Bedford Blues vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders completed a dramatic late comeback to secure a memorable 24-23 victory over Bedford Blues at Goldington Road.

In what was the final match of the 2017 the West Londoners saved one of their best performances until last, as they came from 18-0 down with just 20 minutes remaining to earn a sensational win.

A penalty try as well as scores from Luke Carter and Barney Maddison brought the Trailfinders back in to it, before a nerveless conversion from Luke Daniels completed the drama in front of 3401 in Bedford.

The first half was one to forget for Ben Ward’s side who were uncharacteristically slow out of the blocks, and it was the Blues who raced in to the lead with two first half tries.

Harry Sheppard kicked the hosts ahead with a penalty after seven minutes, and they dominated possession in the early stages as they moved in to the ascendancy.

They were rewarded with a try on the 20 minute mark, as a huge overlap at the top of their famous slope allowed captain Michael LeBourgeois a free run over the try-line for the first five pointer of the match. Shepherd’s conversion was successful, extending their lead to 10-0.

The Trailfinders continued to look flustered and struggled in the set-piece as a number of lineouts went astray, and they were then punished with Bedford going over for another try.

A turnover in the midfield was quickly pounced on and spun to Dean Adamson who dived over the line after some neat hands to find the winger in space. The conversion went wide, but a penalty five minutes later ensured that the hosts held an 18-0 lead at half time.

It was immediately clear that the Trailfinders looked a different side in the second half and they began with plenty of intent as they went through the phases.

Despite spending plenty of time in the Bedford 22 they couldn’t translate that on to the scoreboard until the hour mark when a penalty try brought them back in to the match. A five metre scrum powered towards the line, and referee Simon Harding went straight under the posts to cut the deficit to 18-7.

Bedford’s re-start went straight in to touch which signalled how the Trailfinders were forcing their way back in to the match, and just moments later Luke Daniels kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to trim the gap to just eight points.

Again from the re-start Ben Ward’s men responded straight away as their performance went up the gears, with Luke Carter going over for a try to bring them within one point.

A superb kick chase forced Bedford in to an error, and Mark Bright bundled towards their defence before Carter gathered from outside the 22 and raced away to the line. Daniels’ conversion ensured we headed in to a blockbuster finish with the score at 18-17.

However it was the Blues who were to score next as it looked like they had secured the win with eight minutes left. They battered away at the try-line after some dominance up front before Alex Rae gathered a flat pass and couldn’t be stopped from just five metres out. They extended their lead to 23-17, but crucially the conversion went wide which kept Ealing within a converted try of going in front.

That much-needed try came with just three minutes remaining to send the travelling supporters in to raptures. A penalty was kicked to the corner, and with the resulting maul hauled down Barney Maddison powered his way over from close range. The conversion was still needed, and Daniels kept his cool to impressively edge his side one point in front.

That wasn’t to be the end of the drama, as the Blues came flying back in search of the win. They went through the phases and knew that a penalty would give them the chance of victory, but the defence kept their discipline and forced Bedford in to a drop goal. Hooley’s attempt went wide and confirmed the victory for Ealing, in circumstances that looked very unlikely just 20 minutes earlier.

The result means that the Trailfinders consolidate their position in second, entering 2018 fifteen points ahead of Yorkshire Carnegie in third.

Bedford Blues:

15. Matt Gallagher 14. Elliot Clement-Hill 13. Ollie Dodge 12. Michael LeBourgeois (c) 11. Dean Adamson 10. Harry Sheppard (replaced by Will Hooley) 9. Lee Dickson (replaced by Jordan Burns) 1. Sean McCarthy (replaced by Camilo Parilli-Ocampo) 2. Tom Lindsay (replaced by George Edgson) 3. Ben Cooper (replaced by Alex Penny) 4. Jordan Onojaife 5. Will Carrick-Smith 6. Alex Rae 7. Jack Nay (replaced by Josh Buggea) 8. Jarad Williams

Replacements:

16. George Edgson 17. Camilo Parilli-Ocampo 18. Alex Penny 19. Ed Taylor 20. Josh Buggea 21. Jordan Burns 22. Will Hooley

Scorers:

Tries: Michael LeBourgeois (20 minutes) Dean Adamson (29 minutes) Alex Rae (72 minutes)

Conversions: Harry Sheppard (20 minutes)

Penalties: Harry Sheppard (7, 34 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Seb Stegmann 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 Miles Mantella (replaced by Peter Lydon) 10 Rory Clegg 9 Luke Carter 1 Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Lewis Thiede) 4 Llewelyn Jones 5 Barney Maddison 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Morgan Allen) 7 Rayn Smid (replaced by Dan Temm) 8 Mark Bright (c)

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 James Gibbons 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Morgan Allen 20 Dan Temm 21 Dan Grant Adamson 22 Peter Lydon

Scorers:

Tries: Penalty Try (56 minutes) Luke Carter (63 minutes) Barney Maddison (76 minutes)

Conversions: Luke Daniels (63, 76 minutes)

Penalties: Luke Daniels (61 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Simon Harding

Assistant Referees: Lionel Spooner & Ian Bibey

Fourth Official: Robbie Burke

Half Time Score: Bedford Blues 18 – 0 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

Ealing Trailfinders stormed their way to a victory over Richmond, scoring six tries in a 40-24 at Vallis Way.

In a scintillating first half display Ben Ward’s men raced in to a 40-5 lead at the break with impressive tries from Mark Bright, Barney Maddison, Piers O’Conor, Seb Stegmann and a brace from Alun Walker.

However the visitors responded in the second half and kept the Trailfinders out as they put in a spirited final 40 minutes.

In a frantic start where the hosts scored three times in the first 15 minutes, Mark Bright opened the scoring with just 180 seconds on the clock. A number of phases took the Trailfinders in to the Richmond 22, and Bright saw a gap from the base of the ruck to run through unattended under the posts. Luke Daniels converted, giving his side a 7-0 advantage.

That lead was then doubled just two minutes later, with Barney Maddison getting on the score sheet. Seb Stegmann made a scintillating break from inside his own 22 which took him to within five metres of the line, and when the ball was recycled it allowed Maddison to smash his way over from close range.

Piers O’Conor got the third on the 15 minute mark with the outstanding try of the match. Straight from the top of a lineout the ball was spun to Luke Daniels who raced clear, and drew in the last defender to allow O’Conor a clear run to the line in the corner. The conversion was just wide, but the hosts had a commanding 19-0 advantage.

