Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury

Ealing Trailfinders kept up their 100% start to the season with their biggest win of the campaign so far, as they swept Hartpury aside with a 75-19 victory.

The West Londoners scored 11 tries in total as they moved back to the top of the table in sensational style at Trailfinders Sports Club.

The visitors made a strong start but failed to capitalise on a big chance in the opening minutes. Simon Uzokwe’s covering tackle ensured that the defence stayed firm, and then from the following penalty a lineout steal allowed the Trailfinders to clear.

They then switched in to gear in emphatic fashion, scoring twice in as many minutes to take control of the match within the first 10 minutes.

Hartpury had a lineout on half way and looked to swing the ball wide, but James Cordy Redden saw it coming and intercepted before racing away from 50 metres to open the scoring. Craig Willis added the extras on his 50th appearance to give his side a 7-0 lead.

Immediately from kick off the second try followed, as Craig Willis and Matt Gordon combined brilliantly in the midfield to break deep in to the 22. The ball was then recycled to Max Bodilly from the next phase, who marked his return to the starting line-up with a try. Willis again added the extras as the lead was doubled.

The visitors looked to get back in the match and had a sustained period of time deep in the 22, but once again the defence held firm and then in the blink of an eye, Ward’s men had their third try.

Alun Walker and Bobby de Wee’s smart piece of play from a lineout saw them break down the wing, and then Rayn Smid carried up to the line before offloading smartly to Kieran Murphy who bundled over from close range. Willis’ conversion took the lead up to 21-0.

Matt Gordon then looked like he had scored on his first start for the club as he picked a brilliant line from the base of a lineout to run clear and dot down in acres of space, but the referee called play back for crossing and the try was disallowed.

Hartpury then sprung in to life before the break and got themselves right back in to the match with two tries.

Joshua Bragman spotted a wide pass from Craig Willis which he intercepted and ran clear from half way to score their opening points of the match, and then Will Partlington was on the shoulder of James Williams to gather his inside pass and dive under the posts. With both tries converted, the lead was all of a sudden down to seven points.

Crucially, with just one minute left of the first half Simon Uzokwe crossed for the bonus point try to give the hosts some much needed breathing space. A penalty was kicked to the corner, and despite the maul being pulled down, the back-rower had the strength to crash over from close range to get try number four. Willis kept up his 100% record from the tee, meaning the Trailfinders went down the tunnel with a 28-14 lead at the break.

Ward’s men then made the perfect start to the second half as Dave Johnston crossed just two minutes after the restart. Uzokwe made another big carry as he went to within five metres of the line, and then it went through the hands to the Irishman who could stroll over in the corner. Another brilliant conversion meant the lead went up to 21 points.

Rayn Smid then got in on the act just five minutes later as the hosts went up a gear. A quick tap from a scrum saw them enter the 22, and then Smid was on hand to race away as he bulldozed past the last two defenders to continue his try-scoring form. Willis, who was kicking brilliantly added the conversion as the Trailfinders went past the 40 point mark.

Simon Linsell came on with 20 minutes remaining and his first action was to score against his former side. Smid carried from the base of a scrum, and then found the second-rower who powered to the line to make the perfect impact. The conversion meant the advantage grew to 35.

Jordan Burns then got his customary try from the bench with 15 minutes left as the hosts continued their relentless attacking display. Bobby de Wee, who had moved to the back-row carried deep in to the 22, and then in familiar fashion the scrum-half sniped from the base of the ruck to cross for try number eight, and also to bring up the half century.

There was still time for more try-scoring action as the Trailfinders continued to show their dominance. Shaun Malton was rewarded for a dynamic display as he bundled over for try number nine. A penalty was kicked to the corner, and the maul was never going to be stopped with the backs joining for extra power, allowing the hooker to cross. Steven Shingler, who had taken on the kicking duties was successful with the conversion.

Then straight from the restart Burns scored his second, and arguably the try of the match. Max Bodilly gathered the kick off and broke straight away as he showed impressive pace, before releasing Burns who was never going to be stopped. Shingler’s second conversion was straight through the posts.

Robbie Smith crossed for Hartpury’s third try with just a minute left as he found himself in space out wide to dive over in the corner, but then the Trailfinders scored with the last play of the game to add further gloss to the scoreboard.

The kick off went deep in to the 22 and Hartpury tried to play it wide but Max Bodilly read it and plucked the ball out of the air to score his second of the afternoon. David Johnston’s conversion signalled the end of the match, and confirmed a 75-19 victory.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston 14 Angus Kernohan 13 Max Bodilly 12 Matt Gordon (replaced by Pat Howard, 50 mins) 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 60 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 60 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Kyle Whyte, 50 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 50 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by Lewis Thiede, 50 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Harry Dugmore, 70 mins) 7 Simon Uzokwe (replaced by Simon Linsell, 55 mins) 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 Kyle Whyte 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Simon Linsell 20 Harry Dugmore 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Pat Howard

Scorers:

Tries: James Cordy Redden (6 minutes) Max Bodilly (8, 80 minutes) Kieran Murphy (21 minutes) Simon Uzokwe (40 minutes) David Johnston (42 minutes) Rayn Smid (47 minutes) Simon Linsell (57 minutes) Jordan Burns (61, 73 minutes) Shaun Malton (72 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (6, 8, 21, 40, 42, 47, 57 minutes) Steven Shingler (72, 73 minutes) David Johnston (80 minutes)

Hartpury:

