Doncaster Knights vs Ealing Trailfinders

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders put in a strong second-half performance away in Doncaster to secure a 14-35 victory to end their Championship season on a high.

After the disappointment of last weekend, the Trailfinders did well to bounce back against last year’s runners-up, running in five tries including a brace from substitute Bobby De Wee.

After a physical opening ten minutes, the Trailfinders were finally able to get the first score of the game. Following a hard-fought passage of play, the visitors were able to work their way up to the Doncaster 22 from well inside their own half. When the hosts then infringed at the breakdown, the Londoners went to the corner and after several phases, Luke Daniels was able to dot down before impressively converting his own kick from the touchline.

Despite this score, Trailfinders put themselves immediately under pressure from the restart as they gave away a penalty. The Knights were then able to go to the corner and after repeated infringements, Robbie Smith was able to level up for the hosts as he crossed while on a penalty advantage. The extras were added and Shaun Malton was also sent to the bin for repeated team penalties.

The Londoners then did very well to cope with being a man down for most of the next ten minutes. However, with the final play before Malton came back on, Doncaster were able to get themselves into the Trailfinders 22 and after tying in the defenders, they spun it wide as Smith went in for his second before the extras were added from the touchline.

With the first half ticking into its final five minutes, Trailfinders needed something to level up the scores, and Uzokwe was able to deliver. The backrow shrugged off one tackle on the halfway before sprinting clear. He then drew in the fullback before offloading to Bobby De Wee who went in under the posts unopposed. Daniels converted to make the score 14-14 at the break.

The second half got off to a much better start than the first, with Trailfinders quickly gaining territory in the Knights half. After a good attack, an infringement at the breakdown, saw them then able to go to the corner. After faking the maul, they then went through the phases before the ball found its way to De Wee who impressively reached out to grab his second. Daniels kept up his 100% record from the tee despite the tough angle.

Shortly after the restart, the Londoners quickly found themselves back in the Doncaster 22. A penalty allowed them to go to the corner, but just as they got their rolling maul going, the hosts illegally collapsed it. After three further trips to the corner and three subsequent penalties, the Knights were put on a final warning. Although they were then able to legally stop the Trailfinders drive, the visitors went through the phases, eventually seeing Reuben Bird-Tulloch run in under the sticks unopposed.

Ten minutes later, the green and whites had their fifth score, as a penalty in midfield saw them again go to the corner. After getting within 10m of the line, a powerful pick and go game saw Will Davis power over for his third try in just over a month.

As the final fifteen minutes ticked away, Trailfinders looked the more likely of the two sides to score, but the Knights defence held firm and the visitors had to settle for a 14-35 victory.

Although the league season is now over, the Trailfinders will be in action next weekend as they look to retain the Championship Cup. They will be facing Doncaster Knights again, this time at Trailfinders Sports Club, on Saturday 6th May at 3pm, get your tickets for this game here.

Full-time score: Doncaster Knights 14-35 Ealing Trailfinders

T: Daniels 13’, De Wee 35’, 46’, Bird-Tulloch 56’, W. Davis 65’

C: Daniels 14’, 35’, 46’, 56’, 65’