Alun Walker then secured the bonus point try before the half hour. More patient build up play took Ben Ward’s men up to the line, and the hooker dummied to allow him a clear run as he dodged the last of the Richmond defence.

Richmond responded straight away to cut the deficit. Ealing were hammering away at the line, but Luc Jones intercepted and ran the length of the field to score their first try of the game.

There was still time for another two tries before the break, with Walker scoring his second with 32 minutes on the clock. A five metre lineout gave the hosts the perfect platform, and with the maul rolling towards the line the hooker broke away to score. Daniels’ conversion extended the lead to 33-5.

Seb Stegmann joined the party with the sixth try ahead of half time. With some loose ball in the midfield, O’Conor fizzed a looping pass to the winger who ran clear in the corner. Daniels again converted, giving the Trailfinders a 40-5 lead at the break.

With a comprehensive lead at the break the hosts were unable to replicate their first half display in the second half and it was Richmond who enjoyed the majority of possession in the final 40 minutes.

They struck first in the second half with a try from Jono Woodward on 42 minutes. A wide pass after a number of phases on the line found Woodward in acres of space, and he ran in to the try-line to cut the deficit to 40-10.

Will Harries had a chance out wide as he gained space outside the 22, but after storming towards the line he was dragged down by the scrambling visitors’ defence.

Richmond struck again on the hour mark for their third try of the afternoon, with Rob Kirby spotting a gap straight through the middle to run clear from inside the 22.

Joe Munro then powered through the defence with a typical big carry, but he had no support and the ball was turned over.

With the last play of the match Richmond got their four-try bonus point, as Jesse Liston was the beneficiary of a strong carry to bundle over.

The result means that the Trailfinders stay second in the Greene King IPA Championship, however they will be looking for a more consistent display with the trip to Bedford next weekend.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Seb Stegmann 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 Will Harries (replaced by Peter Lydon, 68 mins) 10 Rory Clegg 9 Luke Carter (replaced by Dan Grant Adamson, 71 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons, 58 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Rhys Lawrence, 72 mins) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Lewis Thiede, 58 mins) 4 Harry Casson (replaced by Llewelyn Jones, 56 mins) 5 Barney Maddison 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Rayn Smid 8 Mark Bright (c) (replaced by Morgan Allen, 64 mins)

Replacements:

16 Rhys Lawrence 17 James Gibbons 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Morgan Allen 21 Dan Grant Adamson 22 Peter Lydon

Scorers:

Tries: Mark Bright (4 minutes) Barney Maddison (6 minutes) Piers O’Conor (13 minutes) Alun Walker (22, 32 minutes) Seb Stegmann (38 minutes)

Conversions: Luke Daniels (4, 6, 22, 32, 38 minutes)

Richmond:

15 Rob Kirby 14 Martin Freeman 13 Cameron Mitchell 12 Ronnie McLean 11 Jono Woodward 10 James Swan 9 Luc Jones 1 Jeremy Cunnew 2 Ross Grimstone 3 Joe Tarrant 4 Will Warden 5 Chris Davies 6 Jesse Liston 7 Jack Allcock 8 Chris Davies

Replacements:

16 Jason Phipps 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke 18 Max Crawford 19 Rhodri Adamson 20 Rory Damant 21 Toby Saysell 22 Craig Trenier

Scorers:

Tries: Luc Jones (27 minutes) Jono Woodward (43 minutes) Rob Kirby (60 minutes) Jesse Liston (80 minutes)

Conversions: Rob Kirby (60, 80 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: J P Doyle

Assistant Referees: Robert Warburton & Nigel Carrick

Fourth Official: Michael Hudson

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 40 – 5 Richmond

Attendance: 1030

Storm Man of the Match: Luke Carter

Ealing Trailfinders vs Rotherham Titans

Ealing Trailfinders made it four wins from four in the British and Irish Cup with a 35-19 bonus-point victory over a spirited Rotherham Titans at Vallis Way.

In an error-strewn match due to the adverse weather conditions it was the hosts that were able to secure the victory with tries from Grayson Hart, Kieran Murphy, Lewis Robling, Morgan Allen and Arthur Ellis.

The Titans crossed the line on three occasions with Charlie Maddison, Ben Foley and Jonny Murphy getting on the scoreboard for the much improved Rotherham outfit.

Grayson Hart opened the scoring after just seven minutes to put his side in front. A five metre scrum gave the West Londoners a perfect attacking position, and Hart was able to bundle over from close range to score for the second consecutive week. Peter Lydon, who was 100% from the tee converted to edge them 7-0 ahead.

The hosts were playing with real intent in the early stages and kept the intensity high, which was shown when captain Kieran Murphy scored an impressive try on the 20 minute mark. James Cordy Redden gathered a high ball before passing inside to Arthur Ellis who smashed his way through the defence and drew in the last man, allowing Murphy to run through in the corner.

Lewis Robling then scored the third try after a quick dart down the short side caught the defence off guard and allowed the centre to run clear from outside the 22. The conversion extended the lead to 21-0 on the half hour mark, and there was time to secure the bonus point before the break.

Morgan Allen gathered the ball from the base of a five metre scrum, used his power to break through the defender and bundle over the line from close range.

Rotherham responded before half time and got a deserved try with the last play of the half. A five metre lineout then turned in to a maul which powered towards the line, and Charlie Maddison broke away to score their first of the match. Lee Millar’s touchline conversion meant that his team went down the tunnel trailing 28-7.

Andy Key’s side dominated possession and territory in the second-half, and got the first score of the final 40 minutes with half an hour remaining.

The hosts had the ball but it was ripped away from them and Ben Foley was the beneficiary, with a clear run to the line from half way to dot down.

The Trailfinders replied straight away with a score from Arthur Ellis to put the West Londoners over the 30 point mark. The flanker got the ball 30 metres from the line, and stepped a number of defenders on his way to one of the standout moments of the match. The conversion meant that they had a 35-12 lead before the heavens opened with torrential rain at Vallis Way.

Aaron Penberthy saw a chance pass him by after the ball spilled out of a scrum but the ball wouldn’t sit up for the fly-half as it fell in to a Rotherham hand.

The Titans were rewarded for their endeavour with a try on 75 minutes to round off the scoring. Lee Millar’s chip over the top was gathered by Jonny Murphy who had a clear run to the line from 20 metres out.

