Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

Simon UZOKWE (7) of Ealing Trailfinders is awarded the Man of the Match after the Greene King IPA Championship match between Ealing Trailfinders and Richmond at Castle Bar , West Ealing , England on 2 April 2022. Photo by David HornThe biggest rivalries bring out the biggest occasions, and a Championship Rugby finale between Ealing Trailfinders and Richmond with the men in green and white looking to lift their first Championship title, was the perfect latest instalment in this local clash.

Trailfinders went into the game knowing that a win or bonus-point draw would see them crowned champions, and the home side got off to the perfect start winning a penalty from the scrum at Richmond’s 10 metre. Willis kicked to the corner and the forward did the rest of the work with Simon Uzokwe firing his way over.

Moments later another strong scrum from Trailfinders saw Richmond once again penalised, a dominant opening few minutes for the men of Vallis Way.

Penalty after penalty came for the home side and midway through the first half Uzokwe would power his way over the line to score his second of the tie.

The start of the game was just what Trailfinders would have been looking for, showing great physicality to fire out of the blocks.

23 minutes on the clock and the third try was up for the home side, with a scrum at Richmond’s 5 metre, Craig Hampson with the show and go glided over the try line to score.

You’d think the Trailfinders might stop to take a breath, but just a matter of minutes later link play between Luke Daniels and Max Bodilly saw the Cornishman skip over for the bonus-point score.

Richmond weren’t going to go down without a fight though as at the half an hour mark club Captain and former Trailfinders Mark Bright scored on his 201st Championship appearance for his side’s first points of the afternoon.

It was a fifth by half-time with a great break by George Davis saw the ball recycled back for Rayn Smid to dot down for his sixteenth try of the campaign.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 29 – Richmond 5

5 minutes into the second half and Trailfinders were back to their firing ways, Hampson feeding in Bodilly for his fifth try of the season.

Another forced error ten minutes later saw replacement Steven Shingler able to put the forwards in a great position to add to their lead, the line out running smoothly the ball was offloaded to Uzokwe completing his hat-trick mid-way through the second half.

With just over 10 minutes left on the clock, Trailfinders were once again deep inside the Richmond half. Great hands across the backline say Luke Daniels fed in on the wing after a lovely tip on by David Johnston to score.

There was still time for another score when another stripped ball saw the men in green and white go on the rampage once again, great handling from replacement Jack Digby saw Reuben Bird-Tulloch go through, being tackled he offloaded for Angus Kernohan to scoop up the ball and score.

Kernohan was soon at the double just moments later, once again put into space in the corner beating his man to dot down.

Richmond would have the last say, but it was to be only a consolation as their rolling maul finally got them their second of the game.

Full Time Ealing Trailfinders 60 – Richmond 10

A result that will go down in the Ealing Trailfinders history books, victory today meaning that the club lifted it’s first ever Championship Rugby trophy. A momentus moment for all involved with the club, we can’t thank you enough for your fantastic support.

Ealing Trailfinders

Starting XV –

1 Kyle Whyte

2 Jan-Henning Campher

3 George Davis

4 Bobby de Wee

5 James Cannon

6 Max Northcote-Green

7 Simon Uzokwe

8 Rayn Smid

9 Craig Hampson

10 Craig Willis

11 Luke Daniels

12 Pat Howard

13 Max Bodilly

14 Angus Kernohan

15 David Johnston

Replacements –

16 Cam Terry

17 Dylan Smith

18 Harry Seward

19 Simon Linsell

20 Jack Digby

21 Jordan Burns

22 Steven Shingler

23 Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Richmond 

Startin XV:

1. Jonny Harris

2. James Hadfield

3. Jimmy Litchfield

4. Henri Williams

5. Will Carrick Smith

6. Huw Worthington

7. Jared Cardew

8. Mark Bright (C)

9. Callum Watson

10. Ted Landray

11. Jake Caddy

12. Ronnie Mclean

13. Craig Duncan

14. Alex Goble

15. Will Kaye

Replacements :

16. Callum Torpey

17. Luke Spring

18. Ntinga Mpiko

19. Sam Collingridge

20. Ethan Benson

21: Alex Crocker

22: Monty Bradbury

23. Owain James

Ealing Trailfinders vs Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates were in town for the rescheduled Championship Rugby Round 14 clash on Saturday afternoon, a game which would see second place face third with just two games of the season remaining.

Both sides went into the game knowing that winning both remaining games would see them crowned champions.

The game started in an expected fast fashion, with both sides looking to make their mark early on; Trailfinders were applying pressure just moments into the game; however, a turnover by Pirates winning the ball at the breakdown, allowed them to clear to touch and relieve pressure inside their half.

The pressure continued to come though, and before they knew it, a penalty was won by the home side as the ball was knocked forwards by Pirates at their 10 metre. Craig Willis decided to go for the posts looking for points and was successful with his kick to take an early lead.

A quarter of an hour down, and Trailfinders would have their first score of the game, after Craig Hampson managed to find space, racing away in a two on one. He went onto feed in Bobby de Wee, who raced home to score the first try of the afternoon. Willis adding the extras through the boot.

Just moments later, a big scrum by the Trailfinders pack, after Pirates had won a scrum just inside the Trailfinders half, saw Willis kicked to touch from the penalty, deep inside the Pirates 22; after some forceful work by the forwards, Craig Hampson picked up the ball with some more great footwork to weave his way through the Pirates defence to dot down.

