Ealing Trailfinders got their eighth successive victory as they registered a highly impressive 17-8 win against Coventry at Butt’s Park Arena.
Ben Ward’s side benefited from a strong first half performance and eventually ground down their opponents to continue their perfect start to 2020.
Tries from Pat Howard and Kieran Murphy as well as four points from Craig Willis and three from Steven Shingler ensured that they left Coventry with the win.
The opening exchanges saw both sides trying to work each other out in the bordering torrential rain, but once they had adjusted the Trailfinders took the lead in sensational style.
Reon Joseph broke the line on half way and stepped past four defenders before being brought down deep in side the 22. They then went through the phases and Craig Willis saw Pat Howard in space so kicked out wide to the winger who gathered and dotted the ball down in the corner. Willis then converted from the touchline to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Coventry almost responded immediately from the restart as a fumble gave them an opportunity, but Nathan Fowles scrambled back and managed to clear the danger.
The hosts did however get on the scoreboard from the following phase, as a penalty on half way was kicked straight through the posts by Rory Jennings, cutting the lead to four points.
The home crowd were then collectively on their feet as Louis Brown gathered a high ball and raced away in to the Trailfinders’ 22, but just as the final pass looked to have created a try the referee pulled play back for an earlier infringement to the relief of the travelling supporters.
A succession of penalties then took the Trailfinders right up to the try-line but twice they met resolute maul defence which managed to hold the forwards up twice in a row.
Harry Casson then gathered his own charge-down and looked like he would mark his return to the starting line-up with a try, but again was held up to force another scrum. Rayn Smid carried from the base and thundered over his opposite number to get within touching distance, but more frustration followed as the defence held firm.
The Trailfinders could have been forgiven for becoming agitated, but their persistence was rewarded on the half hour mark as they crossed for their second try. A five metre scrum gave them the platform, and then from the next phase Kieran Murphy was helped over the line by his fellow back-rowers to increase the lead. The conversion from Willis pushed the advantage up to 14-3.
For the remainder of the first half Ben Ward’s men were in control and their dominant carries were constantly allowing them to get over the gain line. A penalty from Willis provided the opportunity to go further in front but it went narrowly wide in the wind, so they ran down the clock and with time in the red they kicked the ball in to touch, and run back in to the tunnel with a deserved eleven point lead.
The Trailfinders came within inches of making the perfect start to the second half as the rain and wind returned. Sam Dickinson picked a great line and broke in to the 22 before offloading to Elliot Millar Mills on his shoulder. The ball was then popped up to Nathan Fowles who had a four man overlap on the right wing, but the pass went to ground and Coventry managed to survive.
Adam Peters was then sent to the sin-bin for the hosts as the West Londoners looked to land a significant blow, but once again they were met by a spirited Coventry defence. After winning the lineout the Trailfinders went through phase after phase right on the line, but found no way past and eventually knocked on.
Will Davis was then given a yellow card as Coventry looked for a way back in to the match, and with the penalty count rising the home crowd were becoming more optimistic. Tom Kessell took a penalty quickly and had 30 metres of unattended grass ahead of him, but the ball went forward to the relief of the Trailfinders. From the resulting scrum Willis looked to clear but his kick was charged down, and only a last gasp gather from Nathan Fowles stopped a certain try.
The hosts did then get the try that they craved with 15 minutes remaining as the weather began to cause havoc. A kick ahead from Jennings bounced up horribly and it ricocheted off Peter Lydon straight in to the hands of Andy Forsyth who was able dot down from just a metre out. The conversion however crucially went wide, meaning the Trailfinders still held a 14-8 lead.
Then came a huge moment with just 10 minutes left as a penalty was awarded to the Ward’s men on the half way line. With the wind behind him Steven Shingler lined up the kick at goal, and struck it beautifully between the posts to take the advantage up to nine points.
Jack Tovey was then yellow carded for a no-arms tackle but there was to be no damage from it, as the West Londoners held out for the last six minutes to record another fantastic victory at Butt’s Park Arena.
Coventry:
15 Louis Brown 14 Ryan Olowofela 13 Andy Forsyth 12 Will Owen 11 Rob Knox 10 Rory Jennings 9 Tom Kessell 1 Luc Jeannot 2 Joe Buckle 3 Gareth Denman 4 Nile Dacres 5 Alex Woolford 6 Adam Peters 7 Ben Nutley 8 Ryan Burrows ©
Replacements:
16 Scott Tolmie 17 Toby Trinder 18 Phil Boulton 19 George Oram 20 Senitiki Nayolo 21 Pete White 22 Dan Lewis 23 Luke Wallace
Scorers:
Tries: Andy Forsyth (63 minutes)
Penalties: Rory Jennings (13 minutes)
Yellow Card: Adam Peters
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Peter Lydon (replaced by David Johnston, 75 mins) 14 Pat Howard 13 Jack Tovey 12 Harry Sloan 11 Reon Joseph 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 60 mins) 9 Nathan Fowles (replaced by Craig Hampson, 70 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 55 mins) 2 Alun Walker 3 Elliot Millar Mills 4 Sam Dickinson 5 Harry Casson (replaced by Ben West, 68 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Adam Korczyk 8 Rayn Smid ©
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Ben West 20 Shane Buckley 21 Craig Hampson 22 Steven Shingler 23 David Johnston
Scorers:
Tries: Pat Howard (8 minutes) Kieran Murphy (28 minutes)
Conversions: Craig Willis (8, 28 minutes)
Penalties: Steven Shingler (72 minutes)
Yellow Cards: Will Davis & Jack Tovey
Match Officials:
Referee: George Selwood
Assistant Referees: Simon Adams & Shane Lewis
Fourth Official: Daniel Rowlands
Attendance: 2231
Half Time Score: Coventry 3-14 Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing Trailfinders booked their place in the Championship Cup Semi Finals after an outstanding 36-17 victory over Jersey Reds at Trailfinders Sports Club.