The Trailfinders now turn their attention back to Championship action, with a local derby against Richmond at Vallis Way next Saturday promising to be a great occasion.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Peter Lydon 14 James Cordy Redden 13 Lewis Jones 12 Lewis Robling 11 Seb Stegmann 10 Rory Clegg (replaced by Aaron Penberthy, 58 mins) 9 Grayson Hart (replaced by Luke Carter, 74 minutes) 1 James Gibbons (replaced by Djustice Sears Duru, 59 mins) 2 Rhys Lawrence (replaced by Alun Walker, 65 mins) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Sam Rodman, 60 minutes) 4 Llewelyn Jones (replaced by Harry Casson, 67 mins) 5 Oli Curry 6 Kieran Murphy (c) 7 Arthur Ellis 8 Morgan Allen

Replacements:

16 Alun Walker 17 Djustice Sears Duru 18 Sam Rodman 19 Harry Casson 20 Rayn Smid 21 Luke Carter 22 Aaron Penberthy

Scorers:

Tries: Grayson Hart (7 minutes) Kieran Murphy (24 minutes) Lewis Robling (29 minutes) Morgan Allen (34 minutes) Arthur Ellis (52 minutes)

Conversions: Peter Lydon (7, 24, 29, 34, 52 minutes)

Rotherham Titans:

15 Will Thomas, 14 Ben Foley, 13 Drew Cheshire, 12 Rory Jennings (replaced by Joe Barker 21 mins), 11 Jake Henry, 10 Lee Millar, 9 Francisco Vieira (replaced by Rhodri Davies, 53 mins), 1 Tom Williams, 2 Jonny Murphy, 3 Sam Nixon (replaced by Andrew Foster, 59 mins), 4 Rob Louw, 5 Guy Borrowdale (replaced by Tom Burns, 50 mins), 6 Dan Grange (replaced by Tom Calladine, 56 mins), 7 Charlie Maddison (c), 8 Adam Peters.

Replacements:

16 Brandon Palmer, 17 Andrew Foster, 18 Tom Calladine, 19 Tom Burns, 20 Rhodri Davies, 21 Joe Barker, 22 Jamie Cooke.

Scorers:

Tries: Charlie Maddison (40 minutes) Ben Foley (50 minutes) Jonny Murphy (74 minutes)

Conversions: Lee Millar (40, 74 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Karl Dickson

Assistant Referees: Darryl Chapman & Bill Burton

Fourth Official: Thomas Davies

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 28 – 7 Rotherham Titans

Attendance: 407

Storm Man of the Match: Rhys Lawrence

Rotherham Titans vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders continued their 100% start to the British and Irish Cup with a 45-10 bonus point victory over Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane.

After a tight first half the teams went down the tunnel with the score level at 10-10, but the West Londoners looked a completely different side in the second half and registered 35 unanswered points to take control of the match and leave with a deserved win.

It was the Titans who started strongly and went in front with a try from Drew Cheshire after just five minutes. After a number of phases in the 22, the ball was spun wide to the centre who used his feet to step the final defender and open the scoring. Lee Millar’s conversion put Andy Key’s men 7-0 in front.

The Trailfinders were quick to respond and got their first try of the afternoon on the 15 minute mark. Rory Clegg’s inch-perfect cross-field kick was gathered by Will Harries, who drew in the full-back and then passed inside to Luke Daniels who had the pace to run in unattended to cut the deficit to just two points.

Ben Ward’s side then went in front five minutes later with top try-scorer Alun Walker adding another five-pointer to his tally from close range. A rolling maul was dragged down but when the ball was recycled it allowed the Scot to bundle his way over from just a metre out and put his team 10-7 in front.

The remainder of the first half was a cagey affair with both sides making a number of handling errors in the freezing cold conditions, however with the last play of the half a penalty from Millar meant that Rotherham drew level and headed in to the changing rooms with 10-10 on the score board.

A ruthless Ealing side emerged for the second half and produced a dominant display to secure the victory in emphatic style with a mightily impressive 40 minute performance.

Lewis Jones marked his return to the starting line-up just two minutes in to the second half to put the Trailfinders back in front. From the base of a scrum the ball was hit the centre who was right on the gain-line, and he was able to power his way to the line to dive under the posts. Luke Daniels, who converted all five second half tries extended the lead to 17-10.

Just four minutes later the try bonus point was secured and the daylight between the teams increased with a try from Harry Casson. Clegg took a quick-tap penalty inside the Rotherham 22, and after being hauled down just short the captain was able to drive over from close range to ensure that his team left with the extra point.

The intensity stayed high throughout the second half and Grayson Hart was next to go over the line just before the hour mark. A five metre lineout found it’s way to the scrum-half, who dummied and went through the middle of two defenders to score. Daniels’ conversion put Ealing 31-10 ahead, which put the result beyond doubt.

Lewis Robling then joined in the try-scoring with another first-phase try from a set-piece. The ball came off the top of a lineout and was zipped straight to the inside centre who went through four defenders on his 20 metre run to the line to add further gloss to the score-line.

The scoring was rounded off by Lewis Jones who got his second of the match with 10 minutes left on the clock. Piers O’Conor tidied up a fumble in a Rotherham attack and raced straight away before popping the ball up to Daniels. The Titans defence hauled the South African down but he was able to offload to Seb Stegmann, who eventually found Jones to run to the line and extend the lead to 45-10.

The final 10 minutes saw both sides playing open rugby as they went in search of further points but the defences held firm and rounded off what had been a fierce battle at Clifton Lane.

The result means the Trailfinders sit top of the pool with a maximum 15 points from 15 as they continue to chase a home quarter-final, and they welcome Rotherham to Vallis Way next Saturday for the return fixture where they will be aiming to continue their momentum in front of the home supporters.

