Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders level the record for the most consecutive wins in the Champ after a two-point win over Coventry.

George Worboys kicked off the match into Coventry’s 22 who gathered cleanly. Coventry found space on the left wing in an early break but were dragged into touch.

Trailfinders secured the line out and found width in attack. George Worboys found space and darted forward but was brought down just short of the try line. Trailfinders formed the ruck and the skipper Conor Oliver got over the line for the first try. Worboys slotted the conversion.

Coventry struck back quickly with their own attacking phases, putting pressure on Trailfinders in their 22. But a spillage forward from Coventry and a concession of penalties gave Trailfinders the upper hand in their half.

The physical battle ensued with handling errors from both teams. Coventry once again tried to gain ground and found themselves running into the Trailfinders defensive wall. Yet, a penalty to Coventry saw Sam Maunder kick the ball towards the corner. With a ten metre line out, Coventry aimed to move from an attacking platform but Trailfinders stole the ball but spilt it giving Coventry another opportunity. Dan Green darted through for the visitor’s first try. The conversion was successful by Josh Thomas to level the score.

Momentum on their side, Coventry continued to challenge the home side in their own half. Finding space, David Opoku-Fordjour slid in under the posts. Thomas added the conversion.

With the first quarter gone, Trailfinders found themselves defending in their own half as Coventry threw the dummy pass to find a break towards the sticks. A loopy pass out wide on the right allowed Trailfinders to regroup. Josh Thomas opted for the cross-field kick which flew straight into touch. Coventry had a penalty from Trailfinders’ offside and went through the short phases to eventually score from the hands of Sentiki Nayalo. Thomas added the extras.

Trailfinders were awarded a penalty for a high tackle from Coventry after the restart. A line out from Mike Willemse gave Trailfinders the platform to attack in Coventry’s half. Coventry gave away another penalty for bringing down the maul and Worboys kicked for the corner.

Willemse threw a short line out to set the men in green in up for the short range phases. Coventry conceded another penalty for being offside to give the home side the tap and go option. The men in green went out wide to Michael Dykes who scored the second try in the lefthand corner.

As the rain poured down with seven minutes from half-time, Coventry were given a scrum in Trailfinders’ half. But the men in green were awarded the penalty after Coventry went straight down.

Trailfinders secured a reset from the scrum with time dwindling in the first half but Coventry drew a penalty from the reset. Josh Thomas called for posts and added the extra three points as half-time was called.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 12-24 Coventry 

Trailfinders began the second half with great attacking intent, breaking down the left side channel until a handling error gave Coventry the first scrum of the second half.

The men in green won a penalty and fresh-legged Dan Jones kicked the ball to the corner. Attacking from short range, Trailfinders went through the phases, though a handling error sent the referee back to the penalty advantage. Trailfinders reset once more.

Trailfinders relied on the set piece to drive the ball over. Mike Willemse scored for the first time this season on his return to lock in the home side’s third try. Jones slotted the extras.

In attacking motion, Geordie Gwynn put boot to ball for territory gain but the ball headed into touch, giving Coventry a line out in their own 22. Sam Maunder put boot to ball but Michael Dykes cleanly gathered in the air.

The men in green continued to find attacking flow until Coventry tried to intercept the ball but knocked it on, giving Trailfinders another scrum.

After plenty of centre field play, Coventry found themselves heading towards the try line once more. But Trailfinders secured a penalty and Jones kicked the ball towards the halfway line and it landed in touch.

Another wave of Coventry attack avoided, Trailfinders were back with ball in hand and were awarded yet another penalty.

Scott Buckley threw the longer lineout and Trailfinders whipped the ball out to the centres. But the ball was spilt forward from the Coventry tackle.

Once again with ball in hand, Michael Stronge zipped the ball from the maul to the backline. Yet, another handling error in the phases of attack gave the visitors another scrum in their 22. But Coventry conceded another penalty for holding on.

Jones kicked for the corner once more as Trailfinders looked to level. The men in green gathered in Coventry defenders then got the ball out wide to Tobi Wilson who slid in for the bonus-point score. Dan Jones slotted the extras to give Trailfinders the lead once more.

From the restart, Coventry were penalised as then ran in front of the kicker before the ball came loose from Thomas’s boot. Trailfinders secured another scrum, this time on the halfway line.