The West Londoners dominated the second half and scored five tries in total to progress to the last four of the Cup for the third year in a row.
Harry Sloan, Reon Joseph, Rayn Smid all crossed the line as well as a double from Peter Lydon to secure an emphatic victory in challenging conditions once again.
The Trailfinders made the perfect start and stamped their authority on the match straight away. Two penalties were conceded by the visitors and allowed the home side to kick up to the 22. Craig Willis then spotted some space in the backfield and kicked in to the dead ball area, which led to a fortunate bounce for Peter Lydon who was able to open the scoring. Willis then converted to give his side a 7-0 lead with just three minutes on the clock.
The hosts continued to dominate the opening stages and with Rayn Smid flying through the defence but brought down just short of the line, the referee came back for an earlier penalty which was kicked by Willis to extend the advantage to 10 points.
Jersey then started to grow in to the game and got back in to it on the 20 minute mark with a try from Alex Morgan. A turnover from the Trailfinders on their own line looked to have allowed them the opportunity to clear, but a wipe looping pass was intercepted by Alex Morgan who then had an easy run to the line. The conversion went wide, but the lead was now down to five points.
Nathan Fowles then went within inches of giving the hosts the ideal response as he dummied at the breakdown and sprinted 30 metres to the line, but some superb last ditch defence from the Channel Islanders meant that they escaped.
For the remainder of the first half both sides struggled to get over the gain line and were becoming increasingly frustrated.
The Trailfinders had a rolling maul which appeared to be heading over the line until they were penalised for crossing, and in similar fashion Jersey had a five metre lineout, but an overthrow meant that the final chance of the half was missed and the hosts held a narrow 10-5 lead at the break.
The start of the second half started with the hosts on the attack, and then a crucial moment saw Rodney Iona sent to the sin-bin for the Reds after a high tackle on Craig Willis. From the subsequent penalty the Trailfinders were held up over the line, but the pressure was starting to build.
That pressure then turned in to points as a penalty came from the scrum, and Nathan Fowles took it quickly before passing straight to Harry Sloan who dived over the line in the corner. Willis’ conversion from the touchline took the lead up to 12 points.
It got even better for the Trailfinders just five minutes later, with the Jersey sin bin looking even more costly. The visitors had possession on half way and looked to play out wide, but a pass went to ground and fell in to the hands of Reon Joseph. The winger grubbered ahead and used his searing pace to gather it for a sensational opportunistic try. Willis again converted from the touchline, extending the advantage to 24-5.
Ward’s men didn’t stop there and put the game beyond doubt with another try just three minutes later to all-but book their place in the semi final. A turnover gave space for Nathan Fowles to break in to, and he had Rayn Smid alongside who raced on to the ball from 15 metres out to power under the posts. The conversion from Willis took his side over the 30 point mark.
Just as it looked like the game was won, Jersey capitalised on a mistake to get their first points of the second half. Joseph broke the line and looked like he would cruise to the line, but as he passed wide to Jack Tovey the ball was intercepted by Auguy Slowik who raced away from 90 metres to score under the posts.
Jersey then rallied and had the momentum with 15 minutes to go. Aaron Penberthy’s long pass to Leroy Van Dam looked to have given him a walk in but Willis scrambled back and then got over the ball to earn his side a crucial penalty.
TJ Harris then got another try for the Reds as they took a quick penalty and it went straight to the hooker who drove over the line, but with just five minutes remaining the hill was too steep to mount a comeback.
Peter Lydon rounded off the victory in style with the final play of the game, as a five metre scrum gave them the platform and the ball was spun straight to the full-back who beat the final defender in the corner.
That marked the end of the match and confirmed a seventh consecutive victory for the Trailfinders who advanced to the semi final in style.