15 Will Partlington 14 George Simpson 13 Robbie Smith 12 James Williams 11 Ben Foley 10 Joshua Bragman 9 Will Flinn 1 Olly Adkins 2 Nick Selway 3 Shaun Knight 4 Dale Lemon (c) 5 Arthur Clark 6 Aled Ward 7 Josh Gray 8 Harry Wilson

Replacements:

16 Will Crane 17 Lewis Holsey 18 Ashley Challenger 19 Scott Russell 20 Morgan Monks 21 Calum Waters 22 Luke Eves 23 Jack Johnson

Scorers:

Tries: Joshua Bragman (26 minutes) Will Partlington (34 minutes) Robbie Smith (80 minutes)

Conversions: Joshua Bragman (26, 34 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Nick Wood

Assistant Referees: Steve Lee & Ian Bibey

Fourth Official: James Clarke

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 28-14 Hartpury

Label This Man of the Match: Max Bodilly

Coventry vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders produced a stunning second-half performance to register a mightily impressive 55-19 victory over Coventry at Butt’s Park Arena.

The West Londoners scored eight tries in total, including five in the second-half as they continued their perfect start to the season.

Fraser Strachan and James Cordy Redden both scored, whilst Rayn Smid, Will Davis and Simon Uzokwe all crossed twice on a memorable evening for Ben Ward’s men.

The Trailfinders made the best possible start, and scored their first try with less than a minute on the clock. Bobby de Wee charged down Coventry’s exit and looked as if he would make it on himself from just inside the 22, but after being tackled the ball was spun straight to Rayn Smid who strolled over from close range. Craig Willis added the conversion, putting his side 7-0 ahead as the clock went past 60 seconds.

Coventry responded perfectly, and scored two tries in quick succession to take the lead. Play opened up in the midfield with plenty of space as they played at impressive tempo, and Rob Stevenson found himself with a one-on-one in the corner, powering over the final defender to score, which was the first try against the Green and Whites this season.

Just five minutes later a string of penalties saw them kick deep in to the 22, and from the lineout they mauled over the line as Nic Dolly dotted down from the base. Tony Fenner’s touchline conversion put the hosts 12-7 ahead with 15 minutes played.

The visitors then had a huge chance to get level but a fumble at the crucial moment allowed the hosts to escape. Simon Uzokwe broke through after a powerful run and attempted an offload to Johannes Jonker who had acres of space around him, but the pass unfortunately went to ground.

Bobby de Wee was then sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle, and then the frustration increased as a rolling maul looked to be powering over but they were penalised for crossing in the act of scoring.

Both sides were matching each other with huge physicality and were trying to inch up the pitch with their kicking game in a tight first half.

Will Davis, who came on with five minutes left of the opening 40 minutes then scored a crucial try in the closing stages to bring his side level. Fraser Strachan broke off the back of a lineout and was brought down just two metres from the line, and the visitors built patiently before the proper crossed to continue his try-scoring form. The conversion came back off the post, and the sides went down the tunnel all square at 12-12 at the break.

The Trailfinders came out totally reinvigorated for the second half and took control of the match with a simply sensational spell of play which saw them pull away from their opponents.

The captain started the second half like he did the first with a try, and this time it was a brilliant individual effort. The skipper got the ball 25 metres out, and bulldozed his way over the first defence before showing his searing pace to run clear and dive under the posts. The conversion from Willis gave the visitors a seven point lead.

Just two minutes later Fraser Strachan scored for the third week in a row to secure the try bonus point. The ball comically came off Smid’s head in the air, and then fell to Elliot Millar Mills, who offloaded brilliantly and then found the centre who was able to glide over under the sticks.

Angus Kernohan was inches away from joining the party as he looked to gather Willis’ cross-field kick, but the bounce of the ball was cruel and it went dead.

Simon Uzokwe then marked his first competitive start for the club with two tries in four minutes as the Trailfinders continued to go through the gears.

A quick tap penalty took the Trailfinders just five metres out from the line, and then the powerful back-rower was never going to be stopped from close range as he rampaged over the whitewash. The extras took the lead over 20 points.

Uzokwe got his second virtually straight from the restart, as a penalty was kicked to the corner and the maul hammered to the line with the flanker the beneficiary to score again.

There was still time for plenty more action in the final quarter, as more gloss was added to the scoreboard.

Coventry scored their third from the base of a scrum as they caught the defence off guard, but the Trailfinders crossed twice in the last 10 minutes to bring up the half century.

Will Davis went over for his second as his scoring run continued. New signing Matt Gordon crashed through four tackles as he got over the gain line, and then the prop was able to stretch to the line from the next phase.

Steven Shingler landed a monstrous penalty with two minutes left as his right boot dissected the posts from 45 metres out, and then James Cordy Redden scored a brilliant individual try with the final play of the match.

Turnover ball saw the visitors on the counter, and the winger was released one-on-one with 50 metres ahead of him, and he showed impressive pace to beat the final man and sign off the victory in great style.

Shingler’s touchline conversion signalled an end to the match, and concluded their best performance of the season so far with a 55-19 victory.