Midway through the half, the men in green and white would extend their lead once again. As the forwards went through the phases, the ball was worked back to Willis, who sent a looping pass over to Max Bodilly, who in acres of space sprints home to score.

Just over half an hour was on the clock, and the bonus point was secured. Another well-worked move saw Jan-Henning Campher put through; bouncing off his tackler, he powered his way over the try line. Willis making it five from five with the boot.

In what was a forceful first-half display by Trailfinders, Pirates looked shellshocked but did however manage to get points of their own on the board, when in the last play of the half made the most of a loose ball they won a penalty. Kicking to the corner the forwards did the rest and the rolling maul saw Tom Channon over the line.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 31 – Cornish Pirates 7

Another half in the sunshine lay in wait as Pirates kick-off was spilt forward by Trailfinders. Pirates had earnt a scrum just inside Trailfinders 22, and after going through the phases to make it inside Trailfinders 5 metre, they worked the ball wide as Robin Wedlake was found in space on the wing to dot down.

Trailfinders would halt the attack moments later, Craig Willis knocking over a penalty after he won the advantage at the breakdown.

Moments later, and it was Willis who would prove a key cog in the Trailfinders wheel once again, as looking to open the field he launched the ball over to Angus Kernohan who rode his tackler to get over the line.

Late Pirates tries from Syd Blackmore and Carwyn Penny gave the away side hope; however another late penalty from Craig Willis was to all but killed the game.

The final moments were made up of almost moments for both sides, but in the end, it would be Ealing Trailfinders who took the win, in a key fixture in their campaign.

Full-Time Ealing Trailfinders 44 – Cornish Pirates 24 

Ealing Trailfinders

Starting XV –

1 Kyle Whyte – West London Fitness

2 Jan-Henning Campher – Ikon Dental

3 Lewis Thiede – Ebstone Kitchens

4 Bobby de Wee – Harrison’s Deli

5 James Cannon – Colin Bibra

6 Max Northcote-Green – Lords Builders Merchant

7 Simon Uzokwe – Higgins Mechanical Services

8 Rayn Smid – The Green Army

9 Craig Hampson – Nabarro Chartered Accountants

10 Craig Willis – G & D Higgins

12 Pat Howard – Arnold Hill

13 Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

11 Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

14 Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

15 David Johnston – Michael Jackson

Replacements –

16 Cam Terry

17 Dylan Smith – Ikon Dental

18 George Davis – The Turmeric Co

19 Barney Maddison

20 Simon Linsell – Geoff and the back row

21 Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22 Steven Shingler

23 Jack Digby

Cornish Pirates –

Starting XV –

1 Marlen Walker

2 Tom Channon

3 Alfie Petch

4 Josh Caulfield

5 Danny Cutmore

6 Matt Bolwell

7 Antonio Kiri Kiri

8 Tom Duncan ©

9 Alex Schwarz

10 Arwel Robson

11 AJ Cant

12 Joe Elderkin

13 Tommy Wyatt

14 Robin Wedlake

15 Carwyn Penny

Replacements – 

16 Syd Blackmore

17 Jack Andrew

18 Sam Rodman

19 Corey Teague

20 Will Gibson

21 Tom Kessell

22 Shae Tucker

23 Callum Sirker

Ampthill vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders travelled up the M1 on Saturday afternoon to face Ampthill in Round 20 of the Championship Rugby season.

Looking to keep pressure on Doncaster Knights, who lead the league, the West Londoners made the trip looking to make it six wins on the bounce away from home.

It was the perfect start for Ben Ward’s men, as with just 4 minutes on the clock, early pressure saw Trailfinders within the Ampthill danger zone. Multiple phases later from the pack and the ball was worked out wide, finding Angus Kernohan, who would skip over the try line for the first score of the tie. Craig Willis adding the extras with the boot.

The title-chasers were in hot pursuit of continuing their fine away form, and midway through the half, their lead was doubled. With the Trailfinders pack looking to maul their way towards the try line, Ampthill’s Jac Arthur came in and took down the maul illegally. The referee has only one decision in mind, as he awarded a penalty try and sent Arthur to the sin bin.

Fourteen points to the good, things had started just the way Trailfinders would have wanted, but Ampthill were fighting hard to stay in every battle. In an end to end second period in the first half, both sides were guilty of making mistakes which caused them to lose great attacking opportunities.

Ampthill keeping up the pressure, would finally hit back before the break, making the most of a penalty; their lineout worked efficiently, seeing hooker Theo Dan dot down.

Half-Time Ampthill 5 – Ealing Trailfinders 14

Coming out after the break, another fast start saw Trailfinders adding points to the scoreboard once again. Another fine piece of work by the forwards got the travelling side within Ampthill’s 5 metre. This time it was Simon Uzokwe who would apply the finishing touch to extend his side’s lead.

Midway through the second half, the bonus point was secured when more powerful phases saw Craig Willis go close, when he looked to make a break through the Ampthill defence. The ball was then quickly recycled by Craig Hampson, who would feed the ball to Rayn Smid, firing his way over the try line.

The icing was well and truly put on the cake when with a quarter of an hour left on the clock, Kernohan was in for his second of the game. Quick hands seeing him put in on the right wing once again, diving down to score in the corner. Willis making it four from four from the tee.

All that was left with moments in the game was for replacement Steven Shingler to slot home a penalty after Ampthill were penalised just outside of their 5 metre.

Another impressive win on the road for the Trailfinders, as they look forward to a mouth-watering clash against Cornish Pirates in two weeks time.