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Peter Lydon 14 Pat Howard (replaced by David Johnston, 70 mins) 13 Jack Tovey 12 Harry Sloan 11 Reon Joseph 10 Craig Willis 9 Nathan Fowles (replaced by Craig Hampson, 75 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 65 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 70 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 65 mins) 4 Dave McKern (replaced by Sam Dickinson, 45 mins) 5 James Cannon (replaced by Harry Casson, 60 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Shane Buckley 8 Rayn Smid (c)
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Sam Dickinson 20 Harry Casson 21 Craig Hampson 22 David Johnston 23 Steven Shingler
Scorers:
Tries: Peter Lydon (3, 80 minutes) Harry Sloan (46 minutes) Reon Joseph (52 minutes) Rayn Smid (56 minutes)
Conversions: Craig Willis (3, 46, 52, 56 minutes)
Penalties: Craig Willis (8 minutes)
Jersey Reds:
15 Auguy Slowik 14 Alex Morgan 13 George Spencer 12 Rodney Iona 11 Leroy Van Dam 10 Brendan Cope 9 Will Homer 1 Harry Morley 2 Reece Marshall 3 Zei Alexis 4 Kyle Hatherell 5 Rory Bartle 6 Max Argyle 7 Conor Joyce © 8 Janco Venter
Replacements:
16 TJ Harris 17 Roy Godfrey 18 Alec Clarey 19 Liam Hallam-Eames 20 Jake Upfield 21 Josh Bainbridge 22 Luc Jones 23 Aaron Penberthy
Scorers:
Tries: Alex Morgan (17 minutes) Auguy Slowik (60 minutes) TJ Harris (76 minutes)
Conversions: Brendan Cope (60 minutes)
Yellow Cards: Rodney Iona, Luc Jones
Match Officials:
Referee: Hamish Smales
Assistant Referees: Fergus Kirby & John Meredith
Attendance: 526
Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 10-5 Jersey Reds
Soane’s Kitchen Man of the Match: Alun Walker
Ealing Trailfinders got their sixth win in a row after a highly impressive 38-5 victory over Bedford Blues at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Ben Ward’s side had to brave Storm Dennis and did so in stunning style, scoring 31 points in the second half to cruise to a deserved win.
Pat Howard, Reon Joseph, Alun Walker, a penalty try and two from Kieran Murphy meant that the West Londoners kept up their perfect record in 2020.
Bedford had the first opportunity as the Trailfinders had a lineout right on their own line and it went over the top, popping up to the visitors who looked like they would have a walk in but it was called back for an earlier infringement.
The conditions were causing havoc in the opening stages, but the West Londoners started to adapt and went in front with their first try after 11 minutes. A scrum just five metres from the line started to edge forward, and then the ball was spun straight to Pat Howard who was never going to be stopped from such close range. Steven Shingler’s valuable conversion in the swirling wind gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.
The Trailfinders then threatened to to extend their lead but some last ditch defence from the Blues kept the score at 7-0. From the top of a lineout a set move sent Levi Davis flying through the middle, and he passed inside to Jack Tovey who in the act of scoring saw the ball bounce out of his grasp.
The remainder of the first half was played in the middle third as both sides were struggling with their discipline, but opportunities were hard to come by. Bedford did kick a penalty to within five metres of the line with the last play of the half, but some outstanding maul defence meant that the Trailfinders headed down the tunnel with the lead at the break.
After a first half that won’t live long in the memory, the second half got off to the perfect start for the hosts who scored twice in quick succession. The kick off trickled in to the Bedford dead ball area and a huge tackle from Adam Korczyk earned a five metre scrum. The forwards then rampaged towards the line, giving the referee no option but to award a penalty try and double the lead to 14-0.
It got better for the Trailfinders just four minutes later as they took control of the game with their third try. Matt Cornish broke from the base of a ruck and powered in to the 22 before passing to Korczyk on his shoulder, who took it all the way up to the line. Rayn Smid then looked to have scored, but from the following phase Kieran Murphy put it beyond doubt and powered over.
Just as it looked like the Green and Whites had built an unassailable lead, Bedford scored out of nothing to get themselves on the scoreboard. A turnover gave them space in the wide channels, and they went through the hands giving Ryan Hutler a clear run to the line. The conversion went wide, but the Blues had cut the lead to 19-5.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, the Trailfinders secured the all-important bonus point to put the result beyond doubt. Sustained pressure in the 22 saw them edge towards the line, and then with a huge overlap on the left wing the ball was spun wide to Reon Joseph who could stroll to the line unattended.
Kieran Murphy then got his second of the match to add further gloss to the score-line and give the supporter who braved the conditions a much-needed pick me up. The hosts had clicked in to gear beautifully, and once more with plenty of pressure in the 22 the back-rower was able to beat the final defender from close range.
The final play of the match saw Alun Walker cross for the sixth and final try to round off the victory. A penalty was kicked to the corner, and in trademark style the hooker broke away from the rolling maul to score in the corner.
Shingler’s conversion from the touchline meant that the scoreline ended 38-5 to the Trailfinders, and means that they head in to next weekend’s Championship Cup Quarter Final against Jersey Reds in fine form.