Dan Jones once more sent the ball into the lefthand corner for a Trailfinders lineout.

Buckley threw a spot-on lineout to Will Montgomery who gathered. Buckley found himself at the tail of the maul and drove it forward to score. Jones added the extra two.

Trailfinders conceded a penalty in their half and Coventry opted for the points. Thomas slotted the three points to narrow the scoreboard deficit.

With five minutes to go, Tobi Wilson sent the ball to the skies, chased his own kick, tackled and sent the Coventry defence back fifteen metres and secured a penalty in the process.

The visitors continued to concede penalties in their own 22 as time on the clock dwindled. Jones opted to take the kick and slotted the penalty to add three more points to the scoreboard.

Coventry were not to be deterred and Api Bavadra scored under the posts. Thomas converted the extras.

In a tense final few seconds, Trailfinders held firm in defence and then secure a penalty. Wilson kicked the ball into touch to as Trailfinders make history and level the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 36-34 Coventry 

Ealing Trailfinders – 

Tries – Conor Oliver 1, Michael Dykes 28, Mike Willemse 45, Tobi Wilson 66, Scott Buckley 70

Conversions – George Worboys 2, Dan Jones 45 66 71

Penalties – Dan Jones 79

Coventry – 

Tries – Dan Green 12, David Opoku-Fordjour 16, Sentiki Nayalo 24, Api Bavadra 80

Conversions – Josh Thomas 12 17 24 80

Penalties – Josh Thomas 74

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Match Round-up: Bristol Bears v Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women draw with Bristol Bears after a second half comeback. 

Claire Gallagher kicked off the Round Ten match with a clean gather from Bristol. The home side kicked away the ball for Trailfinders to regather and find attacking flow. However, the ball came loose from the hands of Trailfinders leading to the first opening scrum.

The Bears held the scrum and the ball was passed out wide to the Bristol backline. The women in blue etched towards Trailfinders’ 22 but the visitors remained strong in defence.

Bristol were awarded a penalty by referee Tarsh Ganley as Trailfinders failed to roll away. With a five metre line out, Bristol mauled towards their tryline with little success and opted for the phase play. But with consistent carries, Sarah Bern eventually reached the line for the opening score for the home side. Keira Bevan was successful with the conversion.

Trailfinders looked to bounce back quickly after Bristol’s opening score. The women in yellow found some attacking space. Vicky Laflin broke down the wing but with few numbers in support, Bristol were successful in securing a turnover ball when Laflin was tackled to the ground.

Bears continued to play with fast and flat attacking ball, but a forward pass gave Trailfinders an attacking scrum. Trailfinders held the scrum and went through the phases in their own half until Brooke Bradley put boot to ball.

With ball in hand for Bristol, Trailfinders slowed down Bears’ attacking flow until Bevan put boot to ball and secured a 50:22. Yet, the Black Fern Maia Roos stole the lineout ball to secure Trailfinders another scrum.

Bristol disrupted a Trailfinders line out, giving Bern the platform for a line break and secured her side territory. A kick out to the wing found the touch line for a Trailfinders line out. But once again, Bears disrupted the line out in Trailfinders’ 22. The women in yellow continued to apply the pressure in defence and Bristol spilt the ball forward. Yet, the Bears were resilient in attack and Scottish international Evie Gallagher scored the home side’s second try from short range. Bevan added the extras.

Bevan scored a try of her own after taking a quick tap and go in Trailfinders’ 22. Bevan converted her own score.

Determined to strike back, Trailfinders went through phases of play until they found themselves in Bristol’s 22. Niamh Gallagher decided to put boot to ball, putting the ball in open space where Vicky Laflin gathered and scored the first try for Trailfinders. N.Gallagher converted.

With attacking momentum on their side, Trailfinders continued to press against the Bears’ defence. Haidee Head made a break through the centre of the field until she was brought down by the Bristol defence. The home side secured a turnover by the hands of Evie Gallagher but Trailfinders secured their own turnover seconds later.

In the Bristol 22, Trailfinders continued with phase play. Playing with advantage, Trailfinders played a tap and go but Bristol were awarded a scrum after the ball went forward from Claire Gallagher.

With five minutes left of the first half, both teams fought hard in Bristol’s half until Bevan kicked the ball into touch and Ganley blew the whistle for half-time.