Rotherham Titans:

15 Ben Foley, 14 Jamie Cooke, 13 Drew Cheshire, 12 Logan Tibbetts, 11 Wesley Hamilton, 10 Lee Millar, 9 Francisco Vieira, 1 Tom Williams, 2 Jonny Murphy, 3 Brandon Palmer, 4 Rob Louw, 5 James Lasis, 6 Dan Grange, 7 Charlie Maddison (c.) 8 Tom Burns

Replacements:

16 Luke Cole, 17 Toby Williams, 18 Andrew Foster, 19 Guy Borrowdale, 20 Tom Calladine, 21 Rhodri Davies, 22 Will Thomas.

Scorers:

Tries: Drew Cheshire (5 minutes)

Conversions: Lee Millar (5 minutes)

Penalties: Lee Millar (40 minutes)

Yellow Card: Rob Louw

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Seb Stegmann 13 Lewis Jones 12 Lewis Robling 11 Will Harries 10 Rory Clegg (replaced by Piers O’Conor) 9 Grayson Hart (replaced by Luke Carter) 1 James Gibbons (replaced by Djustice Sears Duru) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Rhys Lawrence) 3 Lewis Thiede (replaced by Mark Tampin) 4 Harry Casson 5 Oli Curry 6 Rayn Smid (replaced by Barney Maddison) 7 Dan Temm 8 Morgan Allen (replaced by Llewelyn Jones)

Replacements:

16 Rhys Lawrence 17 Djustice Sears-Duru 18 Mark Tampin 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Barney Maddison 21 Luke Carter 22 Piers O’Conor

Scorers:

Tries: Luke Daniels (14 minutes) Alun Walker (22 minutes) Lewis Jones (42, 69 minutes) Harry Casson (46 minutes) Grayson Hart (57 minutes) Lewis Robling (64 minutes)

Conversions: Luke Daniels (42, 46, 57, 64, 69 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Fergus Kirby

Assistant Referees: Lionel Spooner & Ian Bibey

Fourth Official: Andrew Wigley

Hartpury RFC vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders made it two wins in a row with a very impressive 31-7 victory over Hartpury at College Stadium.

Ben Ward’s side scored five tries and showed their class with a strong second half performance which proved too much for the hosts to deal with as the West Londoners left with a bonus point win.

A double from Alun Walker as well as scores from Barney Maddison, Harry Casson and Dan Temm ensured that the Trailfinders ended the second block of the Greene King IPA Championship with a morale-boosting away victory.

It was the hosts that started strongly and they went in front with a try from Will Tanner after just nine minutes. A lineout inside the 22 gave them the field position and with the rolling maul powering towards the line, Tanner was able to bundle over to score the opening points of the match. The conversion from James Williams extended their lead to 7-0.

The Trailfinders suddenly woke up and responded straight away with a try of their own from Barney Maddison. A string of penalties took them up to the line, and despite the maul being brought down Alun Walker smartly popped the ball up from the ground which allowed Maddison to smash his way over from just two metres out. Luke Daniels, who continued his impressive form from the tee levelled the scores at 7-7.

For the remainder of the first half both sides were battling for territory in what was a very close encounter. With the conditions making running rugby a challenge the teams were relying on a kicking game to create opportunities.

Piers O’Conor went close for the visitors with some nice footwork seeing him evade the defenders at the base of a ruck, but after racing in to the 22 he was dragged in to touch by the battling Hartpury defence.

Williams missed the chance to put the hosts ahead with a long-range penalty which went to the right of the posts, and the West Londoners punished the error with a try on the brink of half time to go down the tunnel with the lead.

In the final play of the half Luke Carter dummied and was brought down within touching distance of the line, and it allowed former Hartpury man Harry Casson to gather from the ruck and power his way over to give the visitors a much-needed lift. Daniels converted, giving Ben Ward’s men a hard-fought 14-7 advantage at the break.

The Trailfinders got the second half off to the perfect start with a try from Alun Walker just two minutes in to the final 40. Rayn Smid powered through the middle of the Hartpury defence, and the ball was spun wide straight away allowing Walker to run in unattended. Daniels converted from the touchline to extend the lead to 21-7.

Ealing then went in search of the bonus point score and were left frustrated as a number of chances passed them by around the hour mark. A dummy from Walker set Luke Carter free down the wing, but his pass back outside towards Will Harries was fumbled and Hartpury survived.

The patience paid off with 65 minutes on the clock as Alun Walker went over for the bonus point score to ensure that his side would return with all five points. A penalty gave the visitors a lineout just five metres from the line, and as so often this season it was the Scot who was able to power over the line from close range.

Dan Temm added some gloss to the scoreline with 10 minutes remaining with a long range try to put the match beyond doubt. The flanker gathered the ball from the base of a ruck 45 metres from the tryline and went himself, stepping a number of defenders to race clear for try number five.

The game opened up in the final moments with both sides looking to add to their tallies but the Trailfinders’ defence held firm and limited Hartpury to just the solitary try, which ensured that the match would finish with a 31-7 victory for the Londoners ahead of the return of the British and Irish Cup next weekend.

Hartpury:

15 Mike Wilcox 14 Aquile Smith 13 Tom Seabrook 12 Luke Eves 11 Ed Sheldon 10 James Williams 9 Harry Cochrane 1 Dan Murphy 2 Will Tanner 3 Alex Gibson 4 Charlie Beckett 5 BJ Edwards 6 Iain Grieve 7 Mat Gilbert 8 Rhys Oakley (c)

Replacements:

16 Henry Walker 17 Mike Flook 18 Ciaran Knight 19 Joe Quinn 20 Joe Dancer 21 Charlie Chapman 22 Jacob Perry

Scorers:

Tries: Will Tanner (9 minutes)

Conversions: James Williams (9 minutes)

Yellow Card: Rhys Oakley

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Will Harries 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Rory Clegg (replaced by Lewis Robling) 9 Luke Carter (replaced by Grayson Hart) 1 Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Rhys Lawrence) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Lewis Thiede) 4 Barney Maddison 5 Harry Casson (replaced by Llewelyn Jones) 6 Rayn Smid (replaced by Morgan Allen) 7 Dan Temm 8 Mark Bright (c)

Replacements:

16 Rhys Lawrence 17 James Gibbons 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Morgan Allen 21 Grayson Hart 22 Lewis Robling

Scorers:

Tries: Barney Maddison (13 minutes) Harry Casson (39 minutes) Alun Walker (42, 63 minutes) Dan Temm (67 minutes)

Conversions: Luke Daniels (13, 39, 42 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Christophe Ridley

Assistant Referees: Darryl Chapman & Greg Garner

Fourth Official: Alexander Thomas

Half Time Score: Hartpury 7-14 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders vs Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders got back to wining ways with an emphatic 57-14 victory over Doncaster Knights at Vallis Way.

Ben Ward’s side scored eight tries in a brilliant display, where they showed impressive intensity throughout to record a huge win.

