Jersey Reds vs Ealing Trailfinders

 

Ealing Trailfinders headed over to the Channel Islands on Saturday afternoon, fighting through Storm Eunice to pick up a vital win on the road in their quest to lift the Championship trophy at the end of the season.

In a whirlwind opening to the game, Jersey’s kick-off hit into the wind found touch, a Trailfinders scrum would follow, and a huge first set-piece saw the men in black and orange win the penalty. Craig Willis stepped up with his first kick of the game to put the away side 3 points up with less than 2 minutes on the clock.

Ten minutes later, the lead was doubled, once again points added through the boot of Willis, Jersey this time penalised for not rolling away at the halfway line.

With Trailfinders looking to use the first half advantage of the strong wind behind their back, chances came and went, but the momentum was growing.

That was until Jersey managed to work their way upfield and into a position to go for the corner for the first time of the game. After two attempts, Reds Prop Roy Godfrey finally dotted down within the rolling maul from the lineout.

The travelling side were soon piling the pressure back on, though, when from the restart, Jersey fumbled the ball into touch, allowing Trailfinders a free shot at a line out at their 22 metre. Jersey would subsequently concede a penalty at the breakdown allowing Willis to make it three from three and extend the visitors lead.

The islanders would have the final say of the first half, though, when whilst trying to exit the backfield, Craig Hampson’s pass to David Johnston was intercepted by Jordon Holgate, who raced away to score his sides second try and gain a narrow lead going into the break.

Half-Time Jersey Red 10 – Ealing Trailfinders 9

The start of the second half saw Trailfinders rejuvenate their dominance. Making the most of an overshot box kick, the visitors would go onto win a penalty at the scrum, allowing Willis to kick for the posts once again, getting his side back in the lead just minutes in.

Trailfinders dominance was clear to be seen, and it was rewarded once again when another penalty was won at the scrum; Willis would kick to the corner again this time with the forwards followed by the backs getting the ball over the whitewash for Jan-Henning Campher to dot down for the men in black and orange’s first try of the afternoon. Willis once more good with the boot to add the extras.

In what was a nervy next twenty minutes, both sides makde big tackles to push each other back, but with no points to show for their efforts.

That was until the 76th minute when another forced error by the Trailfinders attack left Willis to knock another 3 points on the board and all but seal the game.

Full-Time Jersey Reds 10 – Ealing Trailfinders 22

Jersey Reds Starting XV

15 Brendan Owen; 14 Ryan Olowofela, 13 Scott Van Breda, 12 Jordan Holgate, 11 Will Brown; 10 Tom Pittman, 9 James Mitchell; 1 Roy Godfrey, 2 Eoghan Clarke, 3 Steve Longwell, 4 Sean O’Connor, 5 Macauley Cook, 6 Max Argyle, 7 Lewis Wynne (capt), 8 Alun Lawrence.

Replacements –

16 Harry Doolan, 17 James Flynn, 18 Luke Yendle, 19 Tom Everard, 20 Alex Humfrey, 21 James Elliott, 22 Dan Barnes, 23 Tim Grey.

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV

15 David Johnston, 14 Luke Daniels, 13 Max Bodilly, 12 Pat Howard, 11 Angus Kernohan, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Craig Hampson; 1 Will Davis, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 3 Lewis Thiede, 4 Bobby De Wee, 5 James Cannon, 6 Max Northcote-Green, 7 Simon Uzokwe, 8 Rayn Smid.

Replacements –

16 Shaun Malton, 17 Kyle Whyte, 18 George Davis, 19 Simon Linsell, 20 Gary Porter, 21 Jordan Burns, 22 Steven Shingler, 23 David O’Connor.

Ealing Trailfinders vs Bedford Blues

Mike Smith reporting from Trailfinders Sports Club

Bedford Blues inflicted a first home loss of Ealing Trailfinders season on Saturday afternoon, as Mike Rayer’s side ran out 19-31 victors in Round 17 in West London.

It was the Trailfinders who struck first early on, a 50:22 won after a great nudge through from Craig Hampson, saw the men in green and white enter the blues twenty-two looking for points. After some forceful forward work, the ball was played out to Simon Linsell, who, just managing to juggle the ball, kept hold of it, his momentum seeing him bundle over the line to score in consecutive games. Steven Shingler stepping up to add the extras with the boot.

Almost immediately, Bedford would strike back though, their own pressure seeing them camp inside the Trailfinders 22. The ball was worked along the backs for Matt Worley to score on the overlap. In what would prove to be an open first half, both sides seemed adamant it would be them who put their stamp on the game.

The end to end action was to return just minutes later when Jan-Henning Campher worked off the back of the rolling maul to run through unopposed, getting the home side back in front.