Coventry:

15 Louis Brown 14 Rob Stevenson 13 Andy Forsyth 12 Will Owen 11 Louis James 10 Tony Fenner 9 Pete White 1 Toby Trinder 2 Nic Dolly 3 Phil Boulton 4 Nile Dacres 5 Cameron Jordan 6 Sam Lewis 7 Ben Nutley 8 Ryan Burrows (c)

Replacements:

16 Suva Ma’asi 17 Luc Jeannot 18 Alex Gibson 19 Adam Peters 20 Senitiki Nayalo 21 Joe Snow 22 Kieran Wilkinson 23 Rob Knox

Scorers:

Tries: Rob Stevenson (6 minutes) Nic Dolly (12 minutes) (70 minutes)

Conversions: Tony Fenner (12, 70 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Angus Kernohan 13 David Johnston 12 Fraser Strachan (replaced by Matt Gordon, 70 mins) 11 James Cordy Redden (replaced by Shaun Malton, 65 mins) 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 70 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Buns, 75 mins) 1 Kyle Whyte (replaced by Will Davis, 35 mins) 2 Alun Walker 3 Johannes Jonker (replaced by Elliot Millar Mills, 35 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee (replaced by Ben West, 75 mins) 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Simon Uzokwe (replaced by Guy Thompson, 65 mins) 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 Will Davis 18 Elliot Millar Mills 19 Ben West 20 Guy Thompson 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Matt Gordon

Scorers:

Tries: Rayn Smid (1, 44 minute) Will Davis (39, 74 minutes) Fraser Strachan (47 minutes) Simon Uzokwe (54, 58 minutes) James Cordy Redden (79 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (1, 44, 47, 54 minutes) Steven Shingler (79 minutes)

Penalties: Steven Shingler (77 minutes)

Yellow Card: Bobby de Wee (22 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Alex Thomas

Assistant Referees: Steve Lee & Simon Park

Fourth Official: Carl Adams

Half Time Score: Coventry 12-12 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders vs Ampthill

Ealing Trailfinders continued their perfect start to the new Greene King IPA Championship season as they registered a convincing 54-6 bonus-point victory over Ampthill at Trailfinders Sports Club.

The Green and Whites scored eight tries in a performance full of intensity from start to finish as they made it two wins from two so far in the league.

Shaun Malton, Angus Kernohan, Lewis Thiede, Fraser Strachan, Jordan Burns and Will Davis all crossed the line as well as Captain Rayn Smid who scored a double.

The West Londoners started at incredible intensity and scored their first try with just five minutes on the clock. Kyle Whyte was adamant that he had driven over but he was held up, and from the next tap and go captain Rayn Smid bundled his way to the line from just three metres out to mark his 100th appearance with a try. Craig Willis added the conversion, putting his side 7-0 ahead.

Ampthill looked for an immediate response and kicked a penalty deep in to the Trailfinders territory, but the maul defence held firm and gave the forwards a huge boost.

The visitors grew in to the game and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening quarter. Josh Hallett’s break in the midfield created space on the wing for Alex Humfrey but the pass was slightly behind him and the defence got back to cover.

Aleki Lutui then smashed his way to the line from the next phase, but some more outstanding defence ensured he was held up and then Willis cleared.

Craig Hampson then broke and kicked deep in to the Ampthill 22 as the hosts looked to build some momentum, which very nearly paid off. The visitors overthrew their lineout and Guy Thompson gathered, but in the act of scoring the ball went forward which meant that the chance disappeared.

The pressure paid off just before the 30 minute mark, as the Trailfinders crossed for their second try. A penalty was kicked to within 10 metres of the line, and the maul, which had half of the back-line join was too powerful as it thundered over. Shaun Malton was at the base of it to score, as the lead grew to 12-0.

James Cordy Redden then thought he had crossed for the third, but just as he had dotted down play was brought back for an earlier infringement. Luke Daniels and Angus Kernohan combined brilliantly down the wing on the counter attack, and Cordy Redden support line saw him power over, but the hosts were penalised at the breakdown from the previous phase and it was disallowed.

Russell Bennett got Ampthill on the scoreboard from a penalty in front of the posts with five minutes left of the first half, but then a sensational try from Angus Kernohan put the hosts in control of the match.

Luke Daniels gathered a high ball on half way and released the Irishman with 35 metres ahead of him, but he danced his way past the last two defenders before acrobatically finishing for a memorable try. Willis’ impressive touchline conversion put his side 19-3 ahead.

Bennett kicked another penalty with the final play of the half, as the Trailfinders went down the tunnel with a 19-6 lead at the break.

Ward’s men then started the second half in electric fashion, scoring surely one of the tries of the season just two minutes after the restart to get the bonus point.

Kernohan and David Johnston broke through from inside their own half, and released Guy Thompson who carried deep in to the 22. The ball was then spun wide to Smid who offloaded audaciously inside to Lewis Thiede who could dive over from close range to the delight of the coaches. Willis converted from the touchline as the lead grew to 26-6.

Ampthill went in search of their first try of the match as the rain came in, but the next phase then personified the Trailfinders’ work rate. A knock on allowed Daniels to smash clear, and then four players were on hand at the opposite end of the pitch to force a penalty. From the maul the Green and Whites were held up, but the intensity continued.

Fraser Strachan then went over for try number five as Ward’s side continued to impress. Willis fizzed a pass over the top to Kernohan who looked to have scored, but the pass went forward so the referee came back for a penalty. That was then quick tapped, and Strachan carried over from just inches out to take the hosts over the 30 point mark. Willis’ conversion extended the lead to 27 points as the coaches then looked to the bench.

It got even better for the Trailfinders with 10 minutes left as Jordan Burns scored a trademark try in the closing stages. James Cordy Redden’s acrobatic gather in the air set the tempo, and then from the next phase Burns was on hand to race clear from 20 metres out. Steven Shingler’s conversion brought up 40 points for the hosts.

Smid scored his second with five minutes remaining as the Trailfinders kept adding more gloss to the scoreboard. Ampthill had possession but the skipper read the play and intercepted with 30 metres ahead of him. He had to juggle the ball and showed impressive balance to stay up, but then strolled through for another score.