Half-time: Bristol Bears 21-7 Trailfinders Women 

With the rain lashing down at Shaftesbury Park, Bristol found attacking phases in their half until the ball spilt forward from Lana Skeldon for a Trailfinders scrum.

Bristol were awarded a line out after Kate Zackary knocked the ball on, but the Bristol ball was overthrown and gathered by Georgia Ponsonby, giving Trailfinders another attacking platform. Playing with a penalty advantage, Bradley tapped and went, sending the ball out to Ponsonby.

Bristol continued to give away penalties for offside infringement. Trailfinders decided to go wide to Grace White who scored in the right hand corner. N. Gallagher slotted the extras from a difficult angle to narrow the deficit on the scoreboard.

With the pressure on Bristol with their penalties racking up and Scottish international Rachel Malcolm making the picture clear to the referee, Trailfinders found themselves with an attacking line out. The short throw into the driving maul gave the women in yellow a few yards but the maul hit the deck and Bristol were awarded the scrum.

Bristol found a break down the left wing but with Trailfinders in defence, they eventually secured the penalty from the counter ruck into the turnover.

Trailfinders had a scrum but were defending five metres out from the try area. Yet, the ball was whipped into touch, giving Bristol an attacking line out in Trailfinders’ 22.

Bristol once again went through the short range phases, etching towards the try line. The visitors held strong in defence, pushing Bristol back inch by inch. But the home side went back to the backline and Reneeqa Bonner broke through the line to score the bonus-point try for the Bears. Bevan missed the conversion.

Trailfinders were not to be put away. Putting the pressure on Bristol, they formed a maul and drove forward. Ball in hand, Rachel Malcolm dove over the line for Trailfinders’ third try.

With the hour mark passed and only one score differentiating the two sides, Trailfinders had another scrum on the halfway line. Bristol conceded another penalty for not properly releasing Vicky Laflin after she was taken to ground in the tackle.

Cris Blanco’s throw found the hands of Zackary for Trailfinders to go into another driving maul. However, the ball was lost forward in the attack.

Handling errors from Bristol gave Trailfinders the ball in Bristol’s half. Broken play ensued and eventually, Claire Gallagher put boot to ball for another 50:22.

With ten minutes to go, Trailfinders put the pressure on in their own half. Bern knocked the ball on just outside of Bristol’s 22, giving Trailfinders another scrum but a collapse on the tighthead side gave Bristol the ball.

The home side spilt the ball from the line out leading to yet another Trailfinders scrum. Playing with advantage, Trailfinders carried the ball into contact, securing metres. The back line broke free with Jess Cooksey finding a gap in Bristol’s defence and Cooksey passed the ball out wide to Emma Uren for Trailfinders’ bonus-point score. Niamh Gallagher converted the try to level the scoreboard with ninety seconds to go.

Bristol attempted to run the ball through the phases but Trailfinders dragged the home side into touch with the scoreboard all square at full-time.

Full-time: Bristol Bears 26-26 Trailfinders Women 

Player of the Match: Sarah Bern

Bristol Bears – 

Tries: Sarah Bern 6, Evie Gallagher 21, Keira Bevan 24, Reneeqa Bonner 58

Conversions: Keira Bevan 7 22 24

Trailfinders Women – 

Tries: Vicky Laflin 28, Grace White 45, Rachel Malcolm 60, Emma Uren 79

Conversions: Niamh Gallagher 29 46 79

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Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders host Coventry in Round Sixteen of the Champ in a bid to level the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league. 

Ben Ward has named six changes in his match day squad to face West Midlands side Coventry.

Returning to the field for the first time this season is Mike Willemse who starts at hooker for the home side. Alongside him in the front row is Kyle Whyte at loosehead and Kabous Bezuidenhout at tighthead.

Conor Oliver captains the side once more after the 65-7 win over Richmond last weekend. Also in the back row is Josh Taylor at blindside flanker and Will Montgomery at eight.

Sean Lonsdale retains his place in the engine room and is joined by David Bridge.

A changed half-back pairing sees Sam Edwards start at scrum-half with George Worboys named at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate and Geordie Gwynn start in the centres.

The back three is made up of Michael Dykes and Toby Cousins on the wings with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

Ben Ward names a 5-3 split bench with the inclusions of Scott Buckley, Gabriel Mann, and Dan Jones.