The next ten minutes would see Bedford hit back again, earning a number of penalties; however, the Trailfinders defence held firm until the thirty second minute when a line out saw them work the ball well out wide, Ollie Newman getting the visitors back within just two points going into half time.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 14 – Bedford Blues 12

After what was a busy first half of rugby, Bedford would continue their momentum with them going into the opening period of the second half.

Their possession was rewarded moments later when Prop Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi broke off the back of the maul, running down the blindside to score and put Bedford in front for the first time in the tie.

Continuing to apply the pressure, the visitors would win another penalty. Kicking to the corner once again, this time it was Hooker Jack Hughes who would dot down to extend the blues lead going into the heart of the second half.

Trailfinders weren’t going to lie down, though, and they were soon back within a score when a well-worked move from a driving maul, saw Matt Gordon power home to give his side hope of a second-half comeback, in what was the Centre’s first game back since facing Bedford away in November.

However it wasn’t to be for Trailfinders as with less than 10 minutes on the clock, Bedford would strike again; once again, a line out worked down well saw the ball worked out wide to Jamie Elliot to put breathing room between the visitors and hosts.

Full-Time Ealing Trailfinders 19 – Bedford Blues 31

Ealing Trailfinders starting 15

1. Dylan Smith -Ikon Dental

2. Jan-Henning Campher – Ikon Dental

3. George Davis – The Turmeric Co

4. Simon Linsell – Geoff & Back Row

5. Harry Casson – Angela Jackson

6. Len Massyn – David Lloyd

7. Simon Uzokwe – GD Higgins

8. Rayn Smid (C) – Green Army

9. Craig Hampson – Nabarro

10. Steven Shingler – City Trust Finance

11. Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

12. Matt Gordon – Windsor Hill Mortgages

13. Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

14. Cian Kelleher – Grainne Taylor

15. Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton – Woodfield Heating

17. James Gibbons – Nuffield Health

18. Jimmy Roots – Purple Lizard

19. Bobby De Wee – Harrison’s Deli

20. James Cannon- Colin Bibra

21. Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22. Craig Willis – GD Higgins

23. Izzy Moore-Aiono

Bedford Blues Starting 15

1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi

2. Jack Hughes

3. Corrie Barrett

4. Robin Williams

5. Jordan Onojaife

6. Bailey Ransom

7. Ollie Newman

8. Oli Stedman

9 Connor Tupai

10 Louis Grimoldby

11. Dean Adamson

12. Joel Matavesi

13. Jamie Elliott

14. Matt Worley

15. Rich Lane (C)

Bedford Blues Replacements:

 

 

16. Jacob Fields

17. Joey Conway

18. Ed Prowse

19. Luke Frost

20. Tui Uru

21. Joe Atkinson

22. Alex Day

23. Dani Long-Martinez

Hartpury RFC vs Ealing Trailfinders

Mike Smith reporting from The Alpas Arena

Ealing Trailfinders retained their winning run on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling win on the road at The Alpas Arena, facing a Hartpury side who went into the game on a six-game unbeaten run of their own.

It was the West Londoners who started the quickest, putting intense pressure on Hartpury early on. Before they knew it, the men in green and white were knocking on the door just a matter of minutes into the game. A kick to the corner after winning a penalty left them within Hartpury’s 5 metre. Drive after drive would follow from the forwards, only for Rayn Smid to power over to open the scoring, Craig Willis adding the extras with the boot.

It was to be a tough start to proceedings for the home side, who, with just seven minutes on the clock, were under their own sticks once again, this time Trailfinders Bobby de Wee the one to punish their ill-discipline. The lock making the most of possession within Hartpury’s red zone.

The in-form home side looked shell shocked at what they were hit by from their visitors, and the dominating first 10 minutes was added to just moments later. It was three tries in 15 minutes for Trailfinders as a quick ball from Craig Hampson found Angus Kernohan unmarked, the Irish Centre breaking through the Hartpury line offloading to Lewis Thiede, who would jog over the whitewash to give his side a healthy lead midway through the first half.

Hartpury, to their credit, would fight back and within moments had their first spell of sustained pressure within Ealing’s 22. For what felt like an eternity, they earned multiple penalties and attempted to go for the try line, however time and time again, they were held up, not able to score points for all of their possession.

The ten minutes of pressure would lead to nothing when at an awarded penalty scrum, Trailfinders would show strength across the pack to win a penalty of their own, Willis clearing to touch and relieve pressure.

With the momentum swinger, the West Londoners would once again turn the screw, setting up camp inside Hartpury’s half; Cian Kelleher’s line saw him break free offloading to former Hartpury College Lock Simon Linsell who bounded over the try line to score and bring up the bonus-point for the league leaders, with just over 30 minutes on the clock, Willis making it four from four with the boot.

