Match Report: Connacht vs Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing Trailfinders fell short of a win against a physical Connacht side.
A full-time score of 26-14 to the Galway outfit tested Trailfinders’ defence. Two tries on debut for Hayden Hyde and conversions for Louie Johnson showed glimpses of what supporters can expect from the West London side going forward in 2026/27.
Connacht started quick with attacking ball and dominated possession in the opening minutes. Trailfinders continued to work hard in defence with another debutant Jarrod Taylor making a try-saving tackle on the wing.
Hyde searched for the gaps throughout the match although he was denied a score until the second half.
A scoreless opening quarter only reflected the big collisions, blitz defence, and aerial battle from both sides.
However, the hosts came away fruitful after relentless attack with a break down the middle. Trailfinders managed to gather their defence but Connacht scored from short range with a successful conversion.
A second try for the Irish outfit came shortly after with a second successful conversion.
Trailfinders hunted down a try before half-time but a mishandling saw the ball go forward.
Half-time: Connacht 14-0 Ealing Trailfinders
Connacht came out of the changing rooms with attacking prowess but Trailfinders remained firm, determined to get on the scoreboard.
Yet, it was the hosts who scored the first points of the second half from a lineout into a driving maul. The conversion was unsuccessful.
Hyde’s hunting eventually came through as he read the intercept at fifty-three minutes and ran the ball in for Trailfinders’ first try. Johnson added the extras.
From there, Trailfinders upped their attacking momentum but the back and forth nature of the game meant that Connacht turned their defence into offence. Their fourth try was scored out wide on the right wing with a successful conversion as play moved into the final quarter.
Trailfinders responded in the final minute of the game with a second try from Hyde. Johnson finished the match by nudging the ball through the posts.
Full-time: Connacht 26-14 Ealing Trailfinders
