The match, played in bright sunshine at Pocock + Shaw Park after early morning fog cleared, saw the Tigers strike first through Mitch Kennett’s opening try, converted by Jake Alsop to give Ely an early 7-0 lead.

Fakenham quickly responded with a converted try of their own, levelling the score at 7-7 in a back-and-forth opening.

Ely reclaimed the lead almost immediately from the restart, with Josh Flanders chasing down a kick to touch down for the Tigers' second try.

Matt McCarthy - man of the match (Image: Ely Tigers)

Mr Alsop missed the conversion, leaving the score at 12-7.

The home side continued to press, earning a penalty under the posts and capitalising with a try from Luke Turner.

Matt McCarthy added a fourth try to secure the bonus point, though conversions continued to elude the Tigers, who led 22-7 after 27 minutes.

Fakenham fought back with two quick tries—one converted—narrowing the gap to 22-19.

Just before half-time, the visitors were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and successfully kicked it to go into the break level at 22-22.

The Tigers regrouped at the interval and struck first in the second half.

Matt French broke from deep in the Ely half, beating multiple defenders before offloading to Jordan Barnes, who scored.

Tom Gunbie converted to restore Ely’s lead at 29-22.

Building on their momentum, the Tigers worked a lineout on the right and spread the ball wide to Kody Jeakins, who crossed for another try.

Mr Gunbie converted to extend the lead to 36-22.

Fakenham replied with a converted try, narrowing the score to 36-29.

However, Ely captain Luke Turner sealed the win with a late try, and Gunbie’s successful conversion brought the final score to 43-29.

It was only the Tigers’ second home game of the season and marked a strong finish to October before the upcoming rest week.