Hartpury would have the last say infirst half proceedings, finally making the most of a period of ball inside Trailfinders half, they were awarded a penalty, kicking to the corner, Ethan Hunt would be one who would put the home sides first points on the board, James Williams adding the conversion.

Half-Time Hartpury University 7 – Ealing Trailfinders 28

In a first half dominated by the visitors, the home side carried their momentum from that last-minute try into the second half. In a tight opening to proceedings, the West Country side would spend more time in the red zone, but without avail. That was until the 64th minute when some quick thinking by Hartpury Scrum-Half Toby Venner saw him close down Craig Hampson, stripping the ball off of his opposite number, who showed a clean pair of heals to the chasing Trailfinders defence to race home and close the gap to a two-score game.

Hartpury would continue to try and cut the gap between themselves and the league leaders, but just moments later, further good work from Trailfinders at the break down would see them win a penalty, Willis kicking to touch, and the forwards doing the rest, Max Northcote-Green the one getting on the scoresheet to all but seal the game.

Full Time Hartpury 14 – Ealing Trailfinders 33

 

A gritty performance away from home once again from the West Londoners, with a bonus-point victory in the bag, they’ll head back along the M4 with smiles on their faces tonight.

 

Hartpury University Starting XV 

1. Conor Maguire

2. Ethan Hunt

3. Shaun Knight

4. Dale Lemon

5. Cameron Jordan

6. Josh Gray

7. Harry Short

8. Mitch Eadie

9. Toby Venner

10. James Williams

11. Sam Smith

12. Jack Tovey

13. Robbie Smith

14. Ben Foley

15. George Simpson

Replacements –

16. Luke Stratford

17. Lewis Holsey

18. Conran Gleeson

19. James Dun

20. Alex Ward

21. Oli Robinson

22. Oscar Lennon

23. Charlie Powell

Ealing Trailfinders Starting XV

1. Dylan Smith

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Simon Linsell

6. Max Northcote-Green

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Rayn Smid

9. Craig Hampson

10. Craig Willis

11. Angus Kernohan

12. Pat Howard

13. Max Bodilly

14. Cian Kelleher

15. David Johnston

Replacements 

16. Jan-Henning Campher

17. Will Davis

18. George Davis

19. James Cannon

20. Harry Casson

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Len Massyn

Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders made in four wins from four on Saturday afternoon, as they kicked off the New Year in style, in the clubs first run out at Trailfinders Sports Club in over a month.

Tries from Alun Walker, Cian Kelleher, Shaun Malton, along with a brace from Back-Row pairing Rayn Smid and Simon Uzokwe, securing the bonus-point victory to see the men of West London return to the top of the table.

The Trailfinders started just how they finished in Nottingham a week ago, firing into action with the forward pack picking and going to see Rayn Smid dot down for his first game. Just the start that Ben Ward and his coaching team were looking for, with Craig Willis adding the extras from the boot.

With just 11 minutes on the clock, the home side were over the whitewash once again as Coventry were penalised by the referee inside their half. Willis would go on to kick to the corner, Walker with the precise dart from the touchline, joining onto the rolling maul as he dotted down for the third time in two weeks.

Coventry had held their own territorially; however, it wasn’t until the sixteenth minute that they had points to show for their efforts. After Ealing Trailfinders were penalised by the referee at the breakdown, the ball was kicked to the corner, the line out resulting in metres gained, only for the ball to be worked out to Winger Rob Knox who beat Kernohan to dot down in the corner.

It was to be Coventry’s only score of the afternoon but one that gave them a glimmer of hope in a tough first half for the visitors.

Just moments later, it would be Trailfinders who would get on the scoreboard next, once again Smid getting on the scoresheet. After a weaving run by Trailfinders full-back, David Johnston led to a quick ball from scrum-half Craig Hampson who found a stampeding Smid who’s line saw his power home dotting down with ease.

The bonus-point was then wrapped up before the break, after a quick ball flung by Craig Willis out to Angus Kernohan, who met the ball with speed as he broke free of his tackler, with only one man to beat, he saw Kelleher on his inside, collecting the ball he was home and dry home for the fourth try of the afternoon.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 26 – Coventry Rugby 5

Looking to put clear daylight between themselves and the Midlands side. Just a minute passed when in-form Uzokwe was found in space; after a break from Max Bodilly saw him muscle his way over the line to dot down.

Just two minutes later, Uzokwe would be in again; this time, a line break from Smid saw him feeding the ball over two Coventry heads to see Uzokwe run in from 22. Willis adding the extras once again.

Midway through the second-half Ealing looked like they were in for another as the ball was dropped by Coventry inside Trailfinders 22; Burns worked it wide to Kernohan, who fed the ball back inside to Burns racing up the field, once again back to Kernohan, who was taken down to stop the attack.

Replacement Hooker Shaun Malton would have the last say though, with just moments left in the fixture his own line out was worked down, and the backs joined in to bundle over the South African to score.

