Match Round-up: Exeter Chiefs vs Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women’s PWR Cup campaign came to an end following a 19-5 defeat to Exeter Chiefs Women on a wet Saturday afternoon at Sandy Park.

Starting brightly, Trailfinders enjoyed early possession of the ball but failed to convert periods of control into points.

It was the hosts that struck first when a driving maul in the 16th minute saw hooker Kayleigh Priest get over the Trailfinders line to score on her Sandy Park debut. The subsequent conversion was confidently dispatched by Liv McGoverne to give Chiefs the 7-0 lead.

A second try followed for Exeter just after the halfway of the first 40, with the Chiefs forwards’ determination proving enough to see Alessia Skeates score. McGoverne’s second conversion gave the home side the 14-0 lead heading into halftime.

HT: Exeter Chiefs 14-0 Trailfinders Women

A short relief from the rain and Trailfinders came out in the second half pushing for openings. However, despite our efforts, a penalty on our 22 resulted in a well-worked try from wide scored by Katie Buchanan. McGoverne couldn’t make it three from three, and the score stood at 19-0.

The 72nd minute brought a notable moment for Trailfinders as Isla Pomroy made her debut. The City of Oxford pathway product and current Brunel University student was one of eight Brunel student to feature in today’s match-day squad.

Trailfinders’ persistence did ultimately pay off late in the game. Pressure on the Chiefs defence resulted in a sharp release from Sophie Molton finding its way to Charlie Holland, whose step between two defenders saw enough a gap to get the ball down over the line from close.

The final whistle saw the score finish 19-5, ending our PWR Cup campaign just shy of the knockouts.

FT: Exeter Chiefs 19-5 Trailfinders Women

Exeter Chiefs – 

Tries: Kayleigh Priest (16), Alessia Skeates (22), Katie Buchanan (45)

Conversions: Liv McGoverne (17, 23)

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Charlie Holland (79)

Match Round-up: Edinburgh vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders fell to defeat against Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium in their second preseason match.

The hosts certainly started as the stronger of the two sides and managed to break the deadlock in the tenth minute through Scottish international Ewan Ashman. The hooker dotted down at the back of a rolling maul.

Edinburgh were looking dangerous again when Angus Kernohan dislodged the ball in the tackle, which allowed Gwynn to capitalise. He saw space in behind and backed himself in the footrace against the Edinburgh defence, dribbled the ball over the line and got Trailfinders on the scoresheet.

Lewis Wells put the home side back in front ten minutes later; Ben Velacott found space down the left-hand side, passed to the winger, and he scored in the corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Ben Ward’s men had a line-out five metres from the Edinburgh line. Holgate, at first receiver, battered his way over a defender and reached out to slam the ball down on the try line.

George Worboys added the extras, and Trailfinders led by four points at the break.

Half-time: Edinburgh 10-14 Ealing Trailfinders

The hosts broke the second-half deadlock in the 56th minute, as they came away from the rolling maul and forced their way over. Two minutes later they extended their lead through Ross McCann; he took advantage of a turnover, found a gap and sprinted to the line.

British Lion Hamish Watson all but sealed the win for Edinburgh with five minutes to play. After another turnover, the flanker was on the end of a two-on-one and cantered in.

Ealing Trailfinders had a couple of good opportunities to get a consolation at the death but couldn’t quite manage it. The physical encounter ended with the home side coming out on top.

Full-time: Edinburgh 27-14 Ealing Trailfinders

Edinburgh –

Tries: Ewan Ashman 10, Lewis Wells 29, Ben Vellacott 56, Ross McCann 58, Hamish Watson 74

Conversions: James Lang 75

Ealing Trailfinders –

Tries: Geordie Gwynn 20, Jordan Holgate 40

Conversions: Rory Scannell 21, George Worboys 40

Lineup: Edinburgh vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Edinburgh on Friday.

Trailfinders Rugby Academy graduate Josh Taylor is set to captain the side at Hive Stadium. Will Montgomery and new signing Conor Oliver complete the back row.

