London Scottish vs Ealing Trailfinders

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders successfully beat London Scottish 24-41 in Round 16 of the Championship.

Two tries from Ben Harris, and individual efforts from Geordie Reid, Jordon Holgate, Craig Hampson, Tobi Wilson and Michael Dykes meant Trailfinders had too much for a spirited Scottish side.

Trailfinders remain top of the table and sit 15 points clear after the conclusion of this weekend’s matches.

Ealing Trailfinders made eight changes from last time out, and it showed in the opening exchanges – possession constantly changed hands, with neither side able to settle.

Scottish looked to go over the top, but Tobi Wilson collected and broke dangerously down the right before being pulled back for offside. Moments later, Scottish struck first – Bryn Bradley collecting a cross-field kick to score out wide. The conversion was missed.

Trailfinders responded on 27 minutes with their first visit to the 22. A penalty kicked to the corner was followed by a rolling maul, finished off by Geordie Reid. Dan Jones added the extras.

Soon after, Craig Hampson broke through from a line-out and fed Jordan Holgate to put Ealing ahead. Jones missed the conversion.

Minutes later, Scottish capitalised on a dropped ball, Jonah Holmes feeding Harry Shepard to score under the posts. Wilstead converted and was on target again minutes later after Stephen Kerins ghosted through untouched.

Trailfinders nearly levelled just before the break, and did so moments later through Ben Harris, who scored out wide after good work from Hampson at the base of the ruck. Jones nailed a touch-line conversion to bring Ealing back level.

Half-time: London Scottish 19-19 Ealing Trailfinders

Trailfinders came flying out of the blocks after the break, regathering their own kick-off within seconds. Two quick phases later, Craig Hampson went under the posts to secure the bonus point. Dan Jones couldn’t convert, but the visitors had regained the lead.

Scottish looked to respond with a series of pick-and-goes deep in Ealing territory, but the Trailfinders’ defence held firm, and a scrum penalty allowed them to clear their lines.

Trailfinders then began to take control. A looping pass from Jones found numbers on the left, and Ben Harris finished clinically in the corner for his second of the afternoon.

Minutes later, a slick line-out and quick hands in midfield opened up space for Tobi Wilson, who cut through the line and dotted down under the sticks. Jones added the extras.

Wilson was involved again moments later, showing great strength to offload while being tackled – Michael Dykes the beneficiary this time, finishing off a flowing move to put the result beyond doubt.

A yellow card to Danny Cutmore reduced Ealing to 14, and Scottish capitalised with a well-executed maul try late on. But it was Ealing’s dominant third quarter that proved decisive in sealing a deserved victory.

Full-time: London Scottish 24 – 41 Ealing Trailfinders

London Scottish

Tries: Bryn Bradley 19, Harry Shepard 35, Stephen Kerins 38, Austin Wallis 73

Conversions: Tom Wilstead 36 39 74

Ealing Trailfinders.

Tries: Jordy Reid 27, Jordon Holgate 32, Ben Harris 40 50, Craig Hampson 41, Tobi Wilson 47, Michael Dykes 52

Conversions: Dan Jones 28 40 48

Yellow cards: Danny Cutmore 69