Another convincing home win for the men in green and white, as they returned to the top of the pile in the Championship Rugby table.

Full Time Ealing Trailfinders 47 – Coventry Rugby 5

Ealing Trailfinders – 

1. Will Davis – Sponsored by Green Army

2. Alun Walker – Sponsored by Lords Building Supplies

3. Lewis Thiede – Ebstone Kitchens

4. Bobby de Wee – Harrison’s

5. Simon Linsell – Geoff & Back Row

6. Max Northcote-Green – Lords Building Supplies

7. Simon Uzokwe – GD Higgins

8. Rayn Smid (C) – Green Army

9. Craig Hampson – Nabarro

10. Craig Willis – GD Higgins

11. Angus Kernohan – Col’s Corner

12. Pat Howard – Arnold Hill

13. Max Bodilly – The Brewer Family

14. Cian Kelleher – Grainne Taylor

15. David Johnston – Mike Jackson

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton – Woodfield Heating

17. James Gibbons – Nuffield Health

18. George Davis – The Turmeric Co

19. James Cannon- Colin Bibra

20. Len Massyn

21. Jordan Burns – Rhidian Jones

22. Steven Shingler – City Trust Finance

23. Luke Daniels – 1 Ugly Crazy Robot

Coventry Rugby – 

1. Toby Trinder

2. Jordon Poole

3. Phil Boulton

4. Jame Tyas

5. Nile Dacres

6. Fred Betteridge

7. Josh Bainbridge

8. Ryan Burrows ©

9. Josh Barton

10. Tony Fenner

11. Rob Knox

12. Will Owen

13. Andy Forsyth

14. Rob Stevenson

15. Tom Curtis

Replacements –

16. Suva Ma’asi

17. Luc Jeannot

18. Will Hurd

19. Max Williams

20. Tom Ball

21. Dan Babos

22. Evan Mitchell

23. Tom Griffiths

Nottingham vs Ealing Trailfinders

It’s had been 34 days since the Trailfinders ran out in Championship Rugby action, but that wasn’t going to slow them down as they ran bonus-point winners at Lady Bay against Nottingham Rugby on Friday night.

Arriving in Nottingham in what can only be described as awful conditions due to the January fog, Ben Ward’s men set out to continue their winning run, which saw them come from behind to beat Richmond in their last fixture in December.

The Trailfinders started in the perfect fashion after early pressure from the travelling side got us inside Nottingham’s 5 metre, before several drives for the line led to a successful breakthrough from in-form Simon Uzokwe to dot down for his tenth try of the season.

It wasn’t to be all the West Londoners way though, as Nottingham hit straight back with a period of sustained attacking play seeing them straight within the Ealing Trailfinders 22. Craig Hammond’s men were stung by the early try, but it seemed to have energised them; ten minutes later their sustained pressure paid off when Carl Kirwan battled his way over the line to bring the scores level midway through the first half after Cian Kelleher was sent to the bin reducing the visitors to 14 men.

With momentum well behind them, Nottingham smelt their chance to strike once again, wave after wave of attacks hit the Ealing defence; however the travelling side battled hard and managed to absorb the pressure, eventually making the most of an overthrown Nottingham line out, Uzokwe kicking to clear and get his side back up the pitch.

With the danger averted it was time for Ealing to once again establish dominance in the tie, making the most of the number of times that Nottingham were penalised, Steven Shingler kicked to the corner, and after a number of drives for the line, the ball was worked across well within the home sides 5 metre, allowing Hooker Alun Walker to dot down, scoring on his return to the side almost a year after suffering a long term injury. Shingler adding the extras to renew Trailfinders lead.

In the true style of this game, Nottingham once again hit back straight away; however the men in Black and Orange were once again able to half the oncoming barrage, holding Nottingham’s forwards on the line and winning a scrum, enabling them to clear to touch.

With just three minutes left on the clock of the first half, there was still time for drama; however, Trailfinders once again made the most of ill-discipline from Nottingham to kick to the corner and drive for the line, this time back Pat Howard the try scorer to double the visitors lead.

However, it was Craig Hammond’s side who would have the last say hitting back with a try from David Williams after a sumptuous cross-field kick was caught and dotted down.

Half-Time Nottingham Rugby 14 – Ealing Trailfinders 21

The second half restarted by Hollingsworth was to bring just as much action-packed rugby, as both sides went back to battle. After a tense next 10 minutes of play, it would be Ward’s men who would extend their lead when Alun Walker once again found himself in the perfect position to drive over the line to dot down for the second time of the evening. Shingler making it four from four with the boot.

The men of Lady Bay weren’t about the laydown and take defeat though and just two minutes later, Williams would be in for his second try to become Nottingham’s top try scorer of all time in the Championship.