Will Davis then made it the perfect day with the final play of the match to bring up the half century on his 100th appearance. A scrum deep in the 22 gave them the platform, and then the loosehead powered over to seal the win. Shingler’s conversion ended proceedings, to confirm a huge 54-6 victory.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Angus Kernohan 13 David Johnston 12 Fraser Strachan 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 65 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 65 mins) 1 Kyle Whyte (replaced by Will Davis, 60 mins) 2 Shaun Malton (replaced by Alun Walker, 50 mins) 3 Lewis Thiede (replaced by Johannes Jonker, 50 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee (replaced by Barney Maddison, 55 mins) 5 Simon Linsell 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Shane Buckley, 65 mins) 7 Guy Thompson (replaced by Simon Uzokwe, 60 mins) 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Alun Walker 17 Will Davis 18 Johannes Jonker 19 Barney Maddison 20 Simon Uzokwe 21 Shane Buckley 22 Jordan Burns 23 Steven Shingler

Scorers:

Tries: Rayn Smid (5, 75 minutes) Shaun Malton (26 minutes) Angus Kernohan (37 minutes) Lewis Thiede (42 minutes) Fraser Strachan (62 minutes) Jordan Burns (70 minutes) Will Davis (80 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (5, 37, 42, 62 minutes) Steven Shingler (70, 75, 80 minutes)

Ampthill:

15 Tom Hudson 14 Will Brown 13 Joe Roberts 12 Josh Hallett 11 Tom Stileman 10 Russell Bennett 9 Jonny Law 1 James Flynn 2 Dave Ward (c) 3 Aleki Lutui 4 Charlie Beckett 5 Llewelyn Jones 6 Alex Humfrey 7 Austin Wallis 8 Devante Onojaife

Replacements:

16 Corey Lewis 17 Jamie Jack 18 Matt Collins 19 Billy Johnson 20 Suvwe Obano 21 Matt Marsh 22 Louis Grimoldby 23 Jeremy To’a

Scorers:

Penalties: Russell Bennett (35, 40 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Dean Richards

Assistant Referees: Nick Wood & Simon Adams

Fourth Official: James Clarke

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 19-6 Ampthill

Label This Man of the Match: Angus Kernohan

Nottingham vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders made the perfect start to the new Greene King IPA Championship season as they recorded a thunderous 52-3 victory over Nottingham at Lady Bay.

Ben Ward’s men scored eight tries in total in a dominant display to register a bonus point win on the opening day of the campaign.

Guy Thompson, Fraser Strachan, Angus Kernohan and Harry Casson all crossed the line whilst Alun Walker and Craig Hampson both scored twice in a memorable victory.

A relentless first half display gave them the platform to secure the win, as they had the four-try bonus point wrapped up in the opening 35 minutes.

Ward’s side came flying out of the blocks and Jack Tovey was inches from scoring inside three minutes. The centre picked a great line in the midfield and it looked like he had the pace to cruise over, but a last ditch tap tackle meant it remained scoreless.

They didn’t have to wait long though for the opening try, as Guy Thompson scored four minutes later. With possession on the half way line, a fizzed pass created an overlap on the left hand side, and the back-rower dummied past the final defender before racing clear from 25 metres to dive over the line. Craig Willis’ impressive conversion but his side 7-0 ahead.

Nottingham then got on the scoreboard as Alex Dolly kicked a penalty from in front of the posts, but the West Londoners them dominated the rest of the first half to pull away from their opponents.

A sequence of penalties took them to within 10 metres of the try-line, and then in trademark fashion Alun Walker pounced at the back of the rolling maul to open his account for the season and extend the lead to nine points.

The hosts were then looking for a way back in to the match, but their ambition caught them out as Craig Hampson sniffed out an interception on the half way line and he couldn’t be caught to dot down under the posts. Willis added the extras, giving the visitors a 19-3 lead with 25 minutes on the clock.

The bonus point then came five minutes before half time as Fraser Strachan stepped his way to the line. Sustained pressure in the 22 meant that the Green and Whites were edging closer, before Willis’ powerful pass gave Strachan the perfect timing and he wouldn’t be stopped from 10 metres out. The conversion gave the Trailfinders a 26-3 lead as half time approached.

A big carry from James Cordy Redden on the wing nearly set Strachan up for his second try in the last play of the half, but he was penalised for holding on and Ward’s men headed down the tunnel with a convincing lead after a highly encouraging opening 40 minutes at Lady Bay.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first, with the Trailfinders enjoying the majority of possession. A penalty was kicked in to the 22, and then after a few phases Alun Walker carried and had too much power for the Nottingham defence. The conversion meant the lead was now up to 30 points.

The bench was then emptied for the final quarter, and to the delight of the coaches the intensity went up a level as the performance continued to improve.

Angus Kernohan’s brilliant individual finish on the right wing secured try number six on the hour. The ball was spun wide to the former Ulsterman, and he bumped his way over two scrambling defenders before diving in the corner to score.

It kept getting better for the Trailfinders, and they scored again just five minutes later as Hampson crossed for his second. Harry Casson picked an outstanding line in the midfield and looked as if he would score himself, but he popped it up to the scrum-half who could dive over from close range. Steven Shingler added the extras to take the lead above 40.

There was still time for one more try before the end, and Casson got a deserved try with just five minutes left to round off the win in style. Again he found himself in space after an aggressive carry, and this time he had no defenders in front of him as he sprinted to the line from 15 metres out to score a very popular try amongst the squad. Shingler’s conversion confirmed a monstrous 52-3 victory, and gave the West Londoners a mightily impressive start.

