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Match Report: Ulster A 19-15 Ealing Trailfinders A

Ealing Trailfinders A put in a valiant performance in Belfast as they fell 19-15 to Ulster A.

The team, which was compiled of 13 players currently in the Trailfinders Rugby Academy based out of Brunel University, were expecting a tough contest against the Northern Irishmen, but ultimately they looked more than able to compete with their URC opposition.

After fears prior to kick off about a frozen pitch were dismissed, the hosts came out of the blocks fast, and almost scored on two occasions, but our scramble defence was able to hold firm.

We slowly built into the game, with our scrum being a particular weapon, as we won four scrum penalties in the first 40, but sadly we were unable to find the final clinical touch which saw us trouble the scoresheet.

Then, on the stroke of half-time and having absorbed 21 phases inside our own 22, Ulster were able to crash over from close range to put them 7-0 up at the break.

In the second half, both teams started well and there was a lot of good rugby on show, yet we were still struggling to make significant inroads inside the Ulster 22.

This was until David Douglas Bridge got his hands on the ball. After several good phases, Ollie Fox noticed a small gap around the ruck. The scrum-half sniped and managed to offload. Quick ball meant that the hosts were constantly retreating and this allowed Bridge to pick up at the breakdown, power forward and stretch every inch of his 6”5’ frame as he grounded the ball on the line. The conversion just sailed wide and it was a two-point game.

Not content with just one score, we were also able to grab the next! A great build up play in the midfield saw us swing the ball from left to right which eventually saw space created on the wing. Dan Lancaster found Epi Rokodrava who managed to offload to release Joaquin Gali. The Spanish U20 international tip-toed down the touchline before passing inside to Fox. The scrum-half was clearly tackled early and before he had caught the ball, but instead of complaining, he was able to pop the ball up to Geordie Gwynn who dived over in the corner. Lancaster impressively converted making it 7-12.

Ulster were able to hit straight back however as they rolling maul powered over as they edged back in front.

With seven minutes to go, we were able to force Ulster to carry the ball back over their try line following a strong kick chase. The subsequent five metre scrum saw us win another penalty and captain Lancaster opted to go for the sticks to put us 14-15 ahead. However, we were unable to reclaim and exit from the kick-off, and Ulster were able to capitalise as they scored in the corner.

Despite our best efforts, Ulster were able to close out the game 19-15. Despite the loss, Head Coach at Trailfinders Rugby Academy Paddy Gill was pleased with the performance and felt it showed the strength of the programme at Brunel University.

We would like to thank Ulster for hosting us in this friendly fixture and we will be hosting Ulster A in a similar match on Friday 6th January at Trailfinders Sports Club.

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Ealing Trailfinders To Enter Women’s Premier 15s

A new chapter in the proud history of Ealing Trailfinders has been confirmed with the RFU announcing that the club has been successful in its application to join the Allianz Premier 15s

This exciting announcement means Ealing Trailfinders will have an elite women’s first-team squad competing in the Premier 15s from season 2023/24. The newly formed Ealing Trailfinders Women will join an eight team league featuring Bristol Bears Women, Exeter Chiefs Women, Gloucester-Hartpury Women, Harlequins Women, Leicester Tigers Women, Loughborough Lightning/Northampton Saints and Saracens Women. To read the full RFU announcement click here.

Ealing Trailfinders Women will be based at Trailfinders Sports Club, with world class facilities, coaches and support staff, with home fixtures taking place on the main stadium pitch, with a current capacity of 5,000.

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather, who joined the club in July, spoke of the significance of announcement and the impact it will have on the growth of women’s rugby.

“This is a very special day for everyone involved with Ealing Trailfinders. It’s one of those moments that will be highlighted in our history for years to come. We are incredibly proud to have been successful and delighted to have the opportunity to bring elite female athletes, coaches and support staff to Ealing Trailfinders. The programme will not only benefit the 45 players selected in our Premier 15s squad, but will have a hugely positive impact on the growth and development of women’s rugby at all levels.”

Simon Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme, added his excitement and spoke of the benefit to the club’s already successful player pathways.

