Coventry vs Ealing Trailfinders

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders came out on top in a 25-35 win against Coventry in the Christmas top-of-the-table clash.

A brace from Micheal Dykes and Rob Farrar, as well as a try from Tobi Wilson and two penalties from Craig Willis, secured the victory.

The hosts had the first word taking the points when they were on offer early doors, an indication that every point would be crucial in a tight contest between these two sides.

Play was tight in the early excursions until Senitki Nayalo was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, and Trailfinders found themselves with a player advantage.

Trailfinders launched immediately as Wilson walked through under the sticks, gathering an offload from Jordan Holgate, who made the half-break.

The referee was quick to his pocket again as he produced another yellow card, this time it was Dykes for taking the man out without the ball after a Coventry line break.

The hosts used the opportunity and took the points yet again to bring the gap to just one point.

Coventry, for all intents and purposes, looked like they were going to score as they were building pressure right at Trailfinders’ try line. However, an intercept from Dykes on his own line meant he raced it the length of the pitch to run it in for another score.

Coventry finally got a try on the board before the break as they were awarded a penalty try, the referee deemed Trailfinders to have collapsed the maul and Matt Cornish was sent to the bin on the cusp of halftime.

Half Time: Coventry 13-12 Ealing Trailfinders

Trailfinders managed to hold off a storm of early dangerous phases from Coventry as they eventually held the ball up over the line and denied the initial early try.

After some cagey play from both sides, Trailfinders eventually retook the lead. They built pressure in the red zone, and Dykes was able to finish in the corner for his second.

The hosts were under pressure as Trailfinders were building into the game and struck through a powerful rolling maul with Farrar, the beneficiary at the tail.

A great 50/22 nudge from a box kick allowed Trailfinders yet another entry into Coventry’s 22. The hosts gave away a penalty, and Willis took the three points.

It was a top-of-the-table clash for a reason, and Coventry were always going to fight back. They pounced on a loose ball following a mistake from Trailfinders, and the replacement hooker Will Biggs was able to score.

With ten minutes to go, it was less than a ten-point game, and things got tense at Butts Park Arena.

Despite that, Trailfinders remained resolute to maintain their position and had another try as Farrar broke down the wing and finished in the corner, taking the game beyond doubt.

Willis added another penalty with less than a minute on the clock to edge the lead even further.

However, Coventry had one more try right at the death from replacement scrum-half Fin Ogden.

It was the perfect Christmas present for Trailfinders, who remain on top of the table.

Full-Time: Coventry 25-35 Ealing Trailfinders

Coventry:

Tries- Penalty Try 37, Biggs 70, Ogden 79

Conversions- Matthews 80

Penalties- Richman 2, 21

Yellow Card- Nayalo 7

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries- Wilson 11, Dykes 35, 54, Farrar 63, 76

Conversions- Jones 11, 55

Penalties- Willis 68, 79

Yellow Card- Dykes 20, Cornish 37