They welcome Ampthill to Trailfinders Sports Club next Saturday for Round Two, and will be looking for more of the same as they aim to build on a fantastic start.

Nottingham:

15 Jack Stapley 14 Joe Carpenter 13 Will Millett 12 Joe Bedlow 11 Joe Browning 10 Tom Curtis 9 Alex Dolly 1 Toby Williams 2 Jake Farnworth 3 Karl Garside 4 Jac Price 5 Luke Frost 6 Kieran Curran 7 Carl Kirwan 8 Jordan Coghlan

Replacements:

16 Aniseko Sio 17 Shaun Evans 18 Harri O’Connor 19 Jack Ramshaw 20 Willie Ryan 21 Josh Poullet 22 Michael Stronge 23 Charlie Thacker

Scorers:

Penalties: Alex Dolly (10 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston (replaced by Luke Daniels, 65 mins) 14 Angus Kernohan 13 Jack Tovey 12 Fraser Strachan 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 60 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 70 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Kyle Whyte, 48 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 48 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by Johannes Jonker, 48 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee 5 James Cannon (replaced by Harry Casson, 55 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Guy Thompson 8 Rayn Smid (c) (replaced by Shane Buckley, 65 mins)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 Kyle Whyte 18 Johannes Jonker 19 Harry Casson 20 Shane Buckley 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Luke Daniels

Scorers:

Tries: Guy Thompson (7 minutes) Alun Walker (16, 47 minutes) Craig Hampson (25, 65 minutes) Fraser Strachan (35 minutes) Angus Kernohan (60 minutes) Harry Casson (73 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (7, 25, 35, 47 minutes) Steven Shingler (65, 73 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Jake Makepeace

Assistant Referees: Nick Wood & Lionel Spooner

Fourth Official: Tim Allatt

Half Time Score: Nottingham 3-26 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders vs Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders ended their Trailfinders Challenge Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a 40-20 victory over Doncaster Knights.

The Green and Whites scored six tries to ensure that they finished the tournament with four wins from four, and also enjoyed the trophy celebration after the match.

David Johnston, Steven Shingler and James Cannon all crossed the line, but Guy Thompson took the headlines after scoring a hat-trick in an impressive performance.

Ben Ward’s side took the lead with only seven minutes on the clock as they came flying out of the blocks with a try from David Johnston. Jack Tovey, who was back in the starting line-up for the first time in 12 months made a break in the midfield and then from the following phase the ball was spun straight to the Irishman who could stroll over from close range. Steven Shingler added the first of five conversions on an excellent day from the tee.

Former Trailfinder Sam Olver hit straight back for the Knights as they got off the mark with a penalty, but it was the hosts who would continue to dominate the early proceedings and the second try came just before the 20 minute mark.

A penalty was kicked to the corner, and then from the formidable rolling maul Guy Thompson was at the base to score his first of the match. Shingler’s conversion gave his side a 14-3 lead.

Doncaster then enjoyed plenty of possession for the remainder of the half and got their rewards after half an hour as they got their first try of the match.

A succession of penalties saw Will Davis sent to the sin-bin, and then from a five metre lineout George Roberts drove over. Olver’s conversion cut their deficit to just four points.

Both sides had counter attack opportunities in the closing stages of the first half, but neither were able to capitalise, meaning the Trailfinders went down the tunnel at the break with a 14-10 lead.

The hosts made the perfect start to the second half and took the game away from the Knights in the third quarter.

An early penalty was hammered in to the visitors’ 22, and with the maul rumbling towards the line all the backs got involved which made it impossible to stop, and Shingler was able to break away to dive gratefully over the line. He converted his own try which saw the lead grow to 21-10.

Bobby de Wee then became the second Trailfinder to get a yellow card as he was penalised for a deliberate knock on, and as a result Olver kicked another penalty as the Knights looked to chip away at the lead.

The result was put beyond doubt just before the hour mark as Thompson went over for the bonus-point try. Angus Kernohan went within inches of the line but was unable to stretch for the whitewash, however Thompson was next to gather the ball and took full advantage. Another Shingler conversion in the strong wind took the advantage up to 15 points.

James Cannon was next to get in on the act with 10 minutes remaining for try number five. Craig Hampson went on a trademark snipe at the base of the ruck and went close to scoring himself, but then the second-rower stretched over to score a deserved try as the scoreline got some gloss added to it.

A long stoppage then brought the game to a halt, but it sparked in to life in the closing stages with both teams scoring late tries.

Kyle Evans raced clear for the Knights from long range to dive under the posts, but Guy Thompson then completed his hat-trick with the final play of the match from the base of a maul to conclude another very promising day for the men in Green and White.

