Ely Tigers 17 – 19 West Norfolk

After a busy summer of preparation and a strong pre-season campaign, West Norfolk kicked off their 2025/26 season with a short trip to Ely Tigers. It was a fixture that carried plenty of weight, not least because the last time the two sides met back in the 2023/24 season, Ely had run out convincing 58–0 winners.

This time, things were very different.

Returning strength and new faces

West welcomed back several key players from long-term injury – including James Dobler, Jack Trundley and George Lemon – whose presence immediately added experience and quality. The squad was further boosted by new recruits Jeremy Darley, Angus Flint and Frazer Brown, all of whom earned starting spots on debut.

First-half battle

Conditions were warm with an awkward cross-breeze, and West found themselves under sustained pressure early on. Ely pinned the visitors deep in their own half, and despite some stubborn defence, a lapse around the breakdown allowed the Tigers’ scrum-half to snipe through and open the scoring.

West struck back in style. Relentless defensive pressure forced a wayward Ely pass, which debutant Frazer Brown pounced on, kicking ahead from halfway before gathering cleanly and racing away to level the scores.

The visitors’ second try showcased the new-look squad at their best. Powerful running from “man-mountain” Jeremy Darley dragged defenders into contact before quick ball found fellow recruit Angus Flint. He broke through the line and, showing composure, offloaded to skipper Jack Wicks to finish under the posts.

But Ely refused to fade. Their towering second rower powered through several would-be tacklers in a barnstorming solo effort to tie the game once more.

Second-half grind

The second period became a battle of set pieces, with both sides looking for a platform to gain the upper hand. The decisive moment came late on: vice-captain JJ Hart reacted quickest to a bobbled lineout, sniping into the Ely 22. Carries from Conor Clarke and stand-in centre Lewis Rudd edged West closer before returning #10 Jack Trundley produced some dazzling footwork, finding space where there seemed to be none to cross for the match-winning try.

Man of the Match

While there were several standout performances across the pitch, the award went to George Lemon. Making his long-awaited return from injury, Lemon impressed with his tireless work rate in both attack and defence, setting the tone for West’s resilient display.

Coach’s view

Head Coach Jamie Williamson was delighted with the opening-day victory:

“We’ve worked hard all off-season to build on what we achieved last year. You have a plan, but you never really know how things will come together on game day. There are still areas we need to improve, and I feel we have more gears in attack, but Ely isn’t an easy place to play – especially on the first weekend of the season. To come away with a win is really pleasing, and it gives us a strong platform to build on.”