Kick-off is 3pm, Saturday 7 February at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Toby Cousins

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Michael Dykes

10. George Worboys

9. Sam Edwards

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Mike Willemse

3. Kabous Bezuidenhout

4. David Bridge

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor

7. Conor Oliver (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements: 

16. Scott Buckley

17. James Kenny

18. George Davis

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Michael Stronge

22. Dan Jones

23. Will Parry

Vacancy: Head of Medical Services – Women

Trailfinders Women are recruiting a Head of Medical Services.

An essential part of our women’s programme, the successful candidate will lead the medical strategy and service delivery for our elite women’s first team.

Click here to find out more and how to apply.

Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders v Richmond

Ealing Trailfinders scored eleven tries in a comprehensive victory over their West London rivals at Trailfinders Sports Ground. 

Tries from Patrick Campbell, Tobi Wilson, Harry Thompson, Michael Stronge, Jordan Holgate, Tobi Cousins, Will Parry and Will Montgomery further consolidated Trailfinders position at the top of the table. 

Ealing Trailfinders kicked off their London derby against Richmond in crisp conditions at Trailfinders Sports ground. Soft hands from Tobi Wilson put Patrick Campbell in for Trailfinders’ opening try in the fourth minute, but George Worboys was unable to add the extra two points.

Just over ten minutes later a barnstorming run and a sumptuous offload from Kyle Hatherell put Tobi Wilson in for Ealing Trailfinders’ second try. Worboys slotted the conversion to give the home side a twelve point lead.

Within five minutes, Trailfinders had their third try as Harry Thompson broke from the back of a rolling maul, grounding the ball with a remarkable finish as his momentum carried him towards the line. From out wide on the left the conversion was unsuccessful.

Just three minutes later, Ealing Trailfinders had the try bonus point wrapped up. Wilson exploded onto a beautiful flat pass across the face of a defence from Worboys, breaking the line before offloading back inside to Michael Stronge who crossed the whitewash.

Jordan Holgate powered over in the right corner for Trailfinders’ fifth try, with the men in green scoring their 27th point on the stroke of the 27th minute.

A fantastic Wilson counterattacking break and soft hands across the pitch put Tobi Cousins in for a try in an identical spot to Holgate’s try, and from the same tough angle Worboys added the extras. 

On the stroke of half time Trailfinders went off the top of a lineout, and Holgate crashed the ball up before offloading to his centre partner Will Parry, who slid in under the posts for his side’s seventh try. From out in front, Worboys nailed the conversion as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 41-0 Richmond

Holgate started the second half the way he finished the first, breaking the line from inside his own half, before offloading to Stronge who grabbed his second try of the game. Worboys slotted the kick from the left touchline, making the score 48-0 with 45 minutes played.

Trailfinders’ rolling maul was stopped by the Richmond forward pack, before the ball was spun to Holgate, who stepped the defence and grabbed his second try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery burrowed over from close range for Ealing Trailfinders’ tenth try of the day.

Richmond grabbed their first points of the game through a try for Chidera Obonna, after Paddy Case floated a flat pass over Trailfinders’ defence to put the winger into space. Replacement Lewis Dennett added the conversion.

Trailfinders had the last word, with Montgomery powering his way over for a second well taken try on the cusp of full time. From out wide on the right touchline Scannell slotted a tough conversion, as the referee’s whistle brought an end to proceedings at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Jordan Holgate was awarded Player of the Match.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 65-7 Richmond

Player of the Match: Jordan Holgate 

Ealing Trailfinders: 

Tries – Patrick Campbell 4, Tobi Wilson 16 Harry Thompson 21 Michael Stronge 24 44, Jordan Holgate 28 57 Tobi Cousins 37, Will Parry 40 Will Montgomery 68 80

Conversions – George Worboys 17 38 40 45

Richmond: 

Tries – Chidera Obonna 77

Conversions – Lewis Dennett 78

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Match programme: Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

The West London derby weekend continues as Ealing Trailfinders host Richmond in Round Fifteen of the Champ. 

Read everything you need to know ahead of the game in the match programme.

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Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

It’s derby weekend at Trailfinders Sports Club. Ealing Trailfinders host Richmond in Round Fifteen of the Champ. 

Ben Ward has named his squad to face Richmond at Trailfinders Sports Club this Saturday.

Conor Oliver captains the side after featuring in the squad against Chinnor last week.