Full Time Ampthill 5 – Ealing Trailfinders 38

Ampthill starting XV

1. Jamie Jack

2. Theo Dan

3. Aleki Lutui

4. Charlie Beckett ©

5. Cai Devine

6. Jac Arthur

7. Josh Smart

8. Ollie Stonham

9. Lewis Finlay

10. Jack Bergin

11. Josh Skelcey

12. Jordan Venter

13. Charlie Hudson

14. Josh Gillespie

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Jack Dickinson

17. Arthur Cordwell

18. Rob Hardwick

19. Matt Wilkinson

20. Paddy Ryan

21. Gavin Williams

22. Russell Bennett

23. Tom Hudson

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV –

1 Kyle Whyte

2 Jan-Henning Campher

3 Lewis Thiede

4 Bobby de Wee

5 James Cannon

6 Max Northcote-Green

7 Simon Uzokwe

8 Rayn Smid

9 Craig Hampson

10 Craig Willis

11 Luke Daniels

12 Pat Howard

13 Max Bodilly

14 Angus Kernohan

15 David Johnston

Replacements –

16 Cam Terry

17 Dylan Smith

18 George Davis

19 Barney Maddison

20 Simon Linsell

21 Jordan Burns

22 Steven Shingler

23 Jack Digby

London Scottish vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders made the short trip south to The Rag on Saturday afternoon to face London Scottish in their rescheduled Championship Rugby West London derby.

Looking to bounce back from defeat last week, the men in green and white were aiming to come out firing and gain precious points on the road, as the club look to push for the Championship title with just four games remaining.

It was the home side that enjoyed possession for the opening spell; however just a couple of minutes into proceedings, Simon Linsell was on hand to block an attempted grubber by the Scottish attack. The ball would see Luke Daniels collect, shrugging off his tackler; he broke free to score, fly-half Craig Willis adding the extras.

Just five minutes later, Trailfinders worked the ball well inside Scottish’s 22 with a group of dominant forward carries, being brought down 5 metres out; a loose ball was then picked up by Bobby de Wee, who looped an offload onto the wing where Rayn Smid was found, beating one man and taken down by the other, he showed great physicality to reach over the line and dot down. Before they knew it, an early lead opened up for the Trailfinders in a must-win game.

Scottish looked to bounce back shortly after, showing some initiative with a clever chip and go, which saw their attack pin Trailfinders inside their own 22. The subsequent line out was to lead to nothing, though, as Trailfinders defence would win a penalty at the breakdown through de Wee.

Less than 15 minutes on the clock, and it was a third for Trailfinders and a second of the afternoon for Daniels. Another powerful line break by Smid saw the ball offloaded, Craig Hampson picking up the pass only to feed in Daniels, who unopposed dotted down between the sticks once again.

It was just the start that Trailfinders were looking for, and within half an hour, the bonus point was secured. The ball worked from byline to byline, leading to a line break; this time by de Wee. The ball was then spun back to Max Bodilly, who would feed in Pat Howard in space on the wing to dot down for the bonus-point score.

Scottish had put up a real fight; however, another penalty conceded at the scrum saw the men in green and white run in once again before the break. A powerful first-half performance rewarded as a rolling maul from the line out after a won scrum at the halfway saw Smid dotting down for the second time in the tie, after the backs came in to drive the pack over the whitewash.

Half-Time London Scottish 0 – Ealing Trailfinders 29

Looking to start the second half where they left off, Trailfinders stripped the ball from Scottish hands at the halfway line; working play out to the wing saw Bodilly once again make metres well into the Scottish half. Phases later, a well-sold dummy by Craig Willis saw him just metres away from the try line before offloading to Lewis Thiede, who, whilst being tackled, found David Johnston free to fight his way over and score the travelling sides sixth of the game.

In what was becoming a full force Trailfinders performance, hard work once again by the Trailfinders forwards saw Simon Linsell fire his way over and dot down.

Scottish showed early attacking promise, but the game was all Trailfinders, and after only being on the pitch for a matter of minutes, Jordan Burns scored his first try of the afternoon. In an attempted snipe around the ruck, he was held up in the tackle by the feisty London Scottish defence. It wasn’t until his teammates arrived that they managed to force him over the line, bringing an immediate impact to his arrival.

Midway through the second half, Smid was to go over for his Hat-Trick. Another well-worked line out saw the attack go through the phases before another dominant carry by the eight saw his score once again.

Moments later, Ealing Trailfinders turned the ball over once again, while London Scottish were on the attack in Trailfinders 22. Jordan Burns spotted a gap down the blindside and showed blistering pace to break free. The covering defence tried to stop him, but he stepped around their backtracking full-back and dived over the line.

As we moved into the final quarter of the game, Angus Kernohan found space down the righthand side and chipped the ball over the full-back and regathered but was brought down just 5 metres out. The ball was then worked all the way out to the left, where Simon Linsell was waiting for a straightforward run-in.

The clock was running out, but Trailfinders still had time for more action, Burns snipping once again; this time, he was tackled but managed to offload to a supporting Will Davis, who crashed over the try line to score.

The final try of the afternoon saw Linsell complete his hat-trick. Will Davis breaking through the first line of defence, popping it up to Linsell, who cantered in for his third, sealing a comprehensive away victory for Ealing Trailfinders.