Geordie Gwynn is the only person to retain his place in the starting XV after last week’s victory over Chinnor. He is partnered by Jordan Holgate in the centres.

Matt Cornish starts at hooker, with Lefty Zigiriadis and George Davis packing down either side of him.

Craig Hampson and Rory Scannell line up alongside each other at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

After signing from Bristol Bears in the summer, Josh Caulfield starts alongside Sean Lonsdale in the engine room.

Tom Collins, Angus Kernohan and Tobi Wilson make up the back three.

There are 14 players on the replacements list, including Mike Willemse, David Bridge, Will Parry and Dan Jones.

Kick-off is at 20:00 on Friday 19th September at Hive Stadium.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Angus Kernohan

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Tom Collins

10. Rory Scannell

9. Craig Hampson

1. Lefty Zigiriadis

2. Matt Cornish

3. George Davis

4. Josh Caulfield

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor (c)

7. Conor Oliver

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

Mike Willemse

James Kenny

Kyle Whyte

David Bridge

George Shaw

Rob Farrar

Kyle Hatherell

Sam Edwards

George Worboys

Michael Dykes

Deago Bailey

Will Parry

Patrick Campbell​

The silver screen in Ealing green

This season, our home match posters will celebrate the iconic Ealing Studios, paying homage to some of the legendary films that have shaped generations of cinema, created right here in Ealing.

From the elegance of the 1940s to the spectacle of modern blockbusters, each design will echo a chapter in the remarkable history of the longest continuously running film studio in the world.

Weaving the artistry of film into the passion of rugby, we’ll showcase our fixtures in a way that reflects the pride we have in the cultural heritage of our community.

Jack Cairns, Head of Marketing at Ealing Trailfinders said:

“It’s a celebration of two great institutions at the heart of the Ealing community; one that tell stories on the silver screen, and another that plays them out on the pitch – each demanding drama, spectacle, and touch of timeless style. We’re proud to bring them together in a way that honours what makes this place feel special.”

Our teams’ first home games each receive the cinematic treatment initially, with our men’s Champ Rugby opener against Chinnor inspired by The Darkest Hour (2017) and Trailfinders Women’s PWR Round 1 Clash against Exeter Chiefs reminiscent of Ealing Studios’ classic, Passport to Pimlico (1949).

Be sure to follow on our socials and look out for the special matchday posters throughout the season.

To learn more about the incredible history of Ealing Studios, visit their website here.

Caity Mattinson Retires From Professional Rugby

Caity Mattinson has retired from professional rugby to pursue a new opportunity in coaching.

Mattinson, who joined Trailfinders in July 2024, has decided to retire from playing professional rugby to focus on a full-time career in coaching.

From her first steps in rugby at aged 7 for Tynedale Rugby Club through to representing Scotland at the Rugby World Cup in her final appearance, the scrum-half has shown passion, dependability, and an attacking flare that meant she was a vital playmaker and a valued teammate throughout her playing career.

Speaking about her time at the club, Mattinson said:

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club for making me so welcome and all the support last season. Trailfinders is a great group of players and I’ve no doubt that they’ll do big things this season and I’m looking forward to cheering them on from the stands.

“I’d also like to thank the U14 girls and their parents, it was a real pleasure to coach them and be reminded of what it’s all about.

Finally to Barney, who’s been incredibly supportive of my decision to retire and who’s Tynedale roots were always a welcome reminder of home.”

Head Coach of Trailfinders Women, Barney Maddison said:

“Caity is a true professional and has always put the team first during her time with us.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with her, and I believe she has a big future in the game from a coaching point of view. I’m excited to see her grow in her next chapter of her rugby career.”

Everyone at the club wishes Caity all the very best of luck in her next adventure.

Match Round-up: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders got their 2025-26 preseason campaign off to a winning start with victory over Chinnor RFC on Friday night.

Tries from captain Scott Buckley, George Worboys and Richie Simpson helped secure the 34-59 against Chinnor.

Buckley got Ealing Trailfinders off to a great start. The hooker broke from a rolling maul inside the opening ten minutes and finished well, just managing to stay infield.

