What a game! Seven Ely Tiger Ladies made the 110‑mile round trip to Bourne Rugby Club for the opening round of the Inner Warrior Series, with three players making their debuts for the Tigers: Charley Gardner, Martha Radbourne, and Ching Sham Leung. The Tigers were paired with the home side, while the opposition combined players from March Bears and Peterborough — an exciting and physical squad who brought plenty of intensity from the start.

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to make an impact. The first try came within the opening five minutes and was confidently converted by Tracey Chapman. After a stoppage due to a medical emergency, the match resumed — and a try straight from the kick‑off allowed the Tigers to strike again, with Tracey calmly slotting the conversion.

Following two further tries, Kat Pohl powered her way through a wall of defenders to score the Tigers’ first try of the game. Tracey rounded it off with an outstanding conversion from the right‑hand side, taking the score to 31–0.

Another try later and it was debutant Charley Gardner’s turn to make her mark, producing a brilliant run to secure her first ever try for the Tigers on her debut outing. Tracey once again added the extras, extending the lead to 43–0.

Following tries by Bourne and a well‑deserved last‑minute score by March, the final score stood at 48–5. Due to injuries, the away side gratefully accepted the support of two Tigers players — Clare Simpson and Sam Collins‑Shirley — who stepped in towards the end of the match.

A huge congratulations to our three debutants — Charley Gardner, Martha Radbourne, and Ching Sham Leung — who gave everything and refused to give up.

Forward of the Match: Charley Gardner
Back of the Match: Candy (Bourne)
Player of the Match: Leanne (Bourne)

Final Score: Ely Tigers/Bourne 48–5 March Bears/Peterborough