“This has been a huge effort and an enormous achievement from everyone involved at the club. Over the last few years we have invested heavily in building sustainable development pathways from the bottom up. We have partnered with several PODs (Places of Development), clubs and schools with thriving girl’s and women’s programmes, and created pathways for their talent to progress to elite rugby. We have set up a Women’s Academy at Brunel University and Henley College, alongside a comprehensive women’s programme at Cardinal Newman, with top class coaches, medical, fitness and support staff, to help players develop their rugby, while giving them the opportunity to study and prepare for their future. Having a clear and extensive pathway from school and club rugby to Premier 15s at Ealing Trailfinders will provide players with enormous opportunities.”

Ben Ward, Managing Director of Ealing Trailfinders Professional Rugby Management, spoke of the importance of the announcement and achieving the club’s 2022/23 objectives.

“This is a landmark moment in our club history and one that we’re extremely proud of. This season our objectives have been clear. Promotion to the Men’s Premiership, BUCS Super Rugby for our Men’s Academy at Brunel University and a full-time Women’s Premier 15s squad. To achieve one of these objectives just before Christmas, and be on track with the other two, is a huge testament to the investment and hard work of everyone involved in this process. I would like to thank the entire team at Ealing Trailfinders for their hard work during the application, with a huge thanks to the considerable investment and long-term support of club owner Sir Mike Gooley.”

Ealing Trailfinders Club Captain Steven Shingler added his thoughts and spoke of the exciting opportunity to work alongside elite female athletes.

“It’s absolutely brilliant to have a Premier 15s team here at Ealing Trailfinders. It highlights how far the club has come and will create an incredible playing atmosphere. Having the opportunity to train alongside female rugby players in a highly driven and elite environment will be a massive benefit to us all. We’re extremely excited by this news and we can’t wait to welcome the women’s squad to Ealing Trailfinders and support their progress and success over the coming years.”

Ealing Trailfinders will now commence the process of recruiting an exciting squad of players, coaches and staff for the upcoming 2023/24 Premier 15s season. More information will be circulated in due course.

Make sure to follow Ealing Trailfinders Women on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

For media interviews contact Tom Soulsby via: alex.reed@etprm.com or 07821 709 120.

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Team Line-up: Caldy (A)

Ealing Trailfinders have named another powerful line-up for the club’s first ever trip up to Caldy.

For the first time this season, we have named a totally unchanged pack following on from our 42-17 victory over Bedford Blues last weekend.

This means that Kyle Whyte and Lewis Thiede continue either side of last week’s Bread Street Cafe Player of the Match, Shaun Malton.

In the second-row, David O’Connor partners Danny Cutmore while Rob Farrar, Carlo Tizzano and match day captain Rayn Smid make up an exciting back-row.

At scrum-half, Craig Hampson makes his return to the squad and will partner Craig Willis at fly-half. There is also a change in the midfield, as Peter Robb comes in for his second appearance and Reuben Bird-Tulloch shifts back to his preferred position of outside-centre.

In the back-three, Jonah Holmes continues at fullback, with Cian Kelleher and Luke Daniels on the left and right wings respectively.

Among the replacements, Bobby De Wee returns to the match day squad after recovering from injury and will be looking to make an impact alongside Simon Uzokwe and Jordan Burns.

If you are making the trip up to Paton Field, kick off is at 2pm and you can get your tickets here or alternatively you can follow our match day live coverage here.

Ealing Trailfinders team to face Caldy:

 

15. Jonah Holmes

14. Luke Daniels

13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

12. Peter Robb

11. Cian Kelleher

10. Craig Willis

9. Craig Hampson

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. David O’Connor

5. Danny Cutmore

6. Rob Farrar

7. Carlo Tizzano

8. Rayn Smid (C)

Replacements

16. Cam Terry

17. James Gibbons

18. Ross Kane

19. Bobby De Wee

20. Simon Uzokwe

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Jack Digby

Ealing Trailfinders Times: Winter Edition

The Winter Edition of Ealing Trailfinders Times is out now. Take a read for the latest club news, player and coach insights, features, competitions and community updates.