Chinnor scored their first try just after, but it wasn’t long before Jamie Carr found himself on the end of an overlap to put Ben Ward’s men back in front.

The hosts then got their second of the afternoon, but moments later Elliot Chilvers played an instrumental part in Trailfinders’ third. The prop broke the line, sold a dummy and passed to Worboys, who dived over in the corner.

George Shaw, who spent time on loan at Chinnor last season, extended the lead as he dotted down under the sticks. Chinnor had the final say before the break as Alun Walker got himself on the scoresheet.

Half-time: Chinnor 17-28 Ealing Trailfinders

The visitors came firing out of the blocks in the second half. Trailfinders Rugby Academy graduate Geordie Gwynn found space on the blindside to slide in for the score. The hosts also had a fast start to the second forty, scoring two minutes later.

Gabriel Mann put Trailfinders back into a commanding lead when he crashed over following a quick tap penalty.

A quick double from Chinnor brought them back to within one score heading into the final quarter of the match.

With ten minutes on the clock, replacements combined as Michael Dykes found a gap and Simpson danced his way down the touchline and crossed the whitewash.

Siya Ningiza powered over with three minutes to go to put Trailfinders back into a two-score lead.

As the clock ticked into red, Matt Cornish, with the help of a rolling maul, burrowed his way over the line to round off the win.

Full-time: Chinnor 34-59 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders –

Tries: Scott Buckley 8, Jamie Carr 17, George Worboys 25, George Shaw 29, Geordie Gwynn 42, Gabriel Mann 50, Richie Simpson 74, Siya Ningiza 77, Matt Cornish 80

Conversions: George Worboys 9 18 26 30 51 78 80

Trailfinders Women help Fight For Sight campaign to sell eight tonnes of clothing

Trailfinders Women support Fight For Sight’s Ealing Fashion Drop campaign

Fight For Sight is a charity on a mission to Save Sight. Change Lives. They fund scientific and social research into vision loss and they have 14 charity shops across London, including one in Ealing Broadway.

Fight for Sight are always grateful for donations to their shops, but when an online retailer donated a huge 8 tonnes of new-with-tags fashion, it enabled them to do something really special in Ealing. Their Ealing Fashion Drop was set up with the aim of saving these clothes from landfill in four weeks.

To support this ambitious undertaking, some of our Trailfinders Women players went to the shop on Ealing Broadway, to check out the stock and support the campaign. Local sustainable stylist, Sarah Sole from Sourced Studio helped pick out some pieces for the players, who modelled their outfits at iconic locations around Ealing Broadway.

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby at the Club, said: 

“As a club, we believe our responsibilities within the community go far beyond the pitch. We want to lift up our community, and that means standing alongside the organisations that are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Fight for Sight’s work is a huge contributor to supporting those living with sight loss, and we’re proud to play our part in raising awareness and backing their campaign.”

Phil Beavan, Director of Retail at Fight for Sight said:

“It was such a joy to have the players come down to Fight for Sight, Ealing. Their positivity and support brought a fantastic atmosphere to the shop and shows that these aren’t just professional sports people, they’re big-hearted members of our community. And of course, they all looked fabulous in the pieces they picked out for our shoot around Ealing Broadway!”

Trailfinders Women fly-half Isla Norman-Bell said:

“The community always shows up for us, and it’s important for us as a club to back the people and causes around us.

“Helping Fight for Sight raise awareness is a small way we can contribute to work that matters, and being involved is something that feels meaningful to us.”

Want to get new-with-label bargains and support the campaign yourself, which runs until Sunday 21st Sept)? Head down to the shop in Ealing Broadway at 2 The Broadway, London W5 2NH.

,

Kyle Hatherell on London life and upcoming fixture against Chinnor

Back row Kyle Hatherell talks London life and the anticipation for a physical battle against Chinnor. 

Experienced back rower Hatherell signed for the Club ahead of the 2025/26. Born in South Africa, Hatherall grew up watching northern hemisphere rugby.

After playing his age-grade rugby with the Sharks in Durban, he has played at several northern hemisphere clubs in his adult career including Worcester Warriors, La Rochelle, and Leicester Tigers.