Full Time London Scottish 0 – Ealing Trailfinders 81

 

 

London Scottish Starting XV

1. Jake Elwood

2. Alex Gibson

3. Kieran Verden

4. Tom Baldwin (c)

5. Edoardo Balocco

6. David Halaifonua

7. Jack Ingall

8. Viliami Taulani

9. Ed Hoadley

10. Dan Nutton

11. Noah Ferdinand

12. Sam Hanks

13. Hayden Hyde

14. Levi Davis

15. Leo Fielding

Replacements –

16. Tom Petty

17. Curtis Reynolds

18. Sam Gratton

19. Ehize Ehizode

20. Fred Tuilagi

21. Morgan Dawes

22. Laurence May

23. Darren Atkins

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Jan-Henning Campher

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Bobby de Wee

5. James Cannon

6. Simon Linsell

7. Max Northcote-Green

8. Rayn Smid

9. Craig Hampson

10. Craig Willis

11. Luke Daniels

12. Pat Howard

13. Max Bodilly

14. Angus Kernohan

15. David Johnston

Replacements –

16. Shaun Malton

17. Will Davis

18. George Davis

19. Barney Maddison

20. Len Massyn

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Ealing Trailfinders vs Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders returned home to Vallis Way on Saturday afternoon, a week on from victory away at Jersey Reds.

Doncaster Knights were the visitors in a top of the table clash at Trailfinders Sports Club; as two of the most in-form sides in the league met in a mouth-watering clash in West London.

The men in green and white looked to start the game strongly and get the home crowd behind them. The opening minutes saw a kicking battle which led to Doncaster winning a penalty due to Trailfinders being deemed to have been in front of the kicker. Knights fly-half Sam Olver kicked to the corner as the Doncaster forwards looked to make the most of territory inside Trailfinders 22. It wasn’t to be though as Trailfinders pack held up the attack, ultimately winning a scrum at their own 5 metre.

A big scrum from the Trailfinders pack followed, and Craig Willis could clear upfield to get his side back up the pitch.

With the opening ten minutes played inside Trailfinders half, Doncaster knocked on the door time and time again. But it was at the fourth time of asking inside the red zone, which saw the ball was worked out to Sam Olver, who kicked the ball into space for Maliq Holden to collect and score, Olver himself adding the extras.

Trailfinders would hit straight back, and moments later, they would have the opportunity to attack themselves. Willis kicked to the corner, but the line out couldn’t be held; as the ball was knocked backwards, Doncaster would retrieve possession, winning a penalty to allow them to clear to touch and relieve pressure.

Midway through the first half, David Johnston got the home side’s first points of the afternoon, with advantage in hand, Craig Hampson kicked the ball to space on the right wing finding Johnston, who acrobatically caught the ball and dotted down.

Moments later, Doncaster were on the attack once again, and after winning advantage at Trailfinders 22, Olver would attempt a drop goal; the ball sailed narrowly wide; however, the referee went back for the penalty for Olver to knock over, extending Doncaster’s lead with ten minutes of the first half to come.

Just minutes left of the first period and with Trailfinders down to 14 men through a yellow shown to Rayn Smid for a knock-on, Trailfinders were caught offside at their 5 metre. Doncaster went through the phases through dominant carries before working it out wide again to Holden. The winger diving down to score in the corner, with Olver once again converting.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 7 – Doncaster Knights 17

Just moments into the opening exchanges of the second half, Kyle Evans was shown a yellow for knocking the ball on when Trailfinders looked to be on the wing, an almost identical incident to that of Smid’s in the first half.

Looking to take advantage of that, Johnston would feed the ball out to Luke Daniels in a slick move that saw Trailfinders enter the Doncaster 22. The men in green and white would go onto work across the field before Max Bodilly sent a looping ball over to the left wing for Daniels, who unopposed raced home to score his side’s second try of the afternoon and see just 5 points between the two teams.

Doncaster would soon hit back and win a penalty at the breakdown after an overthrown lineout saw Trailfinders Lock Bobby De Wee isolated. Olver was once again successful with the boot just inside the Trailfinders half, to extend the travelling sides lead.

Chances came and went for Trailfinders, as they looked to be in once again when a great offload from Willis put Daniels into space; however, the Doncaster defence fought back and soaked up the pressure.

Trailfinders looked to breakthrough midway through the half when replacement Cian Kelleher was found on the wing; as he looked to offload inside to Bodilly, he was held back, and with that, momentum had gone, allowing Doncaster to battle back and defend the breakdown.

Big games lead to big moments, crunching tackle after crunching tackle saw Jan-Henning Campher over the ball, winning a penalty at the break down at Trailfinders own 22, to once again put the home side on the front foot.

The momentum was beginning to build the crowd’s noise, and just minutes later, Rayn Smid was able to dot down, Craig Hampson feeding the ball to the back-rower, who powered his way over in the corner.

With the game in the balance and only three points between the two sides, some quick thinking by Doncaster’s Bill McBryde saw him intercept the ball at his own 22. The racing Trailfinders defence of Hampson and Bodilly couldn’t catch the full-back, who scored to open up a bigger lead for the visitors with less than three minutes to go.

In what was to be the last action of the game, Willis kicked for the posts after his side won a penalty at the breakdown, looking for a losing bonus-point his sweetly struck kick hit the left upright. The ball stayed in play, allowing Doncaster to work through two phases and finally clear to touch and confirm the win.