To read the magazine click here: https://issuu.com/ealingtrailfinders

Inside this edition:

  • Ben Ward: Club-Wide Update
  • Jonah Holmes: Playing For The Barbarians
  • Angus Kernohan: Career Focus Away From Rugby
  • Joaquin Gali: On Tour With Spain U20s
  • Annabel Meta: Player Spotlight – Henley College & England U18s
  • Foundation & Community Updates
  • Win A Signed Shirt & Spot The Ball Competition
  • Get To Know: Bill Miller – Partnerships Manager
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Match Preview: Caldy (A)

For the first time in our history, we will travel to Caldy this weekend to face the Ravers at Paton Field.

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 9

Date: Saturday 10th December

Kick-Off: 2pm

Location: Paton Field, Caldy

Tickets: Available from £10 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed and website

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

Originally founded in 1924 for former pupils of Calday Grange School, the club quickly progressed, much through the help of the club’s benefactor Sir Alfred Paton. In 1928, Paton gifted the club Thurstaston Hill, the land where the club still play and the original pavilion that was built almost 100 years ago, is still the core of the current clubhouse today.

In 1967, the club levelled up the slope outside the clubhouse to ensure a first-class 1st XV pitch despite the, at the time, £7,000 price tag! They joined the Giro bank North West league a year later, which was a forerunner to the National Leagues. They had mixed success up until 1996 when the Ravers decided to take a more professional approach to their team. Since then the club have won five league titles and were runners-up twice before being promoted to National 2 West in 2007. A decade later they went on a 28 game unbeaten run as they moved into National 1.

Last season, the title race went down to the wire and in the penultimate game, Caldy hosted local rivals Sale FC, both knowing a win would put them in pole position to go up. In front of a crowd of over 3,000, Caldy ran out 13-9 victors and secured their place in the Championship for the first time in their history.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

After being one of the unknown quantities coming into the league, Caldy have quickly become one of the trickiest sides to beat. Every single side who has travelled to Paton Field this year have struggled to deal with the conditions and vocal home crowd.

Close early losses against Hartpury, Nottingham and Ampthill and an impressive away win at Richmond put the new boys on the right path at the start of the season. As they moved into November, the Ravers looked to be losing their way somewhat, but a win against Ampthill in the cup helped put them back on track. When the league restarted, they became London Scottish’s first victims in the league as they lost 19-10 at the Athletic Ground, but they bounced back instantly, with a narrow win over Cornish Pirates in tricky conditions last weekend.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Greg Macdonald

Assistant Referee 1: Peter Brunt

Assistant Referee 2: Jamie Leahy

FORM GUIDE:

Caldy:

W: Caldy 15-14 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 10th December)

L: London Scottish 19-10 Caldy (Saturday 3rd December)

L: Richmond 40-15 Caldy (Friday 18th November)

Ealing Trailfinders:

W: Ealing Trailfinders 42-17 Bedford Blues (Saturday 10th December)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Cornish Pirates 12-25 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 3rd December)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 22-13 Jersey Reds (Saturday 19th November)

Click here to watch match highlights.

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Match Programme: Bedford Blues

Get ready for our Championship clash with Bedford Blues by reading our free match programme.

CLICK HERE to read this week’s programme.

Inside this week’s programme there is:

  • Ben Ward’s welcome
  • Feature interview with Reuben Bird-Tulloch
  • Insight into Bedford Blues
  • Three players to watch

The links for every programme will be posted across our social media channels and website each week, as well as scannable QR codes around Trailfinders Sports Club.

Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday’s match.

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Team Line-Up: Bedford Blues

Ealing Trailfinders have named another powerful line-up for Saturday’s Championship clash with Bedford Blues.

The front five features just one change from Saturday’s 12-25 win over Cornish Pirates with Danny Cutmore replacing Barney Maddison in the second-row.

On the flanks, Rob Farrar and Carlo Tizzano form a lethal combination with number eight and match-day skipper Rayn Smid.

Scrum-half Jack Grant and fly-half Craig Willis maintain their partnership in the halves, with Max Bodilly joining Pat Howard in the centre. On the wings, Luke Daniels continues in the 14 shirt, while Reuben Bird-Tulloch starts on the left wing. Jonah Holmes resumes his impressive form at fullback.

The bench features last week’s try scorers Simon Uzokwe and Jordan Burns, with club skipper Steven Shingler set for his 51st cap. Hooker Cam Terry, props Ross Kane and Will Davis, second-row Simon Linsell and back-row Jack Digby will all look to make a big impact from the bench.

Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday’s match. Click here to read our match day guide. Supporters are encouraged to enjoy our post-match entertainment featuring a DJ in the bar from 5pm-7pm, followed by the live screening of England’s World Cup Quarter Final at 7pm.

Ealing Trailfinders team to face Bedford Blues:

15. Jonah Holmes

14. Luke Daniels

13. Max Bodilly

12. Pat Howard

11. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

10. Craig Willis

9. Jack Grant

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. David O’Connor

5. Danny Cutmore

6. Rob Farrar

7. Carlo Tizzano

8. Rayn Smid (C)

Replacements:

16. Cam Terry

17. Will Davis

18. Ross Kane

19. Simon Linsell

20. Simon Uzokwe

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Jack Digby

Foodbank Collection: This December

The Ealing Trailfinders Foundation are running a food bank collection this Christmas to support local families throughout our community.

There will be a collection point at Trailfinders Sports Club from 10am-1pm on Tuesday 13th and Sunday 18th December. Alternatively you can drop off food any time at the donation bin located outside the Olympic Pavilion.

 

Donations required: Rice, tinned fish and meat, UHT milk, whole milk or semi skimmed, long life fruit juice and squash, instant coffee and drinking chocolate, peanut butter and jam, tinned fruit and vegetables, chickpeas and kidney beans, rice pudding and ready made custard, ketchup and mayonnaise, savoury biscuits, nappies (size 4,5,6).

 

The donations will be dropped to the foodbank on Wednesday 21st December.

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Match Guide: Bedford Blues (H)

Make sure you’re ready for this Saturday’s huge clash as we welcome Bedford Blues to TFSC!

EALING TRAILFINDERS v BEDFORD BLUES – CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 9

Date: Saturday 10th December

Kick-Off: 3pm

Location: Trailfinders Sports Club, W13 0DD

Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase tickets.

Coverage: Live coverage will be available via our Twitter feed and website.

PRE-MATCH HOSPITALITY

Kick-off your day in style by joining us for our delicious pre-match hospitality. To book email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further details.

ENGLAND V FRANCE – WORLD CUP SCREENING:

As Gareth Southgate’s men make it into the final eight of the World Cup, be sure to stick around after the full-time whistle to watch England’s quarter-final against France LIVE in the clubhouse at 7pm. We will have a LIVE DJ playing in the bar from 5pm-7pm to keep you entertained until the football kicks-off.

MATCH SPONSOR – LORDS BUILDERS MERCHANTS:

 

Thank you to Saturday’s Match Sponsor, Lords Builders Merchants. Lords are a long-standing partner of the club, having recently extended their sponsorship for the seventh consecutive season. Lords are an independent business established over 30 years ago with a strong family heritage. The small team that started has grown to almost 300 colleagues, building reputation on customer service, reliability, and flexibility. Their products range from bricks and blocks, sheet and timber, aggregates and cementing to landscaping, decorating, as well as plumbing and heating. Click here to visit the Lords website.

 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR:

Thank you to Bread Street Café, Ealing Broadway, our 2022/23 Player of the Match Sponsor. Book your table at Bread Street Café.

GET YOUR STOCKING FILLERS:

With it being just under three weeks until Christmas, make sure you get your stocking fillers before they all sell out! Our club shop, including our 2022/23 replica shirt, will be in operation from 1:30pm and the shop will remain open throughout the game and post-match.

DIGITAL MATCH PROGRAMME:

Our free digital match programme will be published on the Friday before the game. The programme will be available on our website and social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.

MATCH DAY SCHEDULE:

1:30pm: Shop Trailer Open (Kit & Merchandise)

2:55pm: Guard of Honour

3pm: Ealing Trailfinders v Bedford Blues

Half-Time: Ealing Trailfinders Community Games & Activities and T-Shirt Cannon

Full-Time: Bread Street Café Player of the Match Announced

5pm: Post-Match entertainment including live DJ in the bar

7pm: England v France (World Cup Screening)

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

Bedford are one of the few clubs in the Championship who have previously been in the Premiership, having been in there in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons.