Kyle Whyte retains his place at loosehead after Round Fourteen. Kabous Bezuidenhout starts at tighthead. After coming off the bench and scoring last week, Harry Thompson starts at hooker.

Ben Ward names a rotated engine room. Geordie Irvine and Sean Lonsdale start in the second row.

A changed half-back pairing sees Michael Stronge start at scrum-half with George Worboys named at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate and Will Parry start in the centres.

Toby Cousins secures his first start for Trailfinders on the left wing after scoring the winning try against Chinnor last weekend.

Patrick Campbell starts on the right wing with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

James Kenny, Gabriel Mann and Rory Scannell are named on the bench in a 6-2 split.

Kick-off is 3pm, Saturday 31 January at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Patrick Campbell

13. Will Parry

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Toby Cousins

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Harry Thompson

3. Kabous Bezuidenhout

4. Geordie Irvine

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Conor Oliver (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements: 

16. Scott Buckley

17. James Kenny

18. George Davis

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Jamie Carr

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Sam Edwards

23. Rory Scannell

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Rory Scannell reviews the Champ season so far

Utility back Rory Scannell offered his thoughts on the Champ season at Trailfinders, diversity in the centres, and London life. 

With fourteen out of fourteen appearances in Ealing Trailfinders’ Champ season so far, Rory Scannell reflects on how the season has unfolded and how the Champ compares to his previous experience at Munster in the URC.

“It’s been good so far. I’m really enjoying it. The travel is a lot less than what I’m used to. We would have been flying a lot more in Munster. A lot of teams in our league are quite close to us, so there’s only a handful of long trips.

“The league itself has been great. There are a lot of different teams who use a lot of different tactics. There are some running teams, some like to kick a bit more. It’s about being able to adapt week to week.

“But it’s been a great start to the season: we’re top of the league, fourteen games in with wins. We’re in a good spot.”

Scannell has featured in every matchday squad that Director of Rugby Ben Ward has named in the Champ this season. Having scored a total of thirty-one points in Trailfinders colours, Scannell offered his thoughts on squad rotation and getting plenty of minutes under his belt.

“I want to play as much as I can. Obviously, we have a competitive squad and quite a few numbers, so it’s important to keep everyone match fit, so they’re ready to go in case there are injuries and stuff like that.

“The squad rotation is good for me at my age to not have too many minutes under the belt, but I also want to play as much as I can. I’ve been involved every week so far, and hopefully we’ll continue a successful run as the season progresses.”

Scannell joined the Club after achieving 200 caps for Munster. He commented on how he relies on his previous experience playing in the URC and implementing that knowledge into game management for Trailfinders.

“I think my previous experience has been quite helpful and some of the games this year have been quite tight. Particularly our last two games against Chinnor and Worcester Warriors.

“I suppose the experience I have with the younger players in the squad and just trying to help those boys out keeping us calm under the cosh has been important in a few games. I do lean on that experience quite a bit but I’m just trying to help the squad and all the lads in any way I can.

“The last two games have probably been right up there as my favourites from this season.

“The game against Worcester was built up from the start of the season with them coming back into the Champ and we knew they were going to be a tough side coming to Trailfinders Sports Club.

“Last weekend against Chinnor was a completely different game. It was a nitty gritty one against a physical team. We haven’t had to come from behind so late in a game this season, which was pleasing to see that we had our backs against the wall and we were able to come out on top. Those two matches were definitely right up there as my favourites.”

Post-match huddle, Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders, Round Fourteen

With a variety of centre combinations at Trailfinders, Scannell surrounds himself with talented young players in the back line including Geordie Gwynn, Francis Moore, Will Parry, and Jordan Holgate.

“We’ve quite a few centres. I thought Will Parry played an excellent game against Cambridge and was just waiting for his chance to play.

“I try and help the younger players in any way I can, and they do the same for me.

“I think we’re a good group. We all get on quite well. It’s easy to bounce ideas off each other and and help each other out.

“Jordan’s experience of playing in the league has also been a big help with the wider squad too.

“We have a good number of centres which allows us to rotate quite a bit as well. Everyone gets a chance, which is good. We’re getting on really well together and helping each other out.”

Scannell’s versatility in the backs means he can alternate between fly-half, inside centre, and outside centre.