Luke Daniels, who was on kicking duty and kicked brilliantly throughout opened the scoring with a penalty in the third minute to give the Trailfinders an early lead, however it was the Knights who responded and went in front.

A turnover gave the visitors a good attacking position inside the 22, and a grubber in behind allowed Charles Foley to gather the ball and dive over the line. Dougie Flockhart converted, putting his side 7-3 ahead.

However the Trailfinders didn’t look back and powered their way in to the lead, and once they had it they never sacrificed it as the performance went from strength to strength.

Alun Walker bundled over the line from a rolling maul on the 12 minute mark to put the West Londoners back in front, and the conversion from Daniels edged them 10-7 ahead.

The remaining 30 minutes of the first half was then controlled by the Trailfinders who stormed their way in front. Kieran Murphy marked his return to action with an outstanding score to give the hosts some breathing space.

Straight from the top of a lineout the ball was spun straight to the flanker, who smashed his way through the middle of the defence and had the pace to dive over unattended. Daniels’ conversion extended the lead to 10 points, and that was to be increased just five minutes later.

James Cordy Redden scored his first of the afternoon to put the Green and Whites 24-7 in front. A turnover gave the Trailfinders front foot ball, and Rayn Smid carried towards the Doncaster 22 before unleashed the winger who used his pace to race clear down the touchline and score in the corner.

The bonus point was secured before half time, with Lewis Jones marking his first Championship start of the season with a try to ensure of the extra point. Rory Clegg took the ball up to the line after drawing in a number of defenders he popped the ball to Jones who had a free run to the line from just outside the 22. That score meant that the West Londoners had a convincing 31-7 lead at half time.

Ben Ward’s men showed no signs of slowing down in the second half, and started with another try from Lewis Jones who was on his way to the Storm Man of the Match Award. A turnover gave the Trailfinders the ball underneath their own posts, but they showed huge ambition by playing from deep. Joe Munro’s looping pass found Cordy Redden on the wing who ran up to the half way line before passing to Jones who had the pace to run clear from 40 metres and dive over the line. Daniels, who missed just one kick all afternoon converted to extend the lead to 38-7.

Rayn Smid got on the scoresheet just before the hour mark as the hosts continued to dominate. An overlap gave them a two on one on the wing, and Murphy drew in the final man before allowing Smid to run to the line and dive over in the corner.

Doncaster then began to gain some of the ascendancy in the final quarter and went over for a consolation try with 12 minutes left on the clock. After a number of phases in the 22 the ball was spun to Cameron Cowell who used his footwork to find the try-line after evading a number of tackles.

There was still time for Ealing to respond, and they rounded off the afternoon with two late tries to add some gloss to the scoreboard.

A turnover in the Doncaster 22 saw the ball spill out of the ruck, and it was Matt Cornish who was first to react which allowed him to race through the middle and slide under the posts. That brought up the 50 point tally to the delight of the supporters.

Smid then got his second of the match with two minutes left. From the base of a scrum inside the Doncaster 22 the South African used his strength to bulldoze his way to the line and round off the scoring.

The final whistle was met with loud cheers after an impressive 57-14 win, a victory which cements the Trailfinders’ as second in the Championship table ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Hartpury.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Will Harries 13 Lewis Jones (replaced by Piers O’Conor) 12 Joe Munro 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Rory Clegg (replaced by Lewis Robling) 9 Luke Carter (replaced by Grayson Hart) 1 Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons) 2 Alun Walker3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Lewis Thiede) 4 Barney Maddison 5 Harry Casson (replaced by Llewelyn Jones) 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Matt Cornish) 7 Rayn Smid 8 Mark Bright

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 James Gibbons 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Grayson Hart 21 Lewis Robling 22 Piers O’Conor

Scorers:

Tries: Alun Walker (12 minutes) Kieran Murphy (20 minutes) James Cordy Redden (24 minutes) Lewis Jones (34, 45 minutes) Rayn Smid (56, 76 minutes) Matt Cornish (73 minutes)

Conversions: Luke Daniels (12, 20, 24, 34, 46, 56, 73 minutes)

Penalties: Luke Daniels (3 minutes)

Doncaster Knights:

15 Cameron Cowell 14 Dougie Flockhart 13 Charlie Foley 12 Lloyd Hayes 11 Curtis Wilson 10 Declan Cusack 9 Tom James 1 Owen Evans 2 Curtis Langdon 3 Joe Sproston 4 Matt Challinor 5 Morgan Eames 6 Alex Shaw 7 Michael Hills (c) 8 Jason Hill

Replacements:

16 Ben Hunter 17 Jack Bergmanas 18 Colin Quigley 19 Stone Priestley-Nagle 20 Junior Bulumakau 21 Michael Heaney 22 Simon Humberstone

Scorers:

Tries: Charles Foley (6 minutes) Cameron Cowell (70 minutes)

Conversions: Dougie Flockhart (6, 70 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Steve Lee

Assistant Referees: Bill Burton & Brian Ravenhill

Fourth Official: Jack Sutton

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 31 – 7 Doncaster Knights

Storm Man of the Match: Lewis Jones

Attendance: 574

Nottingham vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders suffered an agonising late defeat, with a 79th minute penalty from Tiff Eden securing a 28-27 victory for Nottingham at Lady Bay.

The West Londoners came within seconds of completing a memorable comeback after they came from 22-0 down to lead 27-25 only to be defeated in the final minute.

The Trailfinders will look back at the opening 20 minutes as their downfall as they conceded three early tries, and apart from that were the dominant side for the following hour.

Nottingham started impressively and scored with five minutes on the clock to open their account for the afternoon. The hosts had sustained pressure in the Ealing 22, and the ball found Oli Evans who stepped his way through the defence to score. Tiff Eden’s conversion gave his side a 7-0 advantage.

Just two minutes later the lead was extended as Oli Evans went over the line for the second time in 120 seconds. A cross kick floated over the pitch and eventually found the centre who was again able to evade his defender to score. The conversion went wide, but it wasn’t to be long before another score but them in control of the match.

From the top of a lineout winger Billy Robinson crashed his way through three tackles from outside the 22 and showed his pace to race clear and dive under the posts. Eden’s conversion gave Ian Costello’s side a 19-0 lead after just 13 minutes.

Eden kicked a penalty to push the lead to 22-0, before the Trailfinders woke up and began to show the form which has been with them throughout the opening to the 2017/18 campaign.