They dropped down to the Championship at the turn of the century and after mixed fortunes in the early 2000s, they appointed Mike Rayer as their Director of Rugby in 2005. Rayer, who had previously played at the club as well as at Cardiff, has been at the club ever since and is the longest serving professional Director of Rugby in the country, having gone on to coach over 500 games for the Blues.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Bedford are known for being the great entertainers in the league, constantly looking to throw the ball around and currently have the second highest points scored in the league this season (only behind ourselves).

Despite a narrow 26-18 away loss to Coventry on the opening night, they bounced back to win their next three in a row, including an impressive 21-41 victory down at The Mennaye against Cornish Pirates.

They have however come unstuck against teams below them in the table, losing to Richmond at the end of October and then London Scottish in their Championship Cup opener.

Recently they have returned to form however, with strong performances against Coventry and Doncaster, before claiming a narrow 32-31 victory last Saturday against Nottingham.

LAST TIME WE MET:

Bedford travelled over to Ealing in mid-February knowing that the Trailfinders had not yet been beaten at home all season.

Ealing started the better of the two sides, scoring early though Simon Linsell but Matt Worley responded almost immediately for the Blues. Jan-Henning Campher then put Ealing in front again as he peeled off the back of a rolling maul, but then on the stroke of half-time Bedford hit back through now Trailfinder Ollie Newman, to make it 14-12 at the break.

After the interval Bedford came out of the blocks fast, scoring twice through prop Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi and hooker Jack Hughes to put them well in front.

Ealing did answer back through centre Matt Gordon but this was then cancelled out by Jamie Elliot as Bedford recorded a famous 19-31 victory.

FORM GUIDE:

Ealing Trailfinders:

W: Cornish Pirates 12-25 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 3rd December)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 22-13 Jersey Reds (Saturday 19th November)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Nottingham 19-26 Ealing Trailfinders (Sunday 13th November)

Click here to watch match highlights.

Bedford Blues

W: Bedford Blues 32-31 Nottingham (Saturday 3rd December)

L: Doncaster Knights 29-20 Bedford Blues (Saturday 19th November)

W: Bedford Blues 27-21 Coventry (Friday 11th November)

HOW TO FIND US:

By Road:

From the A40 take the B452 turn-off towards Ealing (actually signposted as Perivale) along the Argyle Road. Pass through a set of traffic lights and across a roundabout. At the second roundabout, (about 0.5km) turn right into Vallis Way. Trailfinders Sports Club entrance is at the end of the road. Click here to view map.

Car parking is available at the ground and costs £5 per vehicle. You can purchase your parking ticket at the gate via card or cash.

By Rail:

You can take a national rail train from Paddington to Ealing Broadway and then hop on a bus (see below). Click here for the latest National Rail updates.

By Tube:

The London Underground will be operating and you can take the Central Line, District Line or Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway, and then take a bus, taxi or walk to the ground (approx. 20 minute walk). Alternatively, you can take the Elizabeth line to West Ealing station and then walk to the ground (approx. 15 minutes).

By Bus:

Many buses stop in the vicinity of Trailfinders Sports Club, including the 297, E1, E2, E7, E9 and E10. The nearest bus stop to the ground is ‘Scotch Common’, which is a five minute walk to the club.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

For further information or assistance please email us on: info@etprm.com.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR MATCH-DAY AT EALING TRAILFINDERS!

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David O’Connor: November Player of the Month

After a strong November, David O’Connor has been named as the Ealing Trailfinders Player of the Month.

Starting all three of our games in November, the second-row has been a key part of our successful start to the defence of our Championship Cup title, as we currently sit top of Pool 1 after three wins from three.

In our opening game in the competition against Hartpury, David captained the side and was influential in making the set-piece, and in particular the line-out, a real weapon for us as we ran out 64-10 victors.

Then he partnered Barney Maddison in Round 2 of the Cup as we travelled to Nottingham and claimed a hard-fought victory at the Bay.

He was then influential in our final game of the month, as we faced fellow unbeaten side Jersey Reds. In what was the toughest game of our season so far, David was vital in the dominance of the rolling maul which helped claim our first try in the 22-13 victory.

Your next chance to see David and the boys play in a game at Trailfinders Sports Club will this weekend as we face Bedford Blues on Saturday at 3pm or on Christmas Eve when we play Jersey Reds at 12pm. You can buy tickets for either of these games, by clicking here.

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