list, both players later heading to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Shelford kept control in the second half, adding a series of well-worked tries. A cross-field kick found space in the corner, followed by another converted effort on the hour mark. Further pressure led to two more scores – one from open play and another from a line-out drive under the posts – extending the home side’s advantage to 47-14.
Ely refused to give up and were rewarded late on when Lee Thompson dived over for their third try. Despite chasing a bonus point in the closing minutes, the Tigers ran out of time as Shelford claimed a 47-21 win.
📸 Photo: Carlos Diaz Meco replaced during the first half – @rugby__tog photographer
🏠 Ely Tigers RFC – Cambridgeshire RFU