Ten minutes were left on the clock, and with just a score separating both sides, a penalty won by Ealing at Nottingham’s 22 was the perfect opportunity for Shingler to go for the posts and put 10 points between the sides. A hard fought game from Nottingham after two tough loses on the road to Ampthill and Hartpury In the last two rounds, however it wasn’t to be their game when replacement fly-half Craig Willis knocked over another penalty to finish the game with a 13 point lead and a bonus-point victory to head back down the M1 with.

Full Time Nottingham 21 – Ealing Trailfinders 34

Nottingham Rugby

15 Jack Stapley, 14 David Williams, 13 Charlie Thacker ©, 12 Morgan Bunting, 11 Harry Graham, 10 Sam Hollingsworth, 9 Michael Stronge; 1 Aniseko Sio, 2 Archie Vanes, 3 Ben Betts, 4 Jose Andrade, 5 Callum Allen, 6 Carl Kirwan, 7 Nathan Tweedy, 8 Scott Hall.

Replacements

16 Storm Hanekom, 17 Toby Williams, 18 Josh McNulty, 19 Jack Ramshaw, 20 Jacob Wright, 21 Sam Edwards, 22 Theo Manihera, 23 Lewis Barrett.

Ealing Trailfinders

15. David Johnston 14. Cian Kelleher 13. Max Bodilly 12. Pat Howard 11. Angus Kernohan 10. Steven Shingler 9. Craig Hampson; 1. Will Davis 2. Alun Walker 3. Lewis Thiede 4. Bobby de Wee 5. Simon Linsell 6. Max Northcote-Green 7. Simon Uzokwe 8. Rayn Smid

Replacements

16. Shaun Malton 17. James Gibbons 18. George Davis 19. James Cannon 20. Malon Al-Jiboori 21. Jordan Burns 22. Craig Willis 23. Luke Daniels.

Richmond vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders made the short trip across West London on Saturday to face Richmond at the Rag in Round 11 of the Championship Rugby season.

The men in green and white looked to get back to winning ways on the road travelling to their local rivals, as they aimed to keep a firm hand on the top spot of the Championship table. Local derbies always have an extra spice to them, and today’s clash was to be no different.

It was the home side who applied the early pressure, after a number of hard carries which were initially held up well by a sturdy Ealing defence finally saw Richmond within Ealing Trailfinders 5 metre, Henri Williams with the final drive for the line dotting down to open proceedings, the conversion being added by Dennett Lewis.

It was just the start that Richmond were looking for, as Ben Ward’s side were dealt an early reminder of the challenging task at hand.

Looking to hit straight back, a moment of quick thinking by Jordan Burns saw him pick and go from the breakdown, racing away with only a tackle from the last man in Richmond’s defence seeing him held up at the 22, the home sides backs managing to get over the ball and win the penalty to relieve the first real pressure put on them in the opening stages.

Just minutes later, the home side would extend their lead after a penalty was given for an obstruction on Lewis when attempting a chip over the top of the Trailfinders backline, opting to kick for the posts Lewis would add the penalty, to lead by ten inside the first ten minutes.

Trailfinders first entry to the oppositions 5 metre came just before the 20-minute mark when with advantage on their side, the ball was worked wide for Max Bodilly to knock the ball over the top with the boot, finding Cian Kelleher who would drive the away side into the danger zone, Burns once again looking to snipe quickly went for the line himself, he was however held up at the line, without the pressure and the subsequent kick to touch leading to any points for the away side.

The early frustrations were clearly showing, and the men in green and white were piling the pressure on again when a penalty for not rolling away almost led to an Ealing try, the line out from Campher being brought down and Simon Uzokwe’s drive for the line once again held up by a tough Richmond defence.

All that pressure was to count for nothing, though, sadly, as Richmond ate up the Trailfinders attacks. Heading into the 30-minute mark that pressure paid off when an Ealing scrum was fed back to Craig Willis who’s kick was charged down by Owain James, with the back picking up the spinning ball, finally feeding it back to Huw Worthington to bundle his way over the try line for the home sides second dot down of the afternoon.

Half-Time Richmond 17 – Ealing Trailfinders 0

With the rain steadily coming down, the second half started with the same intensity as the first finished, as Willis got us back underway in West London.

The Trailfinders knew it was going to be an uphill battle. Still, with just five minutes on the clock of the second period, some great hands by the Ealing backline saw Cian Kelleher found in space, powering his way over the line for his third try of the season, in what was just the start in which the travelling side would have talked about in the changing room during the break.

Looking to strike while the iron was hot, just moments later capitalising on a mistake from the Richmond backline, Ealing would win the penalty at the breakdown, Willis kicking to the corner a line out drive would follow, allowing Simon Uzokwe to dot down, well and truly blowing the game wide open at 17-12.