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Peter Lydon 14 Levi Davis 13 Jack Tovey 12 Pat Howard 11 Reon Joseph (replaced by Craig Willis, 75 mins) 10 Steven Shingler 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Nathan Fowles, 65 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 70 mins) 2 Matt Cornish (replaced by Alun Walker, 55 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 70 mins) 4 Ben West (replaced by Sam Dickinson, 55 mins) 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Dave McKern, 75 mins) 7 Adam Korczyk 8 Rayn Smid © (replaced by Shane Buckley, 70 mins)
Replacements:
16 Alun Walker 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Sam Dickinson 20 Dave McKern 21 Nathan Fowles 22 Craig Willis 23 Shane Buckley
Scorers:
Tries: Pat Howard (11 minutes) Penalty Try (42 minutes) Kieran Murphy (46, 73 minutes) Reon Joseph (67 minutes) Alun Walker (80 minutes)
Conversions: Steven Shingler (11, 73, 80 minutes)
Bedford Blues:
15 Matt Worley 14 Ryan Hutler 13 Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas 12 Lewis Robling 11 Pat Tapley 10 Sam Leeming 9 James Lennon 1 Sean McCarthy © 2 Robbie Smith 3 Andrew Boye 4 Jordan Onojaife 5 Ed Taylor 6 Oli Curry 7 Josh Buggea 8 Huw Worthington
Replacements:
16 Charlie Clare 17 Joe Wrafter 18 Ben Wilkinson 19 Will Carrick Smith 20 Joe Atkinson 21 Connor Tupai 22 Fraser Strachan 23 Ed Coulson
Scorers:
Tries: Ryan Hutler (49 minutes)
Match Officials:
Referee: Andrew Jackson
Assistant Referees: Darryl Chapman & Gareth Holsgrove
Attendance: 780
Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 7-0 Bedford Blues
Soane’s Kitchen Man of the Match: James Cannon
Ealing Trailfinders continued their fantastic start to 2020 with a dramatic 28-24 victory over Jersey Reds at Stade Santander International.
Ben Ward’s side had to rely on a try from Elliot Millar Mills with just seven minutes remaining and then some incredible defence to secure their fifth consecutive victory.
The West Londoners played with intent from the off and set the tempo with a break in the opening minute from Jack Tovey, but after being penalised for holding on Brendan Cope kicked the hosts in to a 3-0 lead.
The response was immediate as Steven Shingler dissected the posts to level the score, and the Trailfinders then took a deserved lead with 15 minutes on the clock.
A penalty was kicked to the corner and then they went through the phases patiently until some space opened up for Rayn Smid who powered over from close range. The conversion went wide, but the visitors now had an 8-3 lead.
However just as the Trailfinders seemed to be in the ascendancy, Jersey pounced on an opportunity and wrestled themselves in front. A lineout just five metres out gave them the chance, and TJ Harris took advantage of the rolling maul to score under the posts. Cope added the extras, putting them two points ahead.
The Green and Whites were looking for another quick response but struggled to break down a resolute defence in the lead up to the break. A number of phases in the 22 looked to have brought them to within touching distance as Jordan Els carried up to the line, but then in frustrating fashion a knock on meant that the hosts survived.
Eventually Ward’s side were rewarded for their possession, as a penalty allowed Shingler to kick them 11-10 in front just before half time as they headed down the tunnel with a narrow lead.
The Trailfinders increased the intensity at the start of the second half and extended the lead straight away. Reon Joseph gathered Shingler’s kick and had Peter Lydon on the inside but we came back for an earlier infringement, allowing the Welshan to kick his third penalty of the afternoon.
Jersey then went back ahead on the 50 minute mark to the delight of the home crowd. A penalty was kicked in to the 22, and then at the breakdown Will Homer spotted a gap and strolled through under the posts. Cope’s conversion gave them a 17-14 advantage with half an hour left.
That sparked the West Londoners in to life and they started to get the upper hand through their physicality. A rip in defence from Elliot Millar Mills created space for Jack Tovey outside, but his kick through was gathered by the hosts.
A five metre lineout was then held up over the line and the visiting fans began to think it might not be their day, but the persistence paid off as Pat Howard scored on the hour. A number of carries took them up towards scoring range, and the South African picked a great line to crash over. Willis’ conversion put them four ahead, but the lead didn’t last long.
Straight from kick off the Reds gathered the ball and spun it wide, which then allowed Homer to use his searing pace and dive over the line. Cope’s conversion re-instated their three point lead.
The Trailfinders needed a moment of magic to edge back in front, and it came courtesy of Elliot Millar Mills to send the travelling fans in to raptures. Harry Sloan broke through the defence and was dragged down just short, but from the following phase an inside pass to the prop who was outstanding all afternoon meant that he could dot the ball down. Craig Willis’ crucial conversion meant that the lead was four points with five minutes remaining.
Jersey then hammered away as they looked for a winner, but the defence stayed impeccable under serious pressure. Jack Tovey’s last ditch tackle stopped a certain try, and then the forwards managed to hold up a rolling maul over the line to frustrate the hosts.
A scrum then needed a huge effort with the final play of the game, and that is exactly what the front-row delivered, allowing them to smash the ball in to the stands and confirm a memorable win on the Channel Island.