Mark Bright went within inches of scoring but the ball went forward at the crucial moment, however Ben Ward’s side were growing in confidence as they looked for a way back in to the game.

The comeback began on the 30 minute mark with Alun Walker driving over from a rolling maul to get their first points of the afternoon. Peter Lydon’s conversion cut the deficit to 22-7.

Walker scored an identical try with 37 minutes on the clock to reduce the gap again. From a lineout the hooker was at the back of a maul and claimed the ball before dotting down. It looked as if the teams would be go in at half time with Nottingham leading 22-12, but it got even better for the Trailfinders with the final play of the half.

In-form winger Will Harries scored one of the tries of the season so far to bring Ealing within one score. Joe Munro burst out of the 22 before offloading to Mark Bright, who drew in the final defender and released Harries who had the pace to run in unattended. The conversion went wide, but in the space of five minutes the Trailfinders had scored 17 points to get back in to the match.

Eden’s first act of the second half was to kick a penalty and extend Nottingham’s lead to 25-17, but the London side were creating a number of chances as they looked for the bonus point score.

Rory Clegg came on to increase the tempo in the back-line and Piers O’Conor had a chance on the 50 minute mark. Seb Stegmann took a high ball and set the centre free, but as he entered the 22 the ball went forward and play re-started with a Nottingham scrum.

Joe Munro then bundled over the line on the hour mark to secure the try bonus point and cut the deficit to just one point. The maul, which had been an impressive weapon all afternoon was rumbling towards the line, and Munro broke away from close range to score. Clegg converted, which meant that Nottingham’s lead was 25-24 with 20 minutes to go.

Ealing continued to press as they looked to take the lead, and Lewis Jones had an opportunity on the left wing but his kick ahead fell kindly for the hosts who were able to clear without danger.

The game burst in to life again with five minutes remaining, as a penalty for the Trailfinders allowed Clegg to kick his side in to the lead. He was successful which meant that for the first time in the match Ealing were in front as the clock ticked away.

However from the re-start Ealing were penalised and gave Nottingham the chance to re-gain the advantage. From 45 metres Eden struck impressively to edge them 28-27 ahead to the delight of the home crowd.

The visitors refused to lie down and had one last chance from a scrum but Nottingham were awarded a penalty which allowed them to kick the ball dead and secure a nail-biting victory.

The Trailfinders stay second in the table but will look to respond positively, and are back in action next Saturday when they take on Doncaster Knights at Vallis Way.

Nottingham Rugby:

15 Sean Scanlon 14 Billy Robinson 13 Oli Evans 12 Gearoid Lyons 11 David Williams 10 Tiff Eden 9 Darryl Veenendaal 1 James Penman 2 Jimmy Stevens 3 Will Stuart 4 Tom Holmes 5 Danny Qualter 6 Ben Morris 7 Matt Everard (c) 8 Shane Buckley

Replacements:

16 Ben Brownlie 17 Aniseko Sio 18 Rory Burke 19 Josh Poullet 20 Jordan Coghlan 21 Murray McConnell 22 Vili Hakalo

Scorers:

Tries: Oli Evans (5, 9 minutes) Billy Robinson (13 minutes)

Conversions: Tiff Eden (5, 13 minutes)

Penalties: Tiff Eden (20, 48, 79 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Peter Lydon (replaced by Lewis Jones) 14 Will Harries 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 Seb Stegmann 10 Aaron Penberthy (replaced by Rory Clegg) 9 Luke Carter (replaced by Grayson Hart) 1 James Gibbons (replaced by Will Davis) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Lewis Thiede) 4 Barney Maddison 5 Harry Casson (replaced by Llewelyn Jones) 6 Rayn Smid 7 Arthur Ellis 8 Mark Bright (c)

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 Will Davis 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Grayson Hart 21 Rory Clegg 22 Lewis Jones

Scorers:

Tries: Alun Walker (31, 37 minutes) Will Harries (39 minutes) Joe Munro (59 minutes)

Conversions: Peter Lydon (31 minutes) Rory Clegg (59 minutes)

Penalties: Rory Clegg (77 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Jack Makepeace

Assistant Referees: Gareth Holsgrove & Matthew Daubney

Fourth Official: James O’Brien

Half Time Score: Nottingham Rugby 22 – 17 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders vs Yorkshire Carnegie

Ealing Trailfinders secured an impressive 44-19 victory over Yorkshire Carnegie, with five tries ensuring that the West Londoners left Vallis Way with a bonus-point win.

Scores from Peter Lydon, Will Harries and Piers O’Conor as well as a double from man of the match Rayn Smid meant that the Trailfinders stay second in the Greene King IPA Championship after a deserved win.

The hosts got off to a fast start, and with eight minutes on the clock Peter Lydon got the first try of the afternoon. With a free ball from a penalty advantage, the ball was spun wide and Lydon sprinted over in the corner. His first of five conversions gave his side a 7-0 lead.

Just two minutes later the lead was doubled, as Will Harries scored for the fourth consecutive match. The Welshman found space, and a dummy fooled the defenders before he was able to use his pace to race outside Chris Elder and dot the ball down.

The visitors responded strongly and got straight back in to the match with a penalty try to cut the deficit to just seven points. The referee lost patience with the Ealing pack after a number of infringements and eventually went straight under the posts to give the Leeds outfit their first points of the match. Harry Casson was sent to the sin-bin, meaning Ben Ward’s men were also reduced to 14 men.

However despite being a man down the hosts were galvanised, and extended their lead with a penalty from Lydon before Rayn Smid went over the line by crashing his way through the defence from close range. The conversion meant that Ealing held a 24-7 lead on the half hour mark.

Carnegie ensured that they got back in the match just before the break with a try from Chris Elder on 34 minutes. Stevie McColl put the winger in space, and he finished well to cut Ealing’s half time lead to 24-14.

Lydon edged that lead to 27-14 with a penalty three minutes in to the second half, and in what was a more cautious second half display with the defences on top it was the visitors who would strike next.

With 15 minutes remaining Elder got his second of the match after a cut out pass in the 22 gave him space on the wing to dot down in the corner. The conversion went wide, and Lydon then responded with his third penalty to extend the lead to 30-19. After a number of phases on the Carnegie line the hosts were in search of the try bonus point, but when given a penalty they opted for the three points.