Hatherell can move between lock and back row but starts at eight in the first pre-season fixture against Chinnor.

“I’m really excited for this fixture,” Hatherell said.

“Pre-season has been tough. The standard of training has been really high, which I’ve enjoyed. Everyone’s working hard.

“There have been lot of long, hard training days, but it’s all building up so you can play rugby. To get an opportunity to play in the first game is great.”

 

“I don’t think you can ever simulate match fitness by not actually playing a game, but we’ve been working hard on and off the pitch.”

2025/26 is the second season that Chinnor are included in Champ Rugby. Hatherell is looking forward to a physical battle upfront on Friday night.

“I’d say most teams, especially from a forwards point of view, always want to be physical.

“We’re expecting some big collisions, which I quite enjoy. I think they’ll just be up for it just like we will. Chinnor have also been working hard, waiting for these days to come where we can actually play rugby.

“I’ve enjoyed the training and the environment so far so I’m looking to getting stuck in.”

Having relocated to west London from the East Midlands ahead of this season, as a coffee fanatic, Hatherell has been enjoying the diverse food and drink culture that London has to offer.

“I’ve moved around a fair bit with rugby but it’s been good. I’m enjoying London,” Hatherell said. “The setup at Ealing is really good as well.

“I like to branch out and try new places, but I wouldn’t really say that I’ve found a go-to coffee place yet. Especially having so many different places to explore. At the moment, I’m just picking a part of London, make my way there, and then find a good coffee shop.”

Whilst a coffee crawl is on his to-do list during his time-off from training, Hatherell has some places in mind to explore across the city.

“I have a list of all these viral places that I’d like to go to, and then on our days off, pick one and and see if it’s close enough.”

,

Lineup: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play preseason fixture against Chinnor.

Scott Buckley will lead the side from hooker in the first runout of the season. Elliot Chilvers and Adam Nicol pack down either side of him in the front row.

Matas Jurevicius and George Shaw are set to start in the second row.

Kyle Hatherell will pull on the Trailfinders jersey for the first time, starting at number eight. Jamie Carr and Siya Ningiza complete the back row.

Michael Stronge and George Worboys occupy the halfback positions.

The same centre partnership that finished last season, Geordie Gwynn and Francis Moore, will combine once again on Friday.

There’s a fresh look to the back three with new signings Toby Cousins and Deago Bailey on the wings. and Patrick Campbell is at fullback.

Summer recruits Gabriel Mann, Sam Edwards and Richie Simpson are amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 19:45 on Friday 12th September at Chinnor RFC.

Starting XV:

15. Patrick Campbell

14. Deago Bailey

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Francis Moore

11. Toby Cousins

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Elliot Chilvers

2. Scott Buckley (c)

3. Adam Nicol

4. Matas Jurevicius

5. George Shaw

6. Jamie Carr

7. Siya Ningiza

8. Kyle Hatherell

Replacements:

16. Matt Cornish

17. James Kenny

18. Kyle Whyte

19. Geordie Irvine

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Sam Edwards

22. Richie Simpson

23. Michael Dykes

24. Rob Farrar

Trailfinders Sign Experienced Centre Rory Scannell

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of centre Rory Scannell. 

Scannell will bring a wealth of experience to Trailfinders. He joins from Munster having spent a decade with the Irish outfit, and he has three international caps for Ireland.

He played a key role as an experienced centre when Munster won the 2023 URC title, featuring 13 times throughout their league campaign.

Whilst Scannell primarily plays inside centre, he can move fluidly between fly-half and outside-centre, providing a range of options in the midfield.

On signing for the Club, Scannell said: 

“I’m excited about joining Ealing Trailfinders. There’s a great squad here with a mix of youth and experience.

“I’m hoping to add my own experience to the team and give our supporters plenty to cheer about for the season ahead.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said:

“Rory will bring a huge amount of experience to our squad this season. He’s a powerful ball carrier with good distribution and will give us options at fly-half and centre.

“Having been at Munster for the last decade, we’re looking forward to him bringing his knowledge and what he’s learnt from that environment to ours.”

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