Jersey Reds:
15 Brendan Cope 14 Alex Morgan 13 Rodney Iona 12 Connor Edwards 11 Auguy Slowik 10 Arwel Robson 9 Will Homer 1 Roy Godfrey 2 TJ Harris 3 Alec Clarey 4 Liam Hallam-Eames 5 Rory Battle 6 Jake Upfield 7 Josh Bainbridge © 8 Kyle Hatherell
Replacements:
16 Nic Dolly 17 Harry Morley 18 Zei Alexis 19 Charlie Beckett 20 Conor Joyce 21 Luc Jones 22 Aaron Penberthy 23 George Spencer
Scorers:
Tries: TJ Harris (23 minutes) Will Homer (48, 64 minutes)
Conversions: Brendan Cope (23, 48, 64 minutes)
Penalties: Brendan Cope (3 minutes)
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Peter Lydon 14 Pat Howard 13 Jack Tovey 12 Harry Sloan (replaced by Levi Davis, 75 mins) 11 Reon Joseph 10 Steven Shingler (replaced by Craig Willis, 60 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Nathan Fowles, 60 mins) 1 Jordan Els (replaced by Will Davis, 60 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 65 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 77 mins) 4 Ben West 5 James Cannon (replaced by Sam Dickinson, 70 mins) 6 Shane Buckley (replaced by Adam Korczyk, 60 mins) 7 Jordy Reid 8 Rayn Smid ©
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Will Davis 18 George Davis 19 Sam Dickinson 20 Adam Korczyk 21 Nathan Fowles 22 Craig Willis 23 Levi Davis
Scorers:
Tries: Rayn Smid (13 minutes) Pat Howard (62 minutes) Elliot Millar Mills (72 minutes)
Conversions: Craig Willis (62, 72 minutes)
Penalties: Steven Shingler (7, 38, 43 minutes)
Match Officials:
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Assistant Referees: Gregory Garner & Nigel Carrick
Attendance: 1016
Half Time Score: Jersey Reds 10-11 Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing Trailfinders extended their winning run to four matches as they cruised to a 59-5 victory over Hartpury at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Ben Ward’s men crossed for nine tries in a dominant performance from minute one to 80, keeping up their perfect start to 2020. Jordy Reid and Matt Cornish both scored twice, whilst Peter Lydon, Rayn Smid, Levi Davis, Harry Sloan and a penalty try registered the points.
The Trailfinders got off to the perfect start and went in front with just two minutes on the clock. Straight from the kick off Rayn Smid and Pat Howard broke down the right wing, and then after a couple of phases the space opened up for Jordy Reid to race through the middle under the posts. Craig Willis’ first conversion of the afternoon gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.
The West Londoners were playing with real intent in the opening quarter despite playing against a challenging win, and their second try came after 15 minutes. A five metre scrum gave them the ideal platform, and Nathan Fowles picked out Peter Lydon who was able to stroll over from close range.
Try number three followed just five minutes later, and once again it came from a strong foundation at scrum-time. A powerful hit earned a penalty which was kicked to the corner and with the maul powering over the line it was brought down, giving the referee no option but to award a penalty try.
The game then started to open up in the second quarter with both teams looking to play expansively. A counter attack from the visitors saw them enter the 22, and Tiff Eden’s pass looked to have put Mike Wilcox away under the posts but a last ditch tackle from Reon Joseph managed to keep the try-line intact.
The Trailfinders got the bonus point with four minutes left of the half and extend the lead even further. Reon Joseph gathered Craig Willis’ looping pass over the top and was hauled down just inches short of the line, but from the following phase Reid was able to drive over the line for his second of the afternoon. Willis added the extras, and put his side 26-0 in front at the break.
The second half started in the same fashion as the first, and it took just 90 seconds for the Trailfinders to score. Joseph was close to gathering the restart for a walk-in, but then from the lineout they played straight from the top and space opened up for Rayn Smid to sprint under the posts. Willis’ conversion inflicted further damage on the opponents.
Matt Cornish was next to cross the line as the hosts continued to dominate in one of their most complete performances of the season. A penalty was kicked to the corner, and once again the maul drove over and allowed the hooker to dive over. The conversion from Willis brought up the 40 point mark for the Trailfinders.
Hartpury started to get some momentum as the game headed towards it’s close, and they got their first points of the afternoon with 15 minutes left. Josh Bragman grubbered deep in to the 22, and centre Robbie Smith won the race to score.
Jake Henry was then sent to the sin-bin for the visitors, and it only took a minute for the Trailfinders to take full advantage. A penalty was kicked to touch, and the maul meant that Cornish could dot the ball down for his second of the game.
Then straight from the restart a try of the season contender stunned the home supporters and broadened the smile on their faces. Willis and Steven Shingler made space in the midfield and looped a pass to debutant Levi Davis, who ran through half of the defence from 60 metres, using his searing pace to score in stunning fashion. Willis then converted from the touchline as the lead extended to 54-5.
Harry Sloan rounded off the match with the ninth try for the Trailfinders with just one minute left. The ball went loose from a scrum but it bounce up nicely for the Green and Whites straight in to the hands of Sloan who crossed for a deserved score on his return to the side, confirming a huge victory.
