Jersey Reds vs Ealing Trailfinders

Match Report

There was hardly anything between the top two teams in the league, but Ealing Trailfinders ultimately fell to Jersey Reds 19-13.

It was a result that could have gone either way, but it now puts the islanders in pole position to lift the trophy with just one round left in the Championship season.

Pregame the atmosphere was palpable, as just over 3,000 supporters squeezed into the Stade Santander International with there being great representation for both sides.

When the game did get underway, both sides started slowly, with everyone knowing the magnitude of the game.

On the ten minute mark, the deadlock was broken, as Steven Shingler slotted a penalty from straight in front of the posts after Jersey Reds strayed offside.

However, it didn’t take long for Jersey to respond. On the fifteen minute mark, Alex McHenry went over for the hosts in the corner while the Reds had penalty advantage.

Despite conceding the first try, Trailfinders built back into the game well. Repeated penalties from the scrum and from the line-out saw the visitors pile on the pressure, and after several pick-and-goes, Rob Farrar was able to muscle over from close range. Shingler added the extras.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to retake the lead however, as on the half hour mark a powerful rolling maul crashed over with Sam Grahamslaw dotting down.

As the half-time whistle beckoned, a breath-taking passage of play saw both Trailfinders and Jersey almost add to their tally, but neither were able to secure the crucial pass and it meant the half-time score was Jersey Reds 12-10 Ealing Trailfinders.

The second half, saw the hosts come out of the blocks fast, knocking on the door of the Trailfinders’ try line for most of the opening fifteen minutes. Despite constant pressure, the Londoners were able to hold firm and escape without conceding.

Then, with what was their first meaningful attack of the half, a huge scrum penalty allowed Shingler to go to the posts again as Trailfinders retook the lead.

This didn’t last for long however, as Will Brown was able to get over in the corner for the hosts and Russell Bennett impressively converted from the touchline.

Despite there being around 15 minutes left on the clock, the tricky conditions meant that it was hard for either side to get continuity in the game.

Then, with the clock in the red, Trailfinders went in search of the score that would see them snatch the game. After starting inside their own half, they were able to work their way into the Reds’ 22, but a knock-on saw those hopes dashed as the full-time whistle went with the scores at Jersey Reds 19-13 Ealing Trailfinders.

This result now sees Jersey Reds two points clear of the Trailfinders as they welcome Ampthill to the Stade next weekend, while the West-Londoners travel to Doncaster.

After the game Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “It’s a really tough result to take but I really think we have to congratulate Jersey for today and their performance all season.

“I can’t fault the effort of our boys, but crucially Jersey won some of those key moments and when you have two teams who are so close to each other, these moments are the difference.”

You can watch Ben Ward’s full interview here. Ealing Trailfinders’ next home game is against Doncaster Knights in the Championship Cup semi-final, buy your tickets here.

Full-time score: Jersey Reds 19-13 Ealing Trailfinders

T: Farrar 24

C: Shingler 24

P: Shingler 10, 60