Shingler’s conversion ended the game and confirmed a 40-20 victory, which was followed by a well deserved trophy lift after a memorable Trailfinders Challenge Cup.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston 14 Luke Daniels (replaced by James Cordy Redden, 65 mins) 13 Jack Tovey 12 Pat Howard (replaced by Craig Willis, 75 mins) 11 Angus Kernohan 10 Steven Shingler 9 Craig Hampson 1 Will Davis 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 60mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by Harry Seward, 60 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee (replaced by Ben West, 70 mins) 5 James Cannon 6 Adam Korczyk 7 Guy Thompson 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 George Davis 18 Harry Seward 19 Ben West 20 Kieran Murphy 21 Jordan Burns 22 Craig Willis 23 James Cordy Redden

Scorers:

Tries: David Johnston (7 minutes) Guy Thompson (17, 59, 80 minutes) Steven Shingler (43 minutes) James Cannon (67 minutes)

Conversions: Steven Shingler (7, 17, 43, 59, 80 minutes)

Yellow Cards: Will Davis, Bobby de Wee

Doncaster Knights:

15 Tom Bacon 14 Kyle Evans 13 Harry Strong 12 Mark Best 11 Howard Packman 10 Sam Olver 9 James Mitchell 1 Robin Hislop (c) 2 George Roberts 3 Joe Jones 4 Matt Challinor 5 Jerry Sexton 6 Conor Joyce 7 Sam Graham 8 Guido Volpi

Replacements:

16 Conrad Cade 17 Will Holling 18 Gaz Denman 19 Matt Smith 20 John Kelly 21 Sam Pocklington 22 Billy McBryde 23 Charlie Foley

Scorers:

Tries: George Roberts (30 minutes) Kyle Evans (80 minutes)

Conversions: Sam Olver (30, 80 minutes)

Penalties: Sam Olver (10, 51 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Sara Cox

Assistant Referees: Robert Warburton & Gareth Holsgrove

Fourth Official: Nikki O’Donnell

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 14-10 Doncaster Knights

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Guy Thompson

Saracens vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders produced a stunning performance at StoneX Stadium to beat Saracens 39-26 in emphatic fashion.

Ben Ward’s side scored five tries en route to one of the best results in the club’s history as they left North London with a win that showed the remarkable progression that the team has made this year.

The win means that if the Green and Whites beat Doncaster Knights in a fortnight they will lift the inaugural Trailfinders Challenge Cup.

Saracens got off to the perfect start and took the lead with just four minutes on the clock. A box kick caused the Trailfinders back-line huge problems, and popped up in to the hands of the centre who had a clear run to the line. Tom Whiteley’s conversion gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.

The Green and Whites then started to grow in to the game and went within inches of opening their account. Dave Johnston broke down-field and then Kyle Whyte carried up to the line but was turned over in the act of scoring. From the following phase a penalty was awarded, and Craig Willis cut the deficit to four points courtesy of his right boot.

Then almost straight from the restart Morris scored his second as Saracens extended their lead. Once again a high box kick was proving difficult to gather, and the ball was spun to him to dive in the corner. The conversion was wide, but they now had a 12-3 advantage.

From then on the Trailfinders dominated the rest of the first half and were well worthy of their lead at the break.

Luke Daniels gathered a cross-field kick and from the next phase Craig Hampson tried to snipe down the short side, but was dragged in to touch.

The pressure was building, and it paid off just before the 30 minute mark as Rayn Smid powered over the line. Pat Howard’s thunderous carry took play within five metres, and the skipper then carried from the base of the ruck and was never going to be stopped from such close range. Willis’ conversion cut the lead to just two points.

Ward’s men then went in front before half time as Will Davis scored for the second week in a row. A penalty was kicked to the corner and the Trailfinders stayed patient by going from side to side, before the prop carried and bundled over in the corner. The conversion went wide, but the Green and Whites now had a 15-12 lead.

Willis had the chance to extend the advantage on the stroke of half time from the tee, but the wind dragged the kick wide and the teams went down the tunnel after a ferocious 40 minutes at StoneX Stadium.

Saracens came out firing in the early stages of the second half and took back the ascendancy of the match. Whiteley missed a penalty almost immediately after the restart, but then from the 22 drop out Rotimi Segun scored a long-range try as they went in front. A break in the wide channels allowed them to draw in the final defender, and then released the winger who sprinted clear. The conversion put the hosts 19-15 ahead.

Dean Hammond then scored a sensational individual try as the Trailfinders went ahead again. From a scrum on half way Craig Hampson spun it to the South African who had four defenders in front of him, and somehow stepped his way through them before putting on the afterburners and sprinting clear to spark wild celebrations on the bench. Willis then converted the try as the visitors went 22-19 in front.

It got even better for the Trailfinders with 15 minutes remaining as they scored their bonus point try. Saracens had a scrum on their own line but the visitors were awarded a penalty. They took it quickly and Pat Howard’s physical carry was too much for the defence as he smashed his way to the line. Willis again added the extras as the lead was extended to 10 points.

More pressure followed and Willis was given another opportunity from the tee, which he made no mistake with as the lead went up to 32-19.

Guy Thompson rounded off the scoring for the visitors as they turned it in to an emphatic victory. The trusted rolling maul was motoring towards the line, and the flanker was at the base to dot down for try number five. Willis’ touchline conversion put his side 20 points ahead.

Kapeli Pifeleti got a consolation try for the hosts as they went over in the final minute to secure a try bonus point, but the day belonged to the Trailfinders who registered a remarkable win to take control of the Trailfinders Challenge Cup.

