Match Round-up: Richmond vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders go three from three beating Richmond in local derby 

Tries from Patrick Campbell, Deago Bailey, Jordy Reid, Scott Buckley, Angus Kernohan and two for Matt Cornish along with conversions from Rory Scannell secured the win over the home side.

Trailfinders remain top of the table after going 31 points clear, maintaining an undefeated start to the season.

The away side opened the match strong with a try in the first three minutes. Deago Bailey paced it down the wing towards the try line, offloading to Campbell who neatly touched down between the posts, scoring on debut. The opening conversion was successful for Scannell.

A kick into open space from Trailfinders failed to be collected from Richmond was picked up by Bailey and placed over the line in the eighth minute.

A lineout turned maul for Richmond resulted in Jared Cardew breaking free to cross the whitewash getting the home side on the scoreboard. Conversion unsuccessful

A Trailfinders maul next to the whitewash powered forward before Matt Cornish peeled off unnoticed to score. Scannell was again successful with the conversion extending the lead.

Their dominance at the set piece continued in the 33rd minute meant Jordy Reid powered over from close range after another strong line out drive.

Just two minutes before half-time, Matt Cornish scored again. After a series of short, powerful phases five metres out, Cornish muscled his way over the line. Scannell was on target with the conversion, taking the visitors into the interval with a strong lead.

Half-time: Richmond 5-31 Ealing Trailfinders

Richmond were reduced to 14 men early in the second half after repeated scrum infringements resulted in a yellow card.

A handling error from Trailfinders out wide briefly opened the door for Richmond, but quick recovery and pace from Campbell denied the home side a potential breakaway.

Trailfinders eventually made their pressure count. A line out close to the try line set up a strong maul which allowed a fresh-legged Scott Buckley to drive over and score. The conversion was again successful.

A Trailfinders advantage next to the try line held up on the left wing was cleared over to the right with an attack forward from Campbell offloaded to Kernohan who crossed the whitewash for the seventh try of the game. The conversion was unsuccessful for George Worboys.

With 5 minutes left of matchplay, George Nugent breaks away for Richmond, touching down between the posts, and the conversion was slotted.

Playing under advantage near the touchline, Trailfinders swiftly moved the ball across the pitch to Campbell who carried strongly before offloading to Kernohan, who crossed for their seventh try of the match. George Worboys was unable to add the extras from the tee.

With five minutes remaining, Richmond produced a late response. George Nugent broke through the defensive line to score beneath the posts, setting up an easy conversion that was slotted over.

Full-time: Richmond 12-43 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders

Tries: Campbell 3, Bailey 9,  Cornish 29, 37, Reid 33, Buckley 54, Kernohan 67

Conversions: Scannell 3, 29, 37, 54

Richmond

Tries: Cardew 21, Nugent 75

Conversions: Grieve 75

Yellow card: Chris Freeman