Facing arguably the strongest team in the Eastern Counties, the boys anticipated a challenging match. The game started out physically, and Ely quickly found themselves trailing 14-0 within the first 15 minutes due to a few mistakes. However, they regrouped and began to hold onto possession longer, culminating in a well-executed team try that brought the score to 21-7 at halftime.
As the second half began, concentration slipped, allowing Newmarket to jump to a 33-7 lead. From that moment on, the boys showcased the talent we know they possess. The scrum dominated their opponents, establishing a solid platform for the backs to unleash their phase play. From the 35-minute mark, Ely became the stronger side, controlling the contact zone and scoring three impressive tries. The boys should take great pride in their performance today; they capitalized on small margins, which we believe can be improved upon before our next encounter in the cup.