Saracens:

15 Elliott Obatoyinbo 14 Ben Harris 13 Dom Morris 12 Harry Sloan 11 Rotimi Segun 10 Tom Whiteley 9 Aled Davies 1 Richard Barrington 2 Tom Woolstencroft (c) 3 Vincent Koch 4 Joel Kpoku 5 Callum Hunter-Hill 6 Mike Rhodes 7 Ollie Stonham 8 Janco Venter

Replacements:

16 Kapeli Pifeleti 17 Eroni Mawi 18 Alec Clarey 19 Ethan Benson 20 Toby Knight 21 Alex Day 22 Will Hooley 23 Duncan Taylor

Scorers:

Tries: Dom Morris (4, 16 minutes) Rotimi Segun (43 minutes) Kapeli Pifeleti (79 minutes)

Conversions: Tom Whiteley (4, 43, 79 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston 14 Luke Daniels (replaced by Jordan Burns, 75 mins) 13 Fraser Strachan 12 Pat Howard 11 Dean Hammond (replaced by Jack Tovey, 55 mins) 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 754 mins) 9 Craig Hampson 1 Will Davis 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 40 mins) 3 Kyle Whyte (replaced by Harry Seward, 75 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee (replaced by Shane Buckley, 75 mins) 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Guy Thompson, 60 mins) 7 Adam Korczyk 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 George Davis 18 Harry Seward 19 Shane Buckley 20 Guy Thompson 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Jack Tovey

Scorers:

Tries: Rayn Smid (24 minutes) Will Davis (36 minutes) Dean Hammond (51 minutes) Pat Howard (64 minutes) Guy Thompson (76 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (24, 51, 64, 76 minutes)

Penalties: Craig Willis (14, 69 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Mike Hudson

Assistant Referees: Clare Daniels & Simon Adams

Fourth Official: Anthony Woodthorpe

Half Time Score: Saracens 12-15 Ealing Trailfinders:

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Rayn Smid

Doncaster Knights vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders made it two wins from two in the Trailfinders Challenge Cup after an impressive 46-26 victory over Doncaster Knights at Castle Park.

Ben Ward’s side scored seven tries in total and dominated throughout, with James Cordy Redden, Will Davis, Bobby de Wee, Guy Thompson, Craig Hampson, David Johnston and Dean Hammond all crossing the try-line.

Despite the convincing victory, it was the Knights who started strongly and took the lead after just four minutes. The Trailfinders were on the attack but a fumble allowed Tom Bacon to grab the ball and race away from 80 metres out to dive under the posts. Sam Olver’s conversion gave the hosts a 7-0 advantage.

That seemed to galvanise the West Londoners, who went up a level for the remainder of the first half as they took control of the match.

James Cordy Redden marked his return to the starting line-up with a try to get the visitors off the mark with 15 minutes played. Luke Daniels carried to within five metres, and then an overlap on the shortside saw the ball go through the hands quickly to the winger who finished acrobatically in the corner. Craig Willis’ touchline conversion brought his side level.

Will Davis then gave the Trailfinders the lead with a brilliant individual try. The loosehead prop gathered the ball just inside the 22 and bulldozed past his opposite number before showing a turn of pace to stretch to the line. Willis added the extras for a seven point lead.

Bobby de Wee then scored his first try for the club just before the half hour mark as the lead continued to increase. A penalty was kicked to the corner and then from just five metres out the rolling maul powered over with the South African the beneficiary.

Guy Thompson then got the bonus point try before the break from another rolling maul. The set-piece was giving the Trailfinders the ideal platform, and now it was the flanker’s turn to cross the whitewash from close range as the visitors flexed their muscles. Willis’ conversion meant the lead was up to 19, and there was still time for one more try as we approached half time.

In the final play, Mitchell attempted to kick the ball in to touch but Craig Hampson read it and charged it down, with the ball bouncing up perfectly for the scrum-half who could stroll over the line. The conversion from Willis meant that the Green and Whites headed down the tunnel with a 33-7 lead.

Doncaster rallied at the start of the second-half and scored twice in the opening 10 minutes to get themselves back in to the match.

Kyle Evans gathered a cross-field kick to score in the corner, and then Will Holling went over from a rolling maul as the lead was cut to 12 points with 30 minutes remaining.

The Trailfinders then responded brilliantly with a sensational try from David Johnston. Cordy Redden broke through the middle and then Steven Shingler’s inch-perfect kick found the Irishman in the corner who timed his turn to perfection and slid over to score.

Ben Ward then made a large number of replacements as the squad got some much-needed game-time and aimed to see out the final quarter.

Doncaster then got a deserved bonus point on the hour mark as Aaron Reed scored their fourth try. The winger got the ball in open play with 25 metres ahead of him and raced away to show his pace against a tiring defence.

That try meant the lead was down to 12 points, but Steven Shingler then smashed a close-range penalty through the posts to move the gap over two converted tries.

Dean Hammond then rounded off the scoring with a fantastic try to cap a memorable away performance. Pat Howard broke through the defence and stormed in to the 22, before offloading to the winger who slid over despite a last ditch tackle.

Shingler then smashed the ball off the park as the visitors signalled their intent ahead of the trip to Saracens next Saturday in the next round.

Doncaster Knights:

15 Tom Bacon 14 Kyle Evans 13 Charlie Foley 12 Mark Best 11 Aaron Reed 10 Sam Olver 9 James Mitchell 1 Conrad Cade 2 Will Holling 3 Joe Jones 4 Matt Challinor (c) 5 Matt Smith 6 Will Britton 7 Sam Graham 8 Guido Volpi

Replacements:

16 Josh Pieterse 17 George Roberts 18 Andrew Foster 19 John Kelly 20 Jack Davies 21 Gus Warr 22 Billy McBryde 23 Harry Strong

Scorers:

Tries: Tom Bacon (4 minutes) Kyle Evans (44 minutes) Will Holling (50 minutes) Aaron Reed (60 minutes)

