The Tigers crossed the line first when the ball was shipped wide to Jacob Muncey who ran through the opposition defence to touch down under the posts. Ely then conceded a penalty in their twenty-two and the opposition opted for the three points. The Tigers conceded more penalties which gave the Crusaders the upper hand. They kicked for the corner then crossed the line for a converted try. Both teams traded a brace of tries, once more through Jacob Muncey and man of the match Charlie Coupland cut an inside line and stepped two defenders before he dived over the line. At the break the Crusaders were ahead 19-22.
The high scoring game continued in the second half and it was neck and neck, whenever Ely scored, the Crusaders answered with a try of their own. Matt McCarthy and Coupland both scored in a similar vein when the ball was shipped wide, they stepped and darted through the opposition defensive line. The deadlock was broken when finally, Ely’s score was unanswered. James Buckland cut a line and ran straight through a gap but was brought down five metres short. Tom Green was on hand to pick and go for a converted try. In the final minutes of the game the Crusaders had the ball and were only six points behind. A solid defensive effort forced the opposition backwards which resulted in a knock-on and ended the game at 40-34 to the Tigers.
Press release from Ely Tigers Rugby Club
Photo credit Steve Wells