“I played a lot of my rugby growing up at fly-half and into the Munster Academy. One of my coaches Greig Oliver thought that I might be able to do a job at inside centre and it kind of went fairly seamlessly after that.

“A lot of my rugby over the last number of years has been at inside centre but also having the ability to cover fly-half and outside centre as well is helpful.

“I probably enjoy playing fly-half more, but I’m a bit more comfortable at inside centre.

“We have such a competitive pack and having impact from those guys is crucial. I suppose having flexible cover on the bench gives that option of the 6-2 split as well, if you wanted big forward impacts and backs that can cover multiple positions.”

Since moving to London from Ireland, Scannell and his family are making the most of what London has to offer.

“My wife and myself are based in Balham. A lot of our friends from school were living around that area in South London. Having them to lean on outside of rugby and helping us settle over here was great.

“I’m really enjoying living in London and the commute in the morning isn’t too bad. London is so easy to get around compared to back home and the public transport’s great. We’re settling in and seeing as many parts of London as we can.

“A couple of my friends that live in London try to get down to most of our home games at Trailfinders Sports Club which is great because I hadn’t seen them as much when I was at Munster.

“But my friend group in Ireland do fly over and come to games when they can. They did a good weekend in Bedford away in Round One of the Champ and they’re looking forward to coming over again.”

With plenty of coffee shops and restaurants on offer in London, Scannell has a particular favourite he likes to go to regularly.

“Milk London in Balham is one of my favourite coffee spots. I like to go there for Sunday morning breakfast, a bit of brunch, nice coffee.”

Outside of rugby, Scannell is also a keen golfer like many of the players in the Trailfinders squad.

“The weather hasn’t been too good so far for rounds of golf, but there’s a good crew of lads here that enjoy playing as well. But if the weather is grey, we try and get a group together to head to a simulator and hit a few.

“When the weather starts to improve, hopefully we’ll get out a bit more and see the courses around London.”

Match Round-up: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders secure a hard fought win at Kingsey Road after a scoreless opening forty.

Trailfinders started the game strong, going through the phases in Chinnor’s half. The home side fought valiantly in defence and held Conor Oliver up over the line after five minutes.

After resetting, the men in yellow continued to draw penalties from Chinnor. Dan Jones kicked the ball into touch in Chinnor’s 22 to set up an attacking lineout. Chinnor continued to defend well and secured turnover ball in their 22.

The home side found their flow and drew a penalty from Trailfinders and kicked down field. Chinnor gained metres but Trailfinders’ blitz defence kept forcing them back. Loose ball from Chinnor meant Trailfinders were awarded a scrum on the edge of their 22.

Chinnor were ferocious in attack, applying pressure to Sam Edwards as the Trailfinders scrum-half put boot to ball.

Further up the field, another Trailfinders scrum set the platform for attacking play.

With no scores after fifteen minutes, Trailfinders found themselves defending once again in their half. Chinnor’s Nick Smith made a break down the left wing but he was dragged into touch by the Trailfinders back line.

After a lost ball from a Trailfinders line out, Chinnor rapidly moved through the phases towards their try line. Trailfinders slowed down a Chinnor driving maul and the home side sent the ball out wide, still failing to secure an opening score.

Trailfinders continued to defend valiantly as the clock surpassed the first quarter. Chinnor tried to carry the ball forward, but the Trailfinders defensive wall remained solid.

Jordan Holgate was shown a yellow card by the referee after an offside infringement in the centre of the field.

A scoreless scoreboard reflected the efforts of both teams’ defence as the clock moved deeper into the second quarter.

A fourteen-men Trailfinders played an advantage but Edwards missed touched. Chinnor gathered and sent the ball into the sky. Michael Dykes gathered in the air under pressure.

Battle of the midfield ensued with charged down kicks, chip and chases, and speedy runs by backline players from both sides.

Trailfinders were awarded a penalty and kicked the ball into touch to set Scott Buckley up for an attacking line out in Chinnor’s 22. Trailfinders went through the phases but the strength of Chinnor’s tackles sent the ball loose from the hands of the men in yellow.

Play in the midfield continued, with both teams opting for box kicking and applying pressure to the fullbacks.

Chinnor found further attacking flow with a break from Will Cave. The Chinnor back rower kicked the ball down field but Michael Dykes gathered the ball, relieving the pressure from the home side.

Holgate returned to the field with the scoreboard yet to be changed.

