Ely Tigers brought their 2025 campaign to a close with a local derby win against Newmarket RFC, looking to build on the momentum from last week’s victory over North Walsham. In front of a home crowd, the Tigers delivered a confident performance to secure a 30–21 win.
The Tigers made a fast start, crossing the try line inside the opening five minutes when Joel Scott Paul finished well, with Matt McCarthy adding the conversion. The game settled shortly after, with McCarthy extending the lead through a well-taken penalty.
Returning to the squad, Grant Storey marked his comeback by getting on the scoresheet to push the lead to 15–0. Mitchell Kennett then crossed before the break, giving Ely a commanding 20–0 half-time lead, despite finishing the half with fourteen players.
Early in the second half, Jake Alsop added three more points from the tee. Newmarket responded strongly with two converted tries, reducing the deficit to 23–14 and briefly shifting momentum.
Ely regained control when McCarthy crossed for his own try and converted, restoring a comfortable lead. Although Newmarket managed a late score, the Tigers held firm to see out a deserved 30–21 victory.
As the team heads into the Christmas break, Ely Tigers remain in the bottom two of the table but sit just 2 points off ninth place, with several crucial fixtures to come in January against teams close to them on the table.
📸 Photos: Try scorers Matt McCarthy and Mitchell Kennett – @rugby__tog photographer
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