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Peter Lydon 14 Pat Howard 13 Jack Tovey (replaced by Steven Shingler, 70 mins) 12 Harry Sloan 11 Reon Joseph (replaced by Levi Davis, 60 mins) 10 Craig Willis 9 Nathan Fowles (replaced by Craig Hampson, 65 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 70 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 35 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 50 mins) 4 Ben West 5 James Cannon 6 Shane Buckley 7 Jordy Reid 8 Rayn Smid © (replaced by Adam Korczyk, 50 mins)
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Sam Dickinson 20 Adam Korczyk 21 Craig Hampson 22 Steven Shingler 23 Levi Davis
Scorers:
Tries: Jordy Reid (2, 36 minutes) Peter Lydon (15 minutes) Penalty Try (22 minutes) Rayn Smid (41 minutes) Matt Cornish (51, 70 minutes) Levi Davis (72 minutes) Harry Sloan (79 minutes)
Conversions: Craig Willis (2, 26, 41, 51, 70, 72 minutes)
Hartpury:
15 Mike Wilcox 14 Jacob Morris 13 Robbie Smith 12 Joe Margetts 11 Jake Henry 10 Tiff Eden 9 Harry Cochrane 1 Des Merrey 2 Will Crane © 3 Jake Armstrong 4 John Hawkins 5 Will Safe 6 Sam Graham 7 Max Clementson 8 Iain Grieve
Replacements:
16 Will Tanner 17 Harry Fry 18 Ashley Challenger 19 Harry Wilson 20 Jack Preece 21 Jack Reeves 22 Joshua Bragman 23 Luke Carter
Scorers:
Tries: Robbie Smith (65 minutes)
Yellow Card: Jake Henry
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Hudson
Assistant Referees: Lionel Spooner & William Burton
Fourth Official: Hamish Grant
Attendance: 630
Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 26-0 Hartpury
Soane’s Kitchen Man of the Match: Peter Lydon
Ealing Trailfinders continued their brilliant start to 2020 with a fantastic 42-26 bonus-point victory against local rivals London Scottish at the Athletic Ground.
The Trailfinders produced a sublime second-half performance, scoring four tries in the second 40 minutes to run away with an impressive win.
Tries from Tommy Bell, Sam Dickinson, Reon Joseph and two from Jordan Els ensured that the Green and Whites made it three wins in a row.
Ben Ward’s side looked in imperious form from the kick off and took the lead after just three minutes. The hosts fumbled Craig Willis’ kick, and straight away they were punished as from the scrum a penalty was given, and Willis dissected the posts to put his side 3-0 in front.
The Scots then looked for an immediate response and very nearly got one courtesy of Matas Juvericus. The second-rower broke the defensive line and powered towards the line, but he was eventually brought down just short and the visitors survived.
Both sides then struggled to gain the ascendancy for the remainder of the first quarter with handling errors proving costly, however the Trailfinders pounced on an error to extend their advantage. Jordan Burns’ box kick bounced up to Jordy Reid who looked to be clear, but the referee came back for an early penalty which Willis kicked to make it 6-0.
That kick then brought the game to life, and Scottish opened their account on the 25 minute mark. They entered the 22 and a loose grubber bounced perfectly for scrum-half Josh Barton who was able to dive over the line. Harry Sheppard’s conversion then put the hosts ahead for the first time in the match.
Willis then kicked his third penalty to edge the Trailfinders ahead once again, but it wouldn’t last long as Scottish scored with five minutes of the first half remaining, in a frantic ending to the opening 40 minutes.
Sheppard saw some space in behind and kicked in to the 22, and again the ball bounced up in favour of the hosts, this time for Bobby Beattie who stepped the final defender to score. The conversion put them 14-9 ahead, but that wouldn’t be the last of the action.
The restart was gathered straight away by Reon Joseph, and then after going through endless phases Jordan Els picked up from the base of a ruck and powered over for the second week in a row. Willis, who had his kicking boots on all evening kicked the conversion to give the Green and Whites a 16-14 lead at half time.
The Trailfinders made the perfect start to the second half as they began to pull away from the Exiles. A huge carry from Rayn Smid took his side up to the 22, and then a smart inside pass from Jordan Burns at the fringe of the ruck fooled the Scottish defence and allowed Tommy Bell to race away from outside the 22. Willis was again on the money with the conversion, extending the lead to nine points.
That start got even better just two minutes after as Jordan Els went over for his second try of the evening. Reon Joseph and Lewis Jones picked off a Scottish attack with their high defensive press and then the ball went through the forwards from deep inside the 22, with Els eventually able to cross from just one metre out. The extras were added from Willis which brought up the 30 point tally.
The try bonus point then arrived just before the hour mark to seal the victory for the Trailfinders. A five metre lineout was mauled towards the line and after falling just short Jordan Burns sniped to within touching distance, allowing Sam Dickinson to score from the next phase in the corner to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Ward’s men then looked to add further gloss to the scoreboard and went in search of try number five. It came within inches of Reon Joseph, but just as he looked to have a walk-in the final pass was behind him and bounced in to touch.
Scottish then rallied in the closing stages as they had their sights set on a try bonus point of their own, and they got their third with 10 minutes remaining. Two penalties in a row took them in to the 22, and then a wide looping pass fell in to the hands of former Ealing skipper Mark Bright who stepped his way to the line to cut the lead to 16 points.
Reon Joseph then crossed for a deserved try with five minutes left to give the Trailfinders fans even more to cheer. With advantage in the 22, Steven Shingler fizzed an outstanding 20 metre pass all the way to the winger who was there to pounce and stride over in the corner. Willis added the extras from the touchline to take the advantage up to 42-19.
The hosts did get their bonus point in the final play of the match as Craig Duncan crossed for their fourth of the evening, but that proved to be the last of the action as the referee blew the whistle to confirm a superb win for the Trailfinders.
