Match Report: Southwold 43 – 14 Ely

Southwold returned to form in impressive fashion on a perfect afternoon at The Common, completing the league double over a determined Ely side who competed until the final whistle.

After a challenging start to the second half of the season, Wold produced a controlled and clinical display, combining forward power with sharp finishing out wide.

The home side could not have asked for a better start. From early pressure, Tom Keeble cut a superb line to open the scoring and set the tone at 5–0. Momentum continued to build, and from phases off a lineout, Bruce Bolton finished strongly in the corner to extend the lead to 12–0.

Dominance at the scrum then paid dividends. A powerful shove drove Ely back over their own line, and from the resulting pressure Jeremy Aitken forced his way over to score. Shortly afterwards, Ely were reduced to 14 men following a high tackle, stretching Southwold’s advantage to 19–0.

Southwold’s confidence was flowing. Aitken then produced a brilliant break to halfway, well supported by Bolton, with the ball worked back inside for Ed Fuller to cross near the posts for his first 1st XV try — a special moment and a deserved reward — making it 26–0.

From the restart, Wold struck again. Charlie Buckley gathered the ball deep inside his own 22 and showed pace and vision to run it back and score, sending Southwold into half-time in complete control at 31–0.

Ely came out strongly after the break and were rewarded for their persistence, scoring from a kick return and spreading the ball wide to reduce the deficit to 31–7.

However, Southwold quickly reasserted themselves. Continued scrum dominance and slick handling across the backline allowed Keeble to grab his second try of the afternoon in the corner for 38–7. Soon after, a turnover created space for Theo Kenny, who broke through a tackle and finished well in the corner to make it 43–7.

Ely never stopped competing and were rewarded with a late try under the posts following a midfield break, closing the game at 43–14.

A strong all-round performance from Southwold, built on set-piece control, intelligent game management and clinical finishing. With renewed confidence and key contributions across the squad, Wold will look to carry this momentum forward in the weeks ahead.

Arn the Wold!