Chinnor were metres away from the first score but Trailfinders held the home side up over the try line for a scoreless first half.

Half-time: Chinnor 0-0 Ealing Trailfinders 

Chinnor kicked the ball deep from the second half kick-off. Josh Taylor skidded on the damp grass to gather the ball. Trailfinders opted for territory kicking and midfield play ensued, continuing the second half where the first forty ended.

Kyle Hatherell led the charge with Trailfinders’ collision work as Chinnor continued to march forward. Defending from the five metre line, Chinnor recycled the ball through the phases with the hopes of breaking the Ealing defensive wall.

A penalty was awarded to the home side and Chinnor set up a driving maul and stormed through to the try line for the first score after forty-five minutes from the hands of Chris Moore. The conversion was unsuccessful, giving the home side a five-point lead.

Trailfinders responded quickly and found themselves in Chinnor’s 22 with an attacking line out.

Another set piece to Trailfinders saw them have a scrum on the five metre line. The men in yellow drove the ball over in the maul, and Kyle Hatherell scored the first try for Trailfinders to level. Dan Jones converted to secure the lead for the first time in the match.

Chinnor responded with physical carries, drawing penalties from Trailfinders. Five metres out from their try line, Chinnor mauled the ball forward to no avail. The ball was sent back in-field. With space on the wing, the ball went out wide to Sam Hanks on the right wing who ran it into the corner for Chinnor’s second try.

With momentum on their side, Chinnor continued to attack. Hanks backed his kick and chase, gathered and scored in the right hand corner for a second time. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery was shown a yellow card by the referee for infringing in defence.

With fifteen minutes to go, Trailfinders aimed to keep ball in hand after box kicking for territory in previous passages of play. Chinnor’s Freddie Owsley continued the gather well and gain his side metres.

Chinnor’s Grant Hughes received a yellow card, meaning both teams were down to fourteen men.

With a penalty advantage, Trailfinders went to the driving maul. Harry Thompson picked the outside channel and scored in the right hand corner for Trailfinders’ second try. Dan Jones converted.

Only one point differentiating the two sides and less than five minutes to go, Trailfinders tried to apply further pressure but the home side fronted up to the challenge.

Chinnor won a scrum in their own half but missed a kick into touch. Trailfinders gathered and ran the ball up the field. Toby Cousins found a gap on the left wing and charged forward to score underneath the posts. Jones converted to seal out the game.

Full-time: Chinnor 15-21 Ealing Trailfinders 

Chinnor: 

Tries – Chris Moore 45, Sam Hanks 57 61

Yellow card – Grant Hughes

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Kyle Hatherell 51, Harry Thompson 73, Toby Cousins 78

Conversions – Dan Jones 51 74 79

Yellow card – Jordan Holgate, Will Montgomery

 

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Lineup: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

The Champ returns after a two week hiatus. League leaders Ealing Trailfinders face Chinnor in Round Fourteen of the competition. 

Ben Ward has named six changes in his matchday squad to face Chinnor on Friday night.

The forward pack remains unchanged after Trailfinders’ win over Worcester Warriors at the start of the month.

Josh Taylor skippers the side after leading Trailfinders to a win in Round Thirteen. Kyle Hatherell and Conor Oliver join him in the back row.

Lining up in the front row is Kyle Whyte, Scott Buckley, and George Davis.

David Bridge and Matas Jurevicius line up in the engine room.

Sam Edwards starts at scrum-half with Dan Jones retaining his position at fly-half after Round Thirteen.

Rory Scannell lines up at inside centre with Francis Moore on the outside.

In the back three, Michael Dykes and Geordie Gwynn start on the wings with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

Will Montgomery and Michael Stronge come onto the bench in a 6-2 split.

Kick-off is 7:45pm, Friday 23 January at Chinnor RFC.

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Geordie Gwynn

13. Francis Moore

12. Rory Scannell

11. Michael Dykes

10. Dan Jones

9. Sam Edwards

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Scott Buckley

3. George Davis

4.  David Bridge

5. Matas Jurevicius

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Conor Oliver

8. Josh Taylor (c)

Replacements: 

16. Harry Thompson

17. Elliot Chilvers

18. PJ Sheck

19. Sean Lonsdale

20. Jamie Carr

21. Will Montgomery

22. Michael Stronge

23. Patrick Campbell

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