The valuable bonus point did arrive with just over five minutes remaining, as Rayn Smid’s second try of the match ensured the maximum tally from the game. The flanker beat his defender with a strong carry to run through from outside the 22 to dive over for the fourth try.

The score-line looked even more attractive with Piers O’Conor scoring with two minutes left to take the hosts over the 40 point mark. From a lineout a flat pass allowed the centre to get over the gain line and he used his pace to race away and dot the ball down. Lydon’s conversion meant the West Londoners ended with a 44-19 win.

With a confidence boosting victory, the Trailfinders now sit eight points clear in second ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Nottingham.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Peter Lydon 14 Will Harries 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 Seb Stegmann 10 Aaron Penberthy 9 Luke Carter 1 Will Davis 2 Alun Walker 3 Lewis Thiede 4 Barney Maddison 5 Harry Casson 6 Rayn Smid 7 Dan Temm 8 Mark Bright (c)

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 James Gibbons 18 Mark Tampin 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Arthur Ellis 21 Grayson Hart 22 Lewis Robling

Scorers:

Tries: Peter Lydon (8 minutes) Will Harries (11 minutes) Rayn Smid (28 & 73 minutes) Piers O’Conor (79 minutes)

Conversions: Peter Lydon (8, 11, 28, 73, 79 minutes)

Penalties: Peter Lydon (26, 43, 70 minutes)

Yellow Card: Harry Casson

Yorkshire Carnegie:

15. Stevie McColl 14. George Watkins 13. Andy Forsyth 12. Tom Casson 11. Chris Elder 10. Pete Lucock 9. Will Homer 1. Marc Thomas 2. Joe Buckle 3. Elliot Millar-Mills 4. Jack Whetton 5. Mike Myerscough 6. Richard Beck 7. Richard Mayhew (c) 8. Ollie Stedman

Replacements:

16. Harry Newborn 17. Charlie Beech 18. James Thraves 19. Ben West 20. Josh Bainbridge 21. Louis Brown 22. Ollie Fox

Scorers:

Tries: Chris Elder (34 & 62 minutes) Penalty Try (24 minutes)

Conversions: Stevie McColl (34 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Andrew Jackson

Assistant Referees: Peter Allan & Bill Burton

Fourth Official: Jack Lewars

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 24 – 14 Yorkshire Carnegie

Storm Man of the Match: Rayn Smid

Rotherham Titans vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders ended the first block of the season with a hard-fought 23-18 victory over Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane.

In what wasn’t a vintage performance from the West Londoners in tricky conditions they ensured that they remain second in the Greene King IPA Championship after tries from Harry Casson, Mark Bright and Will Harries.

Ben Ward’s side made a fast start with Harry Casson bundling over the line after just six minutes to give the visitors an early lead. A Rotherham lineout was stolen and gave the Trailfinders the prime opportunity to score, which Casson accepted with a drive from close range which saw him dot down under the posts. Shane O’Leary’s conversion put his team 7-0 ahead.

Rotherham responded strongly and cut the deficit to just four points with a penalty from Caolan Ryan, before taking the lead just two minutes later.

A turnover on the half way line gave Drew Cheshire acres of space on the wing, and he drew in the last defender before passing inside to Will Porter who had a clear run to the try-line. Ryan converted, and edged the Titans 10-7 in front.

Dan Temm looked to have given Ealing the lead on the half hour mark after he forced his way through a tackle and dived over the line, but he was held up and play re-started with a scrum.

From the resulting scrum Ealing did go in front, with captain Mark Bright picking the ball up just inches short of the line and using enough power to ensure that the defence were unable to stop him. The conversion went wide in the blustery wind, but the visitors now held a two point advantage.

That lead disappeared straight from the re-start as the Titans were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which was successfully kicked by Ryan to give them a 13-12 lead.

It appeared that the hosts would go in to half time ahead, but an outstanding try from Will Harries in the final play of the half made sure that Ealing would go back in to the changing rooms with the advantage.

From the base of the scrum the ball was spun straight to Joe Munro who made impressive yards before passing inside to Luke Daniels. The full-back raced clear, drew in his opposite number and had Harries alongside who ran to the line unattended to score in the corner and give his side a 17-13 lead at the break.

The Trailfinders had plenty of territory and almost all of the possession in the second-half, but they were unable to convert their dominance in to points, resulting in a nail-biting final 40 minutes.

Peter Lydon replaced Shane O’Leary on the 50 minute mark and his first action was to kick a penalty to extend the lead to seven points.

However Rotherham came back fighting and scored a length of the field try with 20 minutes remaining to bring themselves within two points. Ealing had a scrum just five metres from the line but the Titans stole it and raced away as they saw the opportunity in front of them. Once entering the 22 the ball was recycled to Will Porter who was able to go over for his second try of the match. The conversion went wide which saw them miss the chance to draw level.

Despite there being just one score between the sides, it was Ealing who were controlling the match as they searched for the bonus point try. Will Harries found himself in space on the right wing and chipped over the final defender but the bounce went agonisingly in to touch.

Lydon kicked another penalty with five minutes remaining to allow some breathing space and put the visitors 23-18 up, and they were then awarded another penalty with just two minutes left.

It was kicked to the corner and a five metre lineout presented a great opportunity, but the chance passed by and the referee blew his whistle to conclude what had been a hugely competitive match at Clifton Lane.

The win means that after the first block of matches Ben Ward’s side have registered eight wins from their nine fixtures, heading in to a blank weened before hosting Yorkshire Carnegie in a fortnight at Vallis Way.

Rotherham Titans:

15 Will Thomas, 14 Drew Cheshire, 13 Yiannis Loizias, 12 Luke Peters, 11 Jake Henry, 10 Caolan Ryan, 9 Will Porter, 1 Toby Williams, 2 Luke Cole, 3 Matt Shields, 4 Rob Louw, 5 Byron Hodge, 6 Adam Peters, 7 Tom Calladine (C), 8 Tom Burns.

Replacements:

16 Charlie Maddison, 17 Brandon Palmer, 18 Matt Postlethwaite, 19 Tom Willis, 20 Ben Foley, 21 Francisco Vieira, 22 Lee Millar.