Full Time Ealing Trailfinders 17 – Doncaster Knights 25

Ealing Trailfinders – 

1. Will Davis – The Green Army

2. Jan-Henning Campher – Ikon Dental

3. Lewis Thiede – Ebstone Kitchens

4. Bobby De Wee – Harrison’s Deli

5. James Cannon- Colin Bibra

6. Simon Linsell – Geoff & Back Row

7. Max Northcote-Green – Lords Builders Merchants

8. Rayn Smid (C) – Green Army

9. Craig Hampson – Nabarro

10. Craig Willis – GD Higgins

11. Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

12. Pat Howard – Arnold Hill – 50th Appearance!!

13. Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

14. Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

15. David Johnston – Michael Jackson

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton – Woodfield Heating

17. Kyle Whyte – West London Fitness

18. George Davis – The Turmeric Co

19. Gary Porter – The Green Army

20. Barney Maddison

21. Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22. Cian Kelleher – Grainne Taylor

23. Len Massyn – David Lloyd

Doncaster Knights – 

1. Conor Davidson

2. George Edgson

3. Andrew Foster

4. John Kelly

5. Ben Murphy

6. Sam Hudson

7. Sam Graham ©

8. Thom Smith

9. Alex Dolly

10. Sam Olver

11. Maliq Holden

12. Mark Best

13. Joe Margetts

14. Kyle Evans

15. Bill McBryde

Replacements:

16. George Roberts

17. Liam Usher

18. Charlie Connolly

19. Josh Peters

20. Jack Davies

21. Joe Green

22. Connor Edwards

23. Guido Volpi

 

Jersey Reds vs Ealing Trailfinders

 

Ealing Trailfinders headed over to the Channel Islands on Saturday afternoon, fighting through Storm Eunice to pick up a vital win on the road in their quest to lift the Championship trophy at the end of the season.

In a whirlwind opening to the game, Jersey’s kick-off hit into the wind found touch, a Trailfinders scrum would follow, and a huge first set-piece saw the men in black and orange win the penalty. Craig Willis stepped up with his first kick of the game to put the away side 3 points up with less than 2 minutes on the clock.

Ten minutes later, the lead was doubled, once again points added through the boot of Willis, Jersey this time penalised for not rolling away at the halfway line.

With Trailfinders looking to use the first half advantage of the strong wind behind their back, chances came and went, but the momentum was growing.

That was until Jersey managed to work their way upfield and into a position to go for the corner for the first time of the game. After two attempts, Reds Prop Roy Godfrey finally dotted down within the rolling maul from the lineout.

The travelling side were soon piling the pressure back on, though, when from the restart, Jersey fumbled the ball into touch, allowing Trailfinders a free shot at a line out at their 22 metre. Jersey would subsequently concede a penalty at the breakdown allowing Willis to make it three from three and extend the visitors lead.

The islanders would have the final say of the first half, though, when whilst trying to exit the backfield, Craig Hampson’s pass to David Johnston was intercepted by Jordon Holgate, who raced away to score his sides second try and gain a narrow lead going into the break.

Half-Time Jersey Red 10 – Ealing Trailfinders 9

The start of the second half saw Trailfinders rejuvenate their dominance. Making the most of an overshot box kick, the visitors would go onto win a penalty at the scrum, allowing Willis to kick for the posts once again, getting his side back in the lead just minutes in.

Trailfinders dominance was clear to be seen, and it was rewarded once again when another penalty was won at the scrum; Willis would kick to the corner again this time with the forwards followed by the backs getting the ball over the whitewash for Jan-Henning Campher to dot down for the men in black and orange’s first try of the afternoon. Willis once more good with the boot to add the extras.

In what was a nervy next twenty minutes, both sides makde big tackles to push each other back, but with no points to show for their efforts.

That was until the 76th minute when another forced error by the Trailfinders attack left Willis to knock another 3 points on the board and all but seal the game.

Full-Time Jersey Reds 10 – Ealing Trailfinders 22

Jersey Reds Starting XV

15 Brendan Owen; 14 Ryan Olowofela, 13 Scott Van Breda, 12 Jordan Holgate, 11 Will Brown; 10 Tom Pittman, 9 James Mitchell; 1 Roy Godfrey, 2 Eoghan Clarke, 3 Steve Longwell, 4 Sean O’Connor, 5 Macauley Cook, 6 Max Argyle, 7 Lewis Wynne (capt), 8 Alun Lawrence.

Replacements –

16 Harry Doolan, 17 James Flynn, 18 Luke Yendle, 19 Tom Everard, 20 Alex Humfrey, 21 James Elliott, 22 Dan Barnes, 23 Tim Grey.

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV

15 David Johnston, 14 Luke Daniels, 13 Max Bodilly, 12 Pat Howard, 11 Angus Kernohan, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Craig Hampson; 1 Will Davis, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 3 Lewis Thiede, 4 Bobby De Wee, 5 James Cannon, 6 Max Northcote-Green, 7 Simon Uzokwe, 8 Rayn Smid.

Replacements –

16 Shaun Malton, 17 Kyle Whyte, 18 George Davis, 19 Simon Linsell, 20 Gary Porter, 21 Jordan Burns, 22 Steven Shingler, 23 David O’Connor.

Ealing Trailfinders vs Bedford Blues

Mike Smith reporting from Trailfinders Sports Club

Bedford Blues inflicted a first home loss of Ealing Trailfinders season on Saturday afternoon, as Mike Rayer’s side ran out 19-31 victors in Round 17 in West London.

It was the Trailfinders who struck first early on, a 50:22 won after a great nudge through from Craig Hampson, saw the men in green and white enter the blues twenty-two looking for points. After some forceful forward work, the ball was played out to Simon Linsell, who, just managing to juggle the ball, kept hold of it, his momentum seeing him bundle over the line to score in consecutive games. Steven Shingler stepping up to add the extras with the boot.

