Under 17s league season ends

Eastern Counties Under 17s League
 
Ely hosted the last tournament of their season at Soham. All the players present can play at this age group next year, so the team were looking for good performances as they were unlikely to improve on 5th place in the league this year.
 
The day started with a match against run away league leaders Bury St Edmunds. Ely got off to their customary slow start and were 6 – 0 down at half time. However a good second half performance meant Bury could only add 2 more goals.
 
The second game against Norwich saw Ely ‘showering’ the Norwich goal but somehow their young goalkeeper and the post kept Ely out and they went into the break a surprising 2 - 1 down. In the second half Ely carried on where they left off and kept attacking the Norwich goal. Ely managed to gain a slim 3 -2 lead when a blue card and the resultant sin bin gave Norwich hope. James Bayes pulled off a superb stop of the resultant direct  free hit and with only 3 players on the rink Ely grabbed a 4th goal for a 4 – 2 win (goalscorers Max Dunnand 2, James Cox and Michael Hart).
 
Game 3 was a thrilling match against Cottenham. Ely took an early 2 goal lead but then Cottenham picked up the pace and pulled level. Cottenham then had a good phase where their passing undid Ely giving them a 5 – 3 lead. Ely then played some of their best hockey of the year with good defence and great counter attacking. A well taken goal by Dan Salisbury whose injury was restricting him to only short spells on rink gave Ely a chance. Cottenham then committed their 10th foul and from the resultant direct Dunnand brought the scores level with a minute left. Ely pressed for a winner but were undone by 2 Cottenham goals in the dying seconds. (other goals Hart and Dunnand).
 
Encouraged by the previous result Ely faced Kings Lynn in their last match. Some slack defending made it too easy for Lynn and they established a quick 2 goal lead. Ely then picked up the pace and 2 good goals by Hart brought the scores level. But for the post Hart could have grabbed 3 more. Kings Lynn however did find the net and went in at half time 5 – 2 in front. After the break Lynn played some excellent passing hockey and this undid Ely who were also tiring after a long day. Hart got his hat trick but Ely eventually lost 10 – 3.
 
The team have the cup qualifiers left to play in June.