Scorers:

Tries: Will Porter (13, 56 minutes)

Conversions: Caolan Ryan (13 minutes)

Penalties: Caolan Ryan (10, 35 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 James Cordy Redden 13 Piers O’Conor 12 Joe Munro 11 Will Harries 10 Shane O’Leary 9 Grayson Hart 1 Will Davis 2 Alun Walker 3 Lewis Thiede 4 Harry Casson 5 Barney Maddison 6 Rayn Smid 7 Dan Temm 8 Mark Bright (c)

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 James Gibbons 18 Sam Rodman 19 Oli Curry 20 Morgan Allen 21 Luke Carter 22 Peter Lydon

Scorers:

Tries: Harry Casson (5 minutes) Mark Bright (32 minutes) Will Harries (40 minutes)

Conversions: Shane O’Leary (5 minutes)

Penalties: Peter Lydon (51, 75 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Simon Harding

Assistant Referees: Matthew Daubney & Phil Watters

Fourth Official: Jamie Leahy

Half Time Score: Rotherham Titans 13 – 17 Ealing Trailfinders

Connacht vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders produced an outstanding display to record a comprehensive 71-14 victory over Connacht Eagles at the Sports Ground.

The West Londoners were full of intensity throughout and scored 11 tries in what was arguably their most impressive attacking display of the season so far. James Cordy Redden crossed for a hat-trick, whilst Lewis Jones and Will Harries both registered doubles.

The result leaves Ben Ward’s side top of the pool after the opening two rounds of the British and Irish Cup, recording two bonus point wins which has given them the maximum 10 points.

It was Connacht who were quicker out of the blocks and looked dangerous with ball in hand, but after absorbing the pressure it was the visitors who struck first and never looked back.

Sam Rodman opened the scoring on the seven minute mark with a try from a rolling maul after the forwards powered towards the line to give the Trailfinders an early lead.

Five minutes later James Cordy Redden scored his first of the afternoon to extend the advantage. After sustained pressure in the 22, Dan Temm broke the line of defence before offloading to the winger who ran over the line unattended. Shane O’Leary converted, and would kick eight out of 11 conversions in an impressive performance against his former club.

The third try came on the 25 minute mark, with Matt Cornish throwing in to the lineout before gathering the ball at the back of the maul to dot down and give his side a 19-0 lead.

Lewis Jones then scored two tries in quick succession to secure the try bonus point. The first one was a contender for try of the season with Joe Munro making a huge carry in the midfield before an audacious offload set Jones free. He then showed great pace to race away from the defenders to score under the posts.

His second score just minutes later saw him join a rolling maul and find himself with the ball in his hands as it was driving over the line to move the lead to 33-0.

There was time for one more try before the break, with Jones’ centre partner Munro crossing for a deserved try. Again the rolling maul which had been a successful weapon for the West Londoners was driving towards the line, and Munro broke away from close range to score. O’Leary converted to give Ealing a 40-0 lead at half time, in an opening 40 minutes where they had scored on every visit to the Connacht 22.

The second half started in similar fashion, with Will Harries taking just two minutes to score his first of the match. Luke Daniels broke down the left wing, before the ball was recycled and O’Leary’s inch-perfect cross kick found the Welsh winger who had acres of space to score in the corner.

The next try was also up there with the tries of the season so far. Under pressure on their own try-line, O’Leary dummied and ran out of the 22 before releasing Harries to race in to the Connacht half. Despite being hauled down, the ball came back to O’Leary again who put in another cross kick to Cordy Redden who gathered and dotted the ball down.

Connacht then responded and were rewarded for their endeavour with two tries in quick succession to put themselves on the scoreboard. Pat O’Toole scored their first, before Gavin Thornbury ran through some tackles to cut the deficit to 14-52.

Harries got his second to make it two braces in consecutive weeks on the hour mark. Ealing made their way up to the line, and patiently went through the phases before going wide where Harries was the beneficiary on an overlap.

Morgan Allen then brought up the 60 point tally with a try on his debut. The Welsh number eight certainly made his presence felt after coming off the bench, and was rewarded by driving over the line from close range to take the lead up to 66-14.

With time up the backs were refusing to kick the ball out in search of an eleventh try, and were rewarded with Cordy Redden completing his hat trick in the final play of the match. Jones kicked clear from their 22, and the winger won the footrace to gather on the line and dive over to make the final score 71-14 on a memorable afternoon at the Sports Ground.

That concludes the opening fortnight of the British and Irish Cup, with the Greene King IPA Championship resuming this weekend and a trip to Clifton Lane to take on Rotherham Titans on Saturday afternoon.

Connacht Eagles:

15 Matthew Byrne 14 Niyi Adeolokun 13 Stacey Ili 12 Kieran Joyce 11 Rory Scholes 10 Andrew Deegan 9 Conor McKeon 1 Denis Coulson 2 Pat O’Toole 3 JP Cooney (c) 4 Peter Claffey 5 Gavin Thornbury 6 Paul Boyle 7 Naulia Dawai 8 Harley Fox

Replacements:

16 Callum Torpey 17 Conor Kenny 18 Niall Murray 19 Cian Huxford 20 James Mitchell 21 Luke Carty 22 Adam Leavy

Scorers:

Tries: Pat O’Toole (53 minutes) Gavin Thornbury (56 minutes)

Conversions: Andrew Deegan (53, 56 minutes)

Yellow Card: Conor McKeon

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 James Cordy Redden 13 Lewis Jones 12 Joe Munro (replaced by Lewis Robling) 11 Will Harries 10 Shane O’Leary 9 Grayson Hart (replaced by Luke Carter) 1 James Gibbons (replaced by Will Davis) 2 Matt Cornish (replaced by Rhys Lawrence) 3 Sam Rodman (replaced by Mark Tampin) 4 Harry Casson (replaced by Llewelyn Jones) 5 Oli Curry 6 Rayn Smid (replaced by Morgan Allen) 7 Dan Temm 8 Mark Bright

Replacements:

16 Rhys Lawrence 17 Will Davis 18 Mark Tampin 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Morgan Allen 21 Luke Carter 22 Lewis Robling

Scorers:

Tries: Sam Rodman (7 minutes) James Cordy Redden (13, 50, 80 minutes) Matt Cornish (25 minutes) Lewis Jones (30, 38 minutes) Joe Munro (40 minutes) Will Harries (42, 62 minutes) Morgan Allen (74 minutes)

Conversions: Shane O’Leary (13, 25, 30, 38, 40, 50, 62, 74 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Rhys Thomas

Assistant Referees: Brian Deighan & Jason Cairns

Half Time Score: Connacht Eagles 0-40 Ealing Trailfinders

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