Almost immediately, Bedford would strike back though, their own pressure seeing them camp inside the Trailfinders 22. The ball was worked along the backs for Matt Worley to score on the overlap. In what would prove to be an open first half, both sides seemed adamant it would be them who put their stamp on the game.

The end to end action was to return just minutes later when Jan-Henning Campher worked off the back of the rolling maul to run through unopposed, getting the home side back in front.

The next ten minutes would see Bedford hit back again, earning a number of penalties; however, the Trailfinders defence held firm until the thirty second minute when a line out saw them work the ball well out wide, Ollie Newman getting the visitors back within just two points going into half time.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 14 – Bedford Blues 12

After what was a busy first half of rugby, Bedford would continue their momentum with them going into the opening period of the second half.

Their possession was rewarded moments later when Prop Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi broke off the back of the maul, running down the blindside to score and put Bedford in front for the first time in the tie.

Continuing to apply the pressure, the visitors would win another penalty. Kicking to the corner once again, this time it was Hooker Jack Hughes who would dot down to extend the blues lead going into the heart of the second half.

Trailfinders weren’t going to lie down, though, and they were soon back within a score when a well-worked move from a driving maul, saw Matt Gordon power home to give his side hope of a second-half comeback, in what was the Centre’s first game back since facing Bedford away in November.

However it wasn’t to be for Trailfinders as with less than 10 minutes on the clock, Bedford would strike again; once again, a line out worked down well saw the ball worked out wide to Jamie Elliot to put breathing room between the visitors and hosts.

Full-Time Ealing Trailfinders 19 – Bedford Blues 31

Ealing Trailfinders starting 15

1. Dylan Smith -Ikon Dental

2. Jan-Henning Campher – Ikon Dental

3. George Davis – The Turmeric Co

4. Simon Linsell – Geoff & Back Row

5. Harry Casson – Angela Jackson

6. Len Massyn – David Lloyd

7. Simon Uzokwe – GD Higgins

8. Rayn Smid (C) – Green Army

9. Craig Hampson – Nabarro

10. Steven Shingler – City Trust Finance

11. Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

12. Matt Gordon – Windsor Hill Mortgages

13. Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

14. Cian Kelleher – Grainne Taylor

15. Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton – Woodfield Heating

17. James Gibbons – Nuffield Health

18. Jimmy Roots – Purple Lizard

19. Bobby De Wee – Harrison’s Deli

20. James Cannon- Colin Bibra

21. Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22. Craig Willis – GD Higgins

23. Izzy Moore-Aiono

Bedford Blues Starting 15

1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi

2. Jack Hughes

3. Corrie Barrett

4. Robin Williams

5. Jordan Onojaife

6. Bailey Ransom

7. Ollie Newman

8. Oli Stedman

9 Connor Tupai

10 Louis Grimoldby

11. Dean Adamson

12. Joel Matavesi

13. Jamie Elliott

14. Matt Worley

15. Rich Lane (C)

Bedford Blues Replacements:

 

 

16. Jacob Fields

17. Joey Conway

18. Ed Prowse

19. Luke Frost

20. Tui Uru

21. Joe Atkinson

22. Alex Day

23. Dani Long-Martinez

Hartpury RFC vs Ealing Trailfinders

Mike Smith reporting from The Alpas Arena

Ealing Trailfinders retained their winning run on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling win on the road at The Alpas Arena, facing a Hartpury side who went into the game on a six-game unbeaten run of their own.

It was the West Londoners who started the quickest, putting intense pressure on Hartpury early on. Before they knew it, the men in green and white were knocking on the door just a matter of minutes into the game. A kick to the corner after winning a penalty left them within Hartpury’s 5 metre. Drive after drive would follow from the forwards, only for Rayn Smid to power over to open the scoring, Craig Willis adding the extras with the boot.

It was to be a tough start to proceedings for the home side, who, with just seven minutes on the clock, were under their own sticks once again, this time Trailfinders Bobby de Wee the one to punish their ill-discipline. The lock making the most of possession within Hartpury’s red zone.

The in-form home side looked shell shocked at what they were hit by from their visitors, and the dominating first 10 minutes was added to just moments later. It was three tries in 15 minutes for Trailfinders as a quick ball from Craig Hampson found Angus Kernohan unmarked, the Irish Centre breaking through the Hartpury line offloading to Lewis Thiede, who would jog over the whitewash to give his side a healthy lead midway through the first half.

Hartpury, to their credit, would fight back and within moments had their first spell of sustained pressure within Ealing’s 22. For what felt like an eternity, they earned multiple penalties and attempted to go for the try line, however time and time again, they were held up, not able to score points for all of their possession.

The ten minutes of pressure would lead to nothing when at an awarded penalty scrum, Trailfinders would show strength across the pack to win a penalty of their own, Willis clearing to touch and relieve pressure.

With the momentum swinger, the West Londoners would once again turn the screw, setting up camp inside Hartpury’s half; Cian Kelleher’s line saw him break free offloading to former Hartpury College Lock Simon Linsell who bounded over the try line to score and bring up the bonus-point for the league leaders, with just over 30 minutes on the clock, Willis making it four from four with the boot.

Hartpury would have the last say infirst half proceedings, finally making the most of a period of ball inside Trailfinders half, they were awarded a penalty, kicking to the corner, Ethan Hunt would be one who would put the home sides first points on the board, James Williams adding the conversion.

