Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders continued their unbeaten start to their Championship campaign with a resounding 31-13 victory at home to Coventry.

 

Tries from Tom Collins, Richard Hardwick (2) and Reuben Bird-Tulloch secured all five points in a dominant Trailfinders performance at TFSC.

 

Trailfinders set the tone early on, dominating at the scrum, and they made their early pressure count. Tom Collins opened the scoring, diving over the whitewash in the corner after some swift build up play down the blind side. Craig Willis converted the extra points to give Ealing a 7-0 lead.

 

Coventry answered back almost immediately. Fly half Pat Pelligrini kicked the ball crossfield inside the Trailfinders 22, which looked to be going out. James Martin had other ideas however, racing in behind and tapping the ball down in the nick of time to make the score 7-5.

 

The away side took the lead just before half time, as Pellegrini scored a penalty after sustained pressure in the Trailfinders half, leaving the score 7-8 at the half.

 

The home side began to assert their dominance in the second half, taking back the lead with two quickfire tries. Richard Hardwick scored the first, bundling over the try line after repeated Coventry penalties at the scrum.

 

Reuben Bird-Tulloch then extended the lead after some brilliant play by Biyi Alo, driving over the line in the corner to make the score 21-8. Willis remained perfect from the tee, converting both scores with ease.

 

Willis added to his excellent performance with another three points, after yet another impressive scrum by the home side resulting in a penalty.

 

Ealing capped off a good day at the office with a scintillating try. Richard Hardwick scored again after a bursting run from Cian Kelleher, who was stopped just short of the try line by an excellent tackle. Hardwick was on hand however to finish off the move and make the lead 31-8.

 

Coventry reduced the deficit with a late consolation try from Will Rigg, but it was too little too late. The game finished 31-13, with Trailfinders continuing their strong unbeaten start to the season.