Match Guide: Cornish Pirates (H)
Get ready for a Championship blockbuster this Saturday as we host the in-form Cornish Pirates!
RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 18
Date: Saturday 25th March
Kick-Off: 3pm
Location: Trailfinders Sports Club
Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase
Coverage: Live coverage via Twitter: @EalingTFRugby
MATCH HOSPITALITY:
To book our delicious pre-match lunch (two-course meal) email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further information.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR:
Thank you to Bread Street Café, Ealing Broadway, our 2022/23 Player of the Match Sponsor. Book your table at Bread Street Café.
CLUB SHOP:
Our club shop, including our 2022/23 replica shirt, will be in operation from 1:30pm and will remain open throughout the game and post-match.
DIGITAL MATCH PROGRAMME:
Our free digital match programme will be published on the Friday before the game. The programme will be available via this link and our social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.
MATCH DAY SCHEDULE:
1:30pm: Club Shop Open
2:55pm: Guard of Honour – Featherstone School
3pm: Ealing Trailfinders v Cornish Pirates
Half-Time: Ealing Trailfinders Cheerleaders
Full-Time: Bread Street Café Player of the Match
5:30pm: Bar Open & Live DJ
6:30pm-Late: Ealing Trailfinders Race Night
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:
Originally founded in 1945, Cornish Pirates have become a real force in the English second-tier ever since they were promoted to the league in 2003. Upon the league’s rebrand to become the RFU Championship in 2009, Pirates really began to challenge for promotion, finishing in the runners up spots in both the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.
Although there was a slight dip during the mid-2010s which saw them ending up in the mid-table positions, recently they have re-found their form, finishing third in the last two seasons. Last year, Cornish only lost four matches (the same number as Ealing Trailfinders) but it was their two draws which saw them lose points.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
After a frustrating start to their 2022/23 campaign, Cornish Pirates have finally rediscovered their form, making them a very dangerous opponent. Pirates have turned a corner in 2023, winning five of their seven league fixtures, with three wins on the bounce in March. The Cornishmen enjoyed a tough win over London Scottish last Saturday (31-34), following up from their tenacious 31-26 victory over Coventry two weeks ago, and their impressive 22-61 win at the start of the month.
LAST TIME WE MET:
Ealing Trailfinders travelled down to The Mennaye at the start of December and faced a very tough opening 40 minutes. The hosts shot out of the blocks, scoring twice in the first half to hold a 12-0 lead at the break. With their backs against the wall and facing a raucous home crowd, Trailfinders knew they need to find their mojo and confidence quickly. That response came in the 48th minute when Simon Uzokwe barged his way over, before Carlo Tizzano crossed soon after to tie the scores at 12-12. With the clock ticking into the final ten minutes, Craig Willis stepped up and slotted a penalty goal to give Trailfinders the 12-15 lead, before two late tries to Jordan Burns secured an emphatic 12-25 comeback win.
FORM GUIDE:
Ealing Trailfinders:
W: Nottingham 21-41 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 18th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Ealing Trailfinders 66-0 London Scottish (Saturday 11th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Richmond 0-50 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 4th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
Cornish Pirates:
W: London Scottish 31-34 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 18th March)
W: Cornish Pirates 31-26 Coventry (Saturday 11th March)
W: Ampthill 22-61 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 4th March)
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: TBC
AR1: TBC
AR2: TBC
HOW TO FIND US:
By Road:
From the A40 take the B452 turn-off towards Ealing (actually signposted as Perivale) along the Argyle Road. Pass through a set of traffic lights and across a roundabout. At the second roundabout, (about 0.5km) turn right into Vallis Way. Trailfinders Sports Club entrance is at the end of the road. Click here to view map.
Car parking is available at the ground and costs £5 per vehicle. You can purchase your parking ticket at the gate via card or cash.
By Rail:
You can take a national rail train from Paddington to Ealing Broadway and then hop on a bus (see below). Click here for the latest National Rail updates.
By Tube:
The London Underground will be operating and you can take the Central Line, District Line or Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway, and then take a bus, taxi or walk to the ground (approx. 20 minute walk). Alternatively, you can take the Elizabeth line to West Ealing station and then walk to the ground (approx. 15 minutes).
By Bus:
Many buses stop in the vicinity of Trailfinders Sports Club, including the 297, E1, E2, E7, E9 and E10. The nearest bus stop to the ground is ‘Scotch Common’, which is a five minute walk to the club.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT:
For further information or assistance please email us on: info@etprm.com.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR MATCH DAY AT EALING TRAILFINDERS!