London Scottish:
15 Luke Hibberd 14 Rob Stevenson 13 Bobby Beattie 12 Dan Barnes 11 Craig Duncan 10 Harry Sheppard 9 Josh Barton 1 Ryan Eveliegh 2 James Malcolm 3 Kyle Whyte 4 Alex Toolis 5 Matas Jurevicus 6 Luke Frost 7 Lewis Wynne © 8 Matt Eliet
Replacements:
16 Billy Harding 17 Lewis Holsey 18 Phil Cringle 19 Nodar Cheishvili 20 Mark Bright 21 Rory Brand 22 Will Magie 23 Ollie Allsopp
Scorers:
Tries: Josh Barton (24 minutes) Bobby Beattie (37 minutes) Mark Bright (68 minutes) Craig Duncan (80 minutes)
Conversions: Harry Sheppard (24, 37 minutes) Will Magie (80 minutes)
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Tommy Bell (replaced by Steven Shingler, 50 mins) 14 Elijah Niko 13 Lewis Jones 12 Pat Howard 11 Reon Joseph 10 Craig Willis 9 Jordan Burns (replaced by Nathan Fowles, 58 mins) 1 Jordan Els (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 75 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 30 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 60 mins) 4 Sam Dickinson (replaced by Ben West, 58 mins) 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Shane Buckley, 25 mins) 7 Jordy Reid (replaced by Adam Korczyk, 75 mins) 8 Rayn Smid ©
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Ben West 20 Adam Korczyk 21 Nathan Fowles 22 Steven Shingler 23 Shane Buckley
Scorers:
Tries: Jordan Els (39, 47 minutes) Tommy Bell (44 minutes) Sam Dickinson (56 minutes) Reon Joseph (74 minutes)
Conversions: Craig Willis (39, 44, 47, 74 minutes)
Penalties: Craig Willis (4, 20, 36 minutes)
Referee: Fergus Kirby
Half Time Score: London Scottish 14-16 Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing Trailfinders got their second consecutive victory in the Greene King IPA Championship after a dominant 77-26 win over Ampthill.
The West Londoners scored 11 tries in total as the attack fired in impressive fashion to give Ben Ward’s side a confidence boosting win.
The hosts got off to the perfect start and Jordan Els opened the scoring after just four minutes to give them the lead, the South African broke away from a powerful maul to dot the ball down. Steven Shingler’s conversion was the first of seven from his boot to put them 7-0 ahead.
The lead doubled with eight minutes on the clock in identical fashion, with another maul allowing Dave McKern to score. Tommy Bell then gathered Elijah Niko’s audacious offload for try number three as the Green and Whites started to pull away, playing some scintillating rugby.
Ampthill got on the scoreboard at the end of the first quarter as Henri Williams went over from close range, but that would be as good as it got for the visitors who saw three tries conceded in the remainder of the first half.
Alun Walker scored two tries in 10 minutes from rolling mauls to extend the lead to 35-7, and Pat Howard then powered over from just two metres out to give his side a 42-7 advantage at the break.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Reon Joseph scoring the try of the match to put the result beyond doubt. Steven Shingler’s cross field kick was judged to perfection, and Joseph gathered it before racing clear from 40 metres to the delight of the home crowd.
Tommy Bell then brought up the half century as he was the beneficiary of Jordy Reid’s inside pass to score under the posts for his second of the match. Ampthill crossed for their second shorty after as Sam Baker pounced on a counter attack as the game headed in to the final quarter.
Craig Hampson had a clear run to the line with an overlap on the right wing, but then Ampthill registered a deserved bonus point as Rob Langley and Sam Hanks both scored from close range.
There was still time for Lewis Jones and Matt Cornish to add more gloss to the scoreline with tries number 10 and 11. Jones gathered an offload and ran through from just inside the 22, before Cornish once again powered over from a maul to end the game in the same way it started.
That confirmed a 77-26 victory, and ensured that the Trailinders head in to next Friday’s derby at London Scottish in fine form.