The second half momentum was behind Ben Ward’s men, and time and time again, they stifled Richmond’s attempts at calming down proceedings.

That pressure again led to a score when Luke Daniels was found on the wing in space, sliding in for Trailfinders third try in 15 minutes. David Johnston taking over from kicking duties, slotted home the conversion to put the visitors in the lead for the first time in the tie.

The game looked to be slipping through the hands of Steve Hill’s men as Trailfinders were soon in for their fourth of the game with just 60 minutes on the clock when Len Massyn picked up a loose ball and broke free, feeding the ball back Rayn Smid found a gap to race home and score, the Club Captain dotting down after coming off the bench just after the interval to extend Trailfinders lead.

Richmond weren’t going to go down without a fight, though, and when Lewis picked up the loose Trailfinders pass within their half, he would race away to score, converting his try to bring the game within just two points.

With the home side looking to get back in the lead, Ealing Trailfinders would strike again, as Max Bodilly stole the ball on the Richmond game line to drive home and extend Ealing’s lead once again in what was becoming an end-to-end battle in West London.

The game would go down to the wire, and Richmond looked to strike once; however, they could make their kick to the corner count; knocking the ball on the referee would blow the whistle and bring a halt to an epic game of Championship Rugby.

Full Time – Richmond 24 – Ealing Trailfinders 33

Ealing Trailfinders:

1. Dylan Smith

2. Jan-Henning Campher

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Simon Linsell

6. Malon Al-Jiboori

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Len Massyn

9. Jordan Burns

10. Craig Willis

11. Luke Daniels

12. James Little

13. Max Bodilly

14. Cian Kelleher

15. David Johnston (C)

Replacements –

16. Shaun Malton

17. Will Davis

18. George Davis

19. James Cannon

20. Gary Porter

21. Craig Hampson

22. Pat Howard

23. Rayn Smid

Tries – Kelleher, Uzokwe, Daniels, Smid, Bodilly

Conversions – Johnston x4

Richmond:

1. Jonny Harris

2. James Hadfield

3. Jimmy Litchfield

4. Freddie Hosking

5. Henri Williams

6. Huw Worthington

7. Jack Allcock

8. Mark Bright (C)

9. James Lennon

10. Lewis Dennett

11. Jake Caddy

12. Ronnie McLean

13. Lennox Anyanwu

14. Owain James

15. Will Kaye

Replacements –

16. Mike Perks

17. Kurt Schonert

18. Luke Green

19. David Massey

20. Ethan Benson

21. Aaron Bagwell

22. Tom Ffitch

23. Max Trimble

Tries – Williams, Worthington, Dennett

Conversions – Dennett x3

Ealing Trailfinders vs Ampthill

Simon UZOKWE (7) of Ealing Trailfinders (centre) scores the opening try during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Ealing Trailfinders and Ampthill RUFC at Castle Bar , West Ealing , England on 4 December 2021. Photo by David Horn.Ealing Trailfinders returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they ran out 54-17 victors at Vallis Way.

The West Londoners went into the game looking to bounce back from a Round 9 defeat last time out at Doncaster, and they exploded back to victory at Trailfinders Sports Club.

It was the visitors who got the scoreboard ticking first after winning a penalty just inside the Ealing Trailfinders half, with Bennett knocking over the kick to get Ampthill off the mark.

Just under a quarter of the way through the game, Trailfinders were firing when a strong scrum from the pack saw the ball fed back to Simon Uzokwe, who powered through his tacklers to dot down for Trailfinders first try of the game, Craig Willis adding the extras with the boot.

Moments later, Ealing Trailfinders would go on to extend their lead when some quick hands from the home sides backs put Luke Daniels away on the wing as he found space to race away to dot down.

Ben Ward’s men were up and running, with Ampthill looking shellshocked by the quick double hit just two minutes apart.

Next up was a chance for always in form Centre Max Bodilly to get in on the action; a line out from Jan-Henning Campher worked along the backs to allow Bodilly to break through the line scoring his sides third try of the game.

The bonus point was wrapped up and in the bag before the half an hour mark, when Craig Willis found Max Northcote-Green on the wing in space with the back-row racing along the line to score his first Championship Rugby try of the season.

With Trailfinders running away with proceedings, Ampthill were once again penalised for an illegal tackle on Uzokwe, as tempers flared up a composed Willis would kick to the corner once again, this time for starting debutant Len Massyn to score his first try for the club.

There was still time for more in the first half, and a tough Ampthill defence was once again broken by Bodilly, who, after an impressive line break from Campher, was fed the ball to dot down for his second of the game.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 40 – Amphill RUFC 3

After a chance for a breather and a quick team talk, both teams returned to the field of play with Ampthill looking to stop the bleeding in a game in which the result looked to be beyond doubt.

