Ealing Trailfinders vs Leinster

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders ran in two tries against an impressive Leinster A side, who continued their unbeaten British and Irish Cup form by running in five tries at Vallis Way.

James Stephenson and Carwyn Jones crossed the line for Ben Ward’s team, but a hat-trick from Dan Leavy helped the 2013 winners to victory.

With both teams used to playing on 3G pitches there was a frenetic opening period with the Irish side in particular aiming to move the ball wide as soon as possible. They missed a great opportunity to open the scoring on five minutes when Tadhg Beirne opted to pass inside despite Cian Kelleher being free outside him.

Shortly after though Leinster A opened the scoring when Adam Byrne stepped through a gap after Ross Molony had won lineout, but Ealing Trailfinders hit back immediately when Stephenson forced his way over in the corner.

Leinster A continued to strengthen their grip on proceedings and Leavy scored a second try when he was driven over from a line-out. They were only denied a third when Byrne was unable to control his kick-through over the line, but Mick McGrath escaped down the left wing soon after.

The hosts stuck to their game plan and enjoyed a good period as the half came to a close, but were unable to find a way through the blue-shirted defence.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with both teams trying to stretch the play, but with defences continuing to stay on top. Eventually Leinster A made the breakthrough when Leavy scored his second in similar style to his first from a driven line-out.

A Joe Munro kick through on 55 minutes gave Ealing Trailfinders good field position, but again they were unable to take advantage. A powerful Stephenson hit on Byrne lifted the team, but again it was Leinster who came closest to adding to the score when captain Peadar Timmins knocked on over the line.

Leavy was denied a hat-trick when he was held up from another driven line-out and good work from Adam Preocanin secured the turn-over. After clearing their half Alex Bradley’s charge took the hosts to within touching distance of the try-line and eventually Jones drove over from close range.

Leinster A immediately hit back when Leavy was driven over for his third and they comfortably closed the match out to ensure a happy flight back over the Irish Sea.

Scorers
Ealing Trailfinders
Tries (Stephenson 12, Jones 69)
Leinster A
Tries (Byrne 9, Leavy 22, 48, 73 McGrath 29), Conversions (Marsh 9, 22, 29, 73), Penalties (Marsh 16)

Ealing Trailfinders
James Love, Callum Wilson, Sam Stanley, Joe Munro, James Stephenson, Tristan Roberts, Alex Davies; Will Davis, Rhys Lawrence (captain), Alex Penny, Carwyn Jones, Adam Preocanin, Harrison Orr, Alex Bradley, Chris York
Reserves
Jamie Kilbane, Karl Gibson, Sam Rodman, Danny Kenny, Arthur Ellis, Alex Walker, Luke Daniels

Leinster A
Cian Kelleher, Adam Byrne, Collie O’Shea, Tom Daly, Mick McGrath, Cathal Marsh, Charlie Rock; Peter Dooley, Bryan Byrne, Oisin Heffernan, Tadhg Beirne, Ross Molony, Josh Murphy, Dan Leavy, Peadar Timmins (captain)
Reserves
Aaron Dundon, Jeremy Loughman, David O’Connor, Tony Ryan, Matthew D’Arcy, Steve Crosbie, Ian Fitzpatrick

Referee – Dan Jones

Attendance – 804