Northampton Saints v Ealing Trailfinders

Match Report

Ealing Trailfinders secured their place in the Premiership Cup semi-final after an emphatic 26-43 victory over Northampton Saints.

Tries from Lefty Zigiriadis, George Davis, Reuben Bird-Tulloch, Angus Kernohan and a brace from Tom Collins on his return to Franklin’s Gardens.

It was a dream start to the knockout stages for Ealing Trailfinders, Zigiriadis powered his way over the line inside the opening two minutes.

Just moments later, Tobi Wilson found himself in space on the right-wing and burst down the line. He popped the ball inside to Collins who scored.

However, the visitors’ lead did not last long. Tries from George Hendy and James Ramm put Saints into the lead.

Trailfinders edged back in front with a Dan Jones penalty, before some free-flowing rugby from the hosts meant Ramm had a brace.

Ben Ward’s men regrouped and had an excellent end to the first half. Patient play, camped on the Northampton try line, eventually paid off when Davis forced his way over the line with a pick-and-go effort.

A scrum on the halfway line allowed Trailfinders to run a training ground move. Craig Hampson looped around and put Bird-Tulloch through a gap for a clear run to the line.

Half-time: Northampton Saints 19-29 Ealing Trailfinders

After the break, Northampton’s Iakopo Mapu saw red inside the opening seconds for a high shot on Trailfinders captain Mike Willemse.

The Championship side did not take long to capitalise, Wilson was at it again with another line break and Collins found himself on the end of it for his second of the afternoon.

Kernohan was next to get himself in on the action. The winger found space on the edge and scored in the corner, putting Trailfinders in a commanding lead with half an hour to play.

Trailfinders controlled the game well for the remainder, although Northampton’s Ramm completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go.

Victory for Ealing Trailfinders means they set up a semi-final against Exeter Chiefs next week.

Full-time: Northampton Saints 26-43 Ealing Trailfinders

Northampton Saints:

Tries- George Hendy 10, James Ramm 13 27 74

Conversions- Rory Hutchinson 11 14 75

Red cards- Iakopo Mapu 41

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries- Lefty Zigiriadis 2, Tom Collins 4 42, George Davis 30, Angus Kernohan 49

Conversions- Tobi Wilson 3, Dan Jones 31 43 50

Penalties- Dan Jones 25

Yellow cards- Reuben Bird-Tulloch 13