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Tommy Bell 14 Elijah Niko 13 Lewis Jones 12 Pat Howard 11 Reon Joseph 10 Steven Shingler (replaced by Craig Willis, 65 mins) 9 Jordan Burns (replaced by Craig Hampson, 65 mins) 1 Jordan Els (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 40 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 50 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 60 mins) 4 Dave McKern 5 James Cannon (replaced by Ben West, 50 mins) 6 Adam Korczyk (replaced by Shane Buckley, 55 mins) 7 Jordy Reid 8 Rayn Smid © (replaced by Kieran Murphy, 65 mins)
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Jake Ellwood 18 George Davis 19 Ben West 20 Kieran Murphy 21 Craig Hampson 22 Craig Willis 23 Shane Buckley
Scorers:
Tries: Jordan Els (4 minutes) Dave McKern (7 minutes) Tommy Bell (14, 49 minutes) Alun Walker (21, 33 minutes) Pat Howard (40 minutes) Reon Joseph (46 minutes) Craig Hampson (70 minutes) Lewis Jones (79 minutes) Matt Cornish (80 minutes)
Conversions: Steven Shingler (4, 7, 14, 21, 33, 40 46, 49 minutes) Craig Willis (70, 79, 80 minutes)
Yellow Card: Pat Howard
Ampthill:
15 Karim Lynch 14 Spencer Sutherland 13 Jarryd Sage 12 Sam Hanks 11 Sam Baker 10 Louis Grimoldby © 9 Darryl Veenendaal 1 Soane Tonga’uiha 2 Dave Ward 3 Luvuyo Pupuma 4 Billy Johnson 5 Henri Williams 6 Jac Arthur 7 Joe Bercis 8 Sam Hudson
Replacements:
16 Aleki Lutui 17 Ben Christie 18 Matt Collins 19 Rob Langley 20 Facundo Dominguez 21 Leon Fukofuka 22 Serafin Bordoli 23 Kwaku Asiedu
Scorers:
Tries: Henri Williams (19 minutes) Sam Baker (50 minutes) Rob Langley (71 minutes) Sam Hanks (76 minutes)
Conversions: Louis Grimoldby (19, 71, 76 minutes)
Yellow Card: Jac Arthur
Referee: Neil Chivers
Attendance: 680
Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 42-7 Ampthill
Soane’s Kitchen Man of the Match: Reon Joseph
Ealing Trailfinders started the New Year with a hard fought win, beating Nottingham 18-10 at Lady Bay.
The West Londoners controlled the game and were deserved winners as they ground down their opponents before Reon Joseph crossed for two tries in quick succession to seal the victory.
The Trailfinders started with plenty of intent despite the tricky conditions and got straight on the front foot with just five minutes on the clock. Steven Shingler kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to give the visitors a 3-0 lead, and for the remainder of the first half there was nothing between the sides with most of the game played in the middle third.
A five metre scrum on the half hour mark gave the visitors the perfect platform to extend their advantage and after four penalties were awarded it appeared that a penalty try was inevitable, however the ball was then spun wide and Nottingham managed to escape.
Ben Ward’s side had 68% of the possession in the first half but struggled to convert that dominance in to points, and Nottingham were rewarded for their persistence in defence with a penalty just before the break, with Shane O’Leary making it 3-3 at half-time.
The Trailfinders then burst in to life in the early stages of the second half to take control of the game with two tries in four minutes from Reon Joseph.
A stolen lineout saw Jordan Els on the charge in attack, and Rayn Smid then broke through the defence and combined with Pat Howard before releasing Joseph on the left wing who used his pace to dive over in the corner. The conversion went wide, but from the restart another try was scored to give the visitors breathing space.
With possession deep in the Nottingham half, the ball went through the hands all the way to Joseph again who stepped past the defender to score again. This time the conversion from Shingler sailed through the posts, putting them 15-3 up with 25 minutes remaining.
The game then started to open up in the final quarter but the Trailfinders stuck to their game plan and despite Alun Walker going to the sin bin they kept their try-line intact.
Shingler added another penalty to edge his men further ahead, but Nottingham made it a nail-biting final 10 minutes after a length of the field try from Sean Scanlon.
With a lineout on their own line they broke and then went through the hands impressively, allowing the full-back to run clear with a try of the season contender. O’Leary’s conversion cut the deficit to eight points with as many minutes left on the clock.
Just as the hosts looked for another route back in to the match a crucial penalty allowed the Trailfinders to play the final five minutes deep in the Nottingham half. They kept the ball before Walker smashed it in to the stands, confirming a first ever win at Lady Bay and a much-needed victory to start the year in style.
Nottingham:
15 Sean Scanlon 14 David Williams 13 Will Millett 12 Luke Peters 11 Ben Foley 10 Shane O’Leary 9 Murray McConnell © 1 Aniseko Sio 2 Luke Cole 3 Ben Betts 4 Llewelyn Jones 5 Danny Qualter 6 Seb Cecil 7 Will Owen 8 Tui Uru
Replacements:
16 Jake Farnworth 17 Jamie Jack 18 Oisin Heffernan 19 Tom Holmes 20 Josh Poullet 21 Alex Dolly 22 Harrt Strong 23 Jack Spittle
Scorers:
Tries: Sean Scanlon (70 minutes)
Conversions: Shane O’Leary (70 minutes)
Penalties: Shane O’Leary (40 minutes)
Ealing Trailfinders:
15 Tommy Bell 14 Elijah Niko 13 David Johnston 12 Pat Howard 11 Reon Joseph 10 Steven Shingler 9 Craig Hampson 1 Jordan Els (replaced by Jake Ellwood, 70 mins) 2 Alun Walker 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by Craig Trenier, 68 mins) 4 Dave McKern 5 Harry Casson 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Tom Crozier, 60 mins) 7 Jordy Reid 8 Rayn Smid (c)
Replacements:
16 Tom Crozier 17 Jake Ellwood 18 Craig Trenier 19 Sam Dickinson 20 Ben West 21 Jordan Burns 22 Lewis Jones 23 Shane Buckley
Scorers:
Tries: Reon Joseph (49, 53 minutes)
Conversions: Steven Shingler (53 minutes)
Penalties: Steven Shingler (5, 63 minutes)
Yellow Card: Alun Walker
Referee: Alex Thomas
Half Time Score: Nottingham 3-3 Ealing Trailfinders
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