The visitors came out fighting however and got their first try of the game when a clever grubber in behind Ealing’s defence saw the ball recovered and them bundling the ball down under the Trailfinders posts just five minutes into the second period.

Trailfinders would soon hit back once again, though when just 5 minutes later, a line break by Max Northcote-Green got the home side just metres from the line, the ball worked out wide to Cian Kelleher to dot down for his first Ealing Trailfinders Championship try.

In what was a polar opposite half to the first half, Ampthill once again struck back with a break off the driving maul allowing the visitors to dot down for the second time.

In what was becoming an end to end the second period, and with just minutes left in the game, Kelleher was put in to score once again. Luke Daniels being found in space on the wing, feeding the ball back to the Irishman to seal an impressive 54-17 victory for the men in green and white.

Full-Time Ealing Trailfinders 54 – Ampthill RUFC 17

Doncaster Knights vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders fell to their second defeat of the Championship season on Saturday afternoon, as Steve Boden’s Doncaster Knights kept hold of their unbeaten home run this campaign with a hard-fought win.

With Christmas soon upon us, it was time for two of the Championships most in form sides to go into battle on Saturday afternoon in Yorkshire, with both sides looking for an early holiday present.

On a fresh November afternoon, the men from West London travelled north to face a Doncaster side in a game that could prove to be a vital fixture for both sides vying for a spot at the top of the Championship table come March.

It was the home side who came out of the block the fastest, and with just three minutes on the clock, they had their first points on the board after they found space down the left wing through Samuel Graham, as he broke free from his tackler, feeding the ball to Maliq Holden to race away dot down. The extras being added by Sam Olver.

The boys in green and white knew that they were going to face a tough day at the races and in conditions that saw the visitors kicking into the wind, proving a key advantage in the opening exchanges.

Just moments later, Olver took advantage of the wind behind his back, knocking over a penalty from long range, after Trailfinders were penalised just within their half. The fly-half extending the Yorkshire sides lead to 10 inside the first 10 minutes.

In what was a tough opening to the game for Ben Ward’s side, the visitors found a resistant force in Doncaster’s defence which saw the home side close all the doors, to keep their visitors out time and time again in the first half.

A harsh swirling wind coming into the ground behind Doncaster’s back was playing right into the hands of the home side, with aerial options few and far between for Trailfinders. Struggling to get a grip hold of the game, the visiting side were met with physicality from Boden’s side, who would go into the break holding onto their 10 point lead, the first time this season that Trailfinders would go into the break scoreless.

Half-Time Doncaster Knights 10 – Ealing Trailfinders 0

Getting into the changing room and having a reset seemed to be just what Trailfinders needed, a breather to adjust and work out how to attack their hosts. Suddenly the wind was in Ward’s sides favour, as the first blows of the second period saw Doncaster pinned inside their half.

In a sustained spell of pressure, Trailfinders continued to look to pierce the Doncaster defence, but every time they began to see some daylight, the ball was either lost forward or turned over at the breakdown; these would prove to be pivotal moments in a tight affair between two attacking sides.

Halfway through the second period Doncaster turned the screw when a clever kick over the top by Sam Oliver pinned Trailfinders inside their own 5 metre, subsequently conceding a penalty within their 22. They would go to the corner, driving from the lineout and crashing over with George Edgson dotting down.

With the game quickly slipping through the visitors’ hands, Trailfinders needed to make the most of their possession and needed points fast.

That breakthrough finally came when a line out from Jan-Henning Campher was brought down, and Ben Ward’s men went through the motions to drive home over the line, Simon Uzokwe dotting down for his seventh try of the Championship campaign.

It proved to be too little too late though and with five minutes left on the clock and chasing the game, a move across the Trailfinders back line was intercepted with a breakaway being offloaded to Jack Spittle, who would race away to dot down and all but secure the win for the Yorkshiremen.

A tough day at the office, but one that the West Londoners will have to get over and learn from quickly with Ampthill visiting Vallis Way in Round 10 next weekend.