Half-Time Hartpury University 7 – Ealing Trailfinders 28

In a first half dominated by the visitors, the home side carried their momentum from that last-minute try into the second half. In a tight opening to proceedings, the West Country side would spend more time in the red zone, but without avail. That was until the 64th minute when some quick thinking by Hartpury Scrum-Half Toby Venner saw him close down Craig Hampson, stripping the ball off of his opposite number, who showed a clean pair of heals to the chasing Trailfinders defence to race home and close the gap to a two-score game.

Hartpury would continue to try and cut the gap between themselves and the league leaders, but just moments later, further good work from Trailfinders at the break down would see them win a penalty, Willis kicking to touch, and the forwards doing the rest, Max Northcote-Green the one getting on the scoresheet to all but seal the game.

Full Time Hartpury 14 – Ealing Trailfinders 33

 

A gritty performance away from home once again from the West Londoners, with a bonus-point victory in the bag, they’ll head back along the M4 with smiles on their faces tonight.

 

Hartpury University Starting XV 

1. Conor Maguire

2. Ethan Hunt

3. Shaun Knight

4. Dale Lemon

5. Cameron Jordan

6. Josh Gray

7. Harry Short

8. Mitch Eadie

9. Toby Venner

10. James Williams

11. Sam Smith

12. Jack Tovey

13. Robbie Smith

14. Ben Foley

15. George Simpson

Replacements –

16. Luke Stratford

17. Lewis Holsey

18. Conran Gleeson

19. James Dun

20. Alex Ward

21. Oli Robinson

22. Oscar Lennon

23. Charlie Powell

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV

1. Dylan Smith

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Simon Linsell

6. Max Northcote-Green

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Rayn Smid

9. Craig Hampson

10. Craig Willis

11. Angus Kernohan

12. Pat Howard

13. Max Bodilly

14. Cian Kelleher

15. David Johnston

Replacements 

16. Jan-Henning Campher

17. Will Davis

18. George Davis

19. James Cannon

20. Harry Casson

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Len Massyn

Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders made in four wins from four on Saturday afternoon, as they kicked off the New Year in style, in the clubs first run out at Trailfinders Sports Club in over a month.

Tries from Alun Walker, Cian Kelleher, Shaun Malton, along with a brace from Back-Row pairing Rayn Smid and Simon Uzokwe, securing the bonus-point victory to see the men of West London return to the top of the table.

The Trailfinders started just how they finished in Nottingham a week ago, firing into action with the forward pack picking and going to see Rayn Smid dot down for his first game. Just the start that Ben Ward and his coaching team were looking for, with Craig Willis adding the extras from the boot.

With just 11 minutes on the clock, the home side were over the whitewash once again as Coventry were penalised by the referee inside their half. Willis would go on to kick to the corner, Walker with the precise dart from the touchline, joining onto the rolling maul as he dotted down for the third time in two weeks.

Coventry had held their own territorially; however, it wasn’t until the sixteenth minute that they had points to show for their efforts. After Ealing Trailfinders were penalised by the referee at the breakdown, the ball was kicked to the corner, the line out resulting in metres gained, only for the ball to be worked out to Winger Rob Knox who beat Kernohan to dot down in the corner.

It was to be Coventry’s only score of the afternoon but one that gave them a glimmer of hope in a tough first half for the visitors.

Just moments later, it would be Trailfinders who would get on the scoreboard next, once again Smid getting on the scoresheet. After a weaving run by Trailfinders full-back, David Johnston led to a quick ball from scrum-half Craig Hampson who found a stampeding Smid who’s line saw his power home dotting down with ease.

The bonus-point was then wrapped up before the break, after a quick ball flung by Craig Willis out to Angus Kernohan, who met the ball with speed as he broke free of his tackler, with only one man to beat, he saw Kelleher on his inside, collecting the ball he was home and dry home for the fourth try of the afternoon.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 26 – Coventry Rugby 5

Looking to put clear daylight between themselves and the Midlands side. Just a minute passed when in-form Uzokwe was found in space; after a break from Max Bodilly saw him muscle his way over the line to dot down.

Just two minutes later, Uzokwe would be in again; this time, a line break from Smid saw him feeding the ball over two Coventry heads to see Uzokwe run in from 22. Willis adding the extras once again.

Midway through the second-half Ealing looked like they were in for another as the ball was dropped by Coventry inside Trailfinders 22; Burns worked it wide to Kernohan, who fed the ball back inside to Burns racing up the field, once again back to Kernohan, who was taken down to stop the attack.

Replacement Hooker Shaun Malton would have the last say though, with just moments left in the fixture his own line out was worked down, and the backs joined in to bundle over the South African to score.

Another convincing home win for the men in green and white, as they returned to the top of the pile in the Championship Rugby table.