Conversions: Sam Olver (4, 44. 50 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 James Cordy Redden 13 David Johnston 12 Pat Howard (replaced by Fraser Strachan, 75 mins) 11 Dean Hammond 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 50 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 65 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Elliot Chilvers, 70 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 50 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 15 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee 5 Ben West (replaced by Abongile Nonkontwana (60 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Adam Korczyk, 50 mins) 7 Guy Thompson 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 Elliot Chilvers 18 George Davis 19 Abongile Nonkontwana 20 Adam Korczyk 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Fraser Strachan

Scorers:

Tries: James Cordy Redden (15 minutes) Will Davis (20 minutes) Bobby de Wee (28 minutes) Guy Thompson (33 minutes) Craig Hampson (40 minutes) David Johnston (52 minutes) Dean Hammond (74 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (15, 20, 33 minutes)

Penalties: Steven Shingler (65 minutes)

Referee: Hamish Smales

Half Time Score: Doncaster Knights 7-33 Ealing Trailfinders

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Craig Hampson

Ealing Trailfinders vs Saracens

Ealing Trailfinders made an incredible start to the Trailfinders Challenge Cup with a memorable 27-26 victory over Saracens in Round One.

The Green and Whites relied on a phenomenal second half, with Alun Walker scoring twice in a man-of-the-match performance to secure the win.

Craig Willis gave the Trailfinders the perfect start, with a penalty after just two minutes to give his side an early advantage, however almost immediately that was cancelled out as Will Hooley dissected the posts to make it 3-3 in the early stages.

The West Londoners were enjoying plenty of possession and took a deserved lead with 10 minutes gone. Craig Hampson dummied from the base of a lineout and went within five metres of the line, so the ball was spun wide immediately and Angus Kernohan was there to dive over in the corner, once again highlighting his impressive start at his new club. Willis added the conversion from the touchline as the Trailfinders went 10-3 ahead.

Hooley then cut the lead to just a point with two penalties in quick succession before Willis punched his side four ahead with another penalty, but the visitors then took the lead ahead of half time with a try from Elliott Obatoyinbo.

The three-time European Champions had sustained pressure in the 22, and then the flying full-back found space which enabled him to step to the line.

That gave Saracens a 14-13 advantage, but the Trailfinders refused to lie down as half time approached and came close to scoring twice.

Pat Howard was held up over the line after smashing his way through the defence, and then Dean Hammond had a one on one in the corner but in the process of offloading the ball trickled in to touch, so it was the visitors that had a one point lead at the break.

Ben Ward’s men started the second half with great intensity and dominated territory as they looked to regain control of the match.

A string of penalties resulted in a five metre lineout on 55 minutes, and that proved to be the turning point as Alun Walker went powering over from close range to mark his return to the side with a try. Willis’ conversion again from the touchline sailed through the posts to put the hosts 20-14 ahead.

Saracens however came back strongly and went close to scoring, only to knock on in the process of placing the ball over the line which gave the Green and Whites a huge sigh of relief.

They did get over the line at their next opportunity, as Kapeli Pifeleti drove over from a maul, but crucially the conversion went narrowly wide so the Trailfinders still held a one point lead.

The result was then put beyond doubt with just five minutes left, as a period of numerous penalties in the 22 meant that Saracens were reduced to 14 with a yellow card, and Ward’s side capitalised with their third try.

A five metre lineout meant that once again it was Alun Walker who found himself at the back of the maul to cap a fantastic individual performance with a brace, and spark celebrations from the squad. Willis’ conversion importantly meant that the lead was beyond a converted try.

Saracens scored with the final play of the match as Tom Woolstencroft was the beneficiary of a break from Tom Whiteley to secure a losing bonus-point for them, but the day belonged to Ealing Trailfinders who marked their return to competitive rugby with a hugely significant win.

Round Two of the Trailfinders Challenge Cup sees Doncaster Knights host Saracens next Saturday, before the Trailfinders make the trip to Castle Park on Saturday 30th January for their next assignment.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston 14 Angus Kernohan 13 Fraser Strachan 12 Pat Howard 11 Dean Hammond 10 Craig Willis 9 Craig Hampson 1 Kyle Whyte (replaced by Will Davis, 20 mins) 2 Alun Walker 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by George Davis, 75 mins) 4 Bobby De Wee 5 Simon Linsell 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Adam Korczyk 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Michael Van Vuuren 17 Will Davis 18 George Davis 19 Ben West 20 Shane Buckley 21 Guy Thompson 22 Jordan Burns 23 Steven Shingler

Scorers:

Tries: Angus Kernohan (9 minutes) Alun Walker (56, 77 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (9, 56 minutes)

Penalties: Craig Willis (2, 30 minutes)

Saracens:

15 Elliott Obatoyinbo 14 Ben Harris 13 Dom Morris 12 Duncan Taylor 11 Rotimi Segun 10 Will Hooley 9 Aled Davies 1 Eroni Mawi 2 Tom Woolstencroft (c) 3 Vincent Koch 4 Jon Kpoku 5 Ollie Stonham 6 Janco Venter 7 Andy Christie 8 Billy Vunipola

Replacements:

16 Kapeli Pifeleti 17 Sam Crean 18 Josh Ibaunokpe 19 Llewelyn Jones 20 Callum Hunter-Hill 21 Tom Whiteley 22 Harry Sloan 23 Charlie Watson

Scorers:

Tries: Elliot Obatoyinbo (35 minutes) Kapeli Pifeletei (65 minutes) Tom Woolstencroft (80 minutes)

Conversions: Will Hooley (80 minutes)

Penalties: Will Hooley (4, 19, 25 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Jack Makepeace

Assistant Referees: Dean Richards & Mike Hudson

Fourth Official: George Selwood

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 13-14 Saracens

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Alun Walker

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