Full Time Ealing Trailfinders 47 – Coventry Rugby 5

Ealing Trailfinders – 

1. Will Davis – Sponsored by Green Army

2. Alun Walker – Sponsored by Lords Building Supplies

3. Lewis Thiede – Ebstone Kitchens

4. Bobby de Wee – Harrison’s

5. Simon Linsell – Geoff & Back Row

6. Max Northcote-Green – Lords Building Supplies

7. Simon Uzokwe – GD Higgins

8. Rayn Smid (C) – Green Army

9. Craig Hampson – Nabarro

10. Craig Willis – GD Higgins

11. Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

12. Pat Howard – Arnold Hill

13. Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

14. Cian Kelleher – Grainne Taylor

15. David Johnston – Mike Jackson

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton – Woodfield Heating

17. James Gibbons – Nuffield Health

18. George Davis – The Turmeric Co

19. James Cannon- Colin Bibra

20. Len Massyn

21. Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22. Steven Shingler – City Trust Finance

23. Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

Coventry Rugby – 

1. Toby Trinder

2. Jordon Poole

3. Phil Boulton

4. Jame Tyas

5. Nile Dacres

6. Fred Betteridge

7. Josh Bainbridge

8. Ryan Burrows ©

9. Josh Barton

10. Tony Fenner

11. Rob Knox

12. Will Owen

13. Andy Forsyth

14. Rob Stevenson

15. Tom Curtis

Replacements –

16. Suva Ma’asi

17. Luc Jeannot

18. Will Hurd

19. Max Williams

20. Tom Ball

21. Dan Babos

22. Evan Mitchell

23. Tom Griffiths

Nottingham vs Ealing Trailfinders

It’s had been 34 days since the Trailfinders ran out in Championship Rugby action, but that wasn’t going to slow them down as they ran bonus-point winners at Lady Bay against Nottingham Rugby on Friday night.

Arriving in Nottingham in what can only be described as awful conditions due to the January fog, Ben Ward’s men set out to continue their winning run, which saw them come from behind to beat Richmond in their last fixture in December.

The Trailfinders started in the perfect fashion after early pressure from the travelling side got us inside Nottingham’s 5 metre, before several drives for the line led to a successful breakthrough from in-form Simon Uzokwe to dot down for his tenth try of the season.

It wasn’t to be all the West Londoners way though, as Nottingham hit straight back with a period of sustained attacking play seeing them straight within the Ealing Trailfinders 22. Craig Hammond’s men were stung by the early try, but it seemed to have energised them; ten minutes later their sustained pressure paid off when Carl Kirwan battled his way over the line to bring the scores level midway through the first half after Cian Kelleher was sent to the bin reducing the visitors to 14 men.

With momentum well behind them, Nottingham smelt their chance to strike once again, wave after wave of attacks hit the Ealing defence; however the travelling side battled hard and managed to absorb the pressure, eventually making the most of an overthrown Nottingham line out, Uzokwe kicking to clear and get his side back up the pitch.

With the danger averted it was time for Ealing to once again establish dominance in the tie, making the most of the number of times that Nottingham were penalised, Steven Shingler kicked to the corner, and after a number of drives for the line, the ball was worked across well within the home sides 5 metre, allowing Hooker Alun Walker to dot down, scoring on his return to the side almost a year after suffering a long term injury. Shingler adding the extras to renew Trailfinders lead.

In the true style of this game, Nottingham once again hit back straight away; however the men in Black and Orange were once again able to half the oncoming barrage, holding Nottingham’s forwards on the line and winning a scrum, enabling them to clear to touch.

With just three minutes left on the clock of the first half, there was still time for drama; however, Trailfinders once again made the most of ill-discipline from Nottingham to kick to the corner and drive for the line, this time back Pat Howard the try scorer to double the visitors lead.

However, it was Craig Hammond’s side who would have the last say hitting back with a try from David Williams after a sumptuous cross-field kick was caught and dotted down.

Half-Time Nottingham Rugby 14 – Ealing Trailfinders 21

The second half restarted by Hollingsworth was to bring just as much action-packed rugby, as both sides went back to battle. After a tense next 10 minutes of play, it would be Ward’s men who would extend their lead when Alun Walker once again found himself in the perfect position to drive over the line to dot down for the second time of the evening. Shingler making it four from four with the boot.

The men of Lady Bay weren’t about the laydown and take defeat though and just two minutes later, Williams would be in for his second try to become Nottingham’s top try scorer of all time in the Championship.

Ten minutes were left on the clock, and with just a score separating both sides, a penalty won by Ealing at Nottingham’s 22 was the perfect opportunity for Shingler to go for the posts and put 10 points between the sides. A hard fought game from Nottingham after two tough loses on the road to Ampthill and Hartpury In the last two rounds, however it wasn’t to be their game when replacement fly-half Craig Willis knocked over another penalty to finish the game with a 13 point lead and a bonus-point victory to head back down the M1 with.

Full Time Nottingham 21 – Ealing Trailfinders 34

Nottingham Rugby

15 Jack Stapley, 14 David Williams, 13 Charlie Thacker ©, 12 Morgan Bunting, 11 Harry Graham, 10 Sam Hollingsworth, 9 Michael Stronge; 1 Aniseko Sio, 2 Archie Vanes, 3 Ben Betts, 4 Jose Andrade, 5 Callum Allen, 6 Carl Kirwan, 7 Nathan Tweedy, 8 Scott Hall.

Replacements

16 Storm Hanekom, 17 Toby Williams, 18 Josh McNulty, 19 Jack Ramshaw, 20 Jacob Wright, 21 Sam Edwards, 22 Theo Manihera, 23 Lewis Barrett.

Ealing Trailfinders

15. David Johnston 14. Cian Kelleher 13. Max Bodilly 12. Pat Howard 11. Angus Kernohan 10. Steven Shingler 9. Craig Hampson; 1. Will Davis 2. Alun Walker 3. Lewis Thiede 4. Bobby de Wee 5. Simon Linsell 6. Max Northcote-Green 7. Simon Uzokwe 8. Rayn Smid

Replacements

16. Shaun Malton 17. James Gibbons 18. George Davis 19. James Cannon 20. Malon Al-Jiboori 21. Jordan Burns 22. Craig Willis 23. Luke Daniels.

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