Full Time Doncaster Knight 22 – Ealing Trailfinders 5

Doncaster Knights Starting 15

1 Conor Davidson

2 George Edgson

3 Gareth Denman

4 John Kelly

5 Ben Murphy

6 Jack Davies

7 Samuel Graham

8 Thomas Smith

9 Alexander Dolly

10 Samuel Olver

11 Maliq Holden

12 Fraser Strachan

13 Mark Best

14 Jack Spittle

15 Billy Mcbryde

Replacements – 

16 Peter Roberts

17 Richard List

18 Andrew Foster

19 Danny Drake

20 Sam Hudson

21 Lloyd Wheeldon

22 Harry Davey

23 Joshua Peters

Ealing Trailfinders Starting 15 

1 James Gibbons

2 Shaun Malton

3 Lewis Thiede

4 Bobby de Wee

5 James Cannon

6 Max Northcote-Green

7 Simon Uzokwe

8 Rayn Smid

9 Craig Hampson

10 Steven Shingler

11 Luke Daniels

12 Reuben Bird-Tulloch

13 Max Bodilly

14 James Cordy-Redden

15 David Johnston

Replacements – 

16 Jan-Henning Campher

17 Dylan Smith

18 Kyle Whyte

19 Simon Linsell

20 Len Massyn

21 Stephen Kerins

22 Craig Willis

23 Cian Kelleher

Ealing Trailfinders vs Jersey Reds

The West Londoners headed into Round 8 top of the table, with Harvey Biljon’s men alongside Cornish Pirates snapping at the heels of Ben Ward’s side. The Championship Rugby season has seen a lot of close encounters over the opening rounds, and this was to be no different with two of the league’s most in-form sides going head-to-head at Trailfinders Sports Club.

It was Jersey who started the more vigorous, and with a sustained period of attack within Trailfinders 22, Sam Leeming decided to go for the posts, putting the first points on the board for the visitors.

Moments later, Trailfinders found space in behind Jersey’s backline and got within the 22; several drives from the West Londoners forwards saw Craig Hampson shift the ball back to Steven Shingler, who muscled his way over the line to dot down for the home sides first try of the afternoon, converting his own score.

In what was a hard-fought opening quarter of the game, Jersey quickly hit back again. Hard-hitting carries got the visitors within Trailfinders 22, the ball being knocked into touch as the islanders looked to drive the ball home from the line out. The subsequent line out was halted by Ben Ward’s men however, a darting run inside by Jersey Reds Captain Lewis Wynne saw him power through a gap in the Trailfinders defence, to score Jersey’s first try of the game and regain their lead.

Five minutes later the visitors extended their lead with multiple phases inside Trailfinders 22. This led to Steve Longwell eventually powering his way through the Ealing defence as the Reds led 7-15 mid-way through the first half.

Biljon’s men sure didn’t head to West London looking for anything but an upset at the league leaders’ home to end their unbeaten run at Vallis Way.

This would be a tough day at the office. Still, one that Trailfinders were more than up for, with just minutes left in the first half, a clever knock through from the boot of Shingler got Trailfinders within the 22, a knocked-on ball was then swooped up by Luke Daniels, to race along the wing and dot down to bring the game within a point going into the break.

Half-Time Ealing Trailfinders 14 – Jersey Reds 15

The second half started with the same intensity as the first half, with both sides going to war once again.

This time it was Trailfinders who would strike first when a bright start to the half when they were rewarded with a penalty just inside Jersey’s half. Shingler was once again good with the boot kicked to the corner and the resulting line out from Shaun Malton was finished off at the back of the rolling maul by the Hooker who dotted down to put Ealing in the lead once again in the top of the table clash, with Shingler adding the extras.

However, in what was becoming an end-to-end affair, Jersey quickly hit back once again just a matter of minutes later when a dominant lineout drive from the visiting side saw the referee award a penalty try putting the Reds back in front with 25 minutes to go, Malton subsequently being sent to the sin bin.

The game was on a knife-edge, with both sides going into every collision with more and more intensity as the clash went on. It was going to be fine margins that would split these two sides, and when Simon Uzokwe read the Jersey attack intercepting the ball at the half-way line, he raced away to dot down in what proved a real momentum swinger, with the visitors looking to get a real foothold on the game.

In what proved to be a real swing in the game, and with 10 minutes left on the clock, Ben Ward’s men were able to extend their lead to over a score. Quick thinking from Trailfinders Scrum-Half Craig Hampson saw him show and go, darting inside to score what would prove to be the decisive try.

Shingler was once again successful with the boot, putting Trailfinders 13 points to the good going into the closing minutes of the game.

It wasn’t to be an easy final moment of the game for the men of Vallis Way though when with just two minutes left on the clock, a penalty won within Trailfinders half saw Jersey’s pack go through the motions and power home to put some final moments of pressure on what had been a tight top of the table affair.

The try proved too little too late however and a close-fought win for the West Londoners saw them hold on tightly to their top of the table status with Harvey Biljon’s men leaving Vallis Way with a hard-fought bonus point.

Full-Time Ealing Trailfinders 35 – Jersey Reds 29

Bedford Blues vs Ealing Trailfinders

The West Londoners headed to Bedford on Saturday afternoon to take on a Blues side who had also picked up four bonus-point wins so far this season.

In what has started as an entertaining kick-off to the Championship season, only four points separated the two sides going into the game, with neutrals licking their lips as what promised to be an exciting encounter between two exciting teams.

It was Ben Ward’s men who came firing out of the blocks, with tough defending by the away side leading to Simon Uzokwe winning his team a penalty just inside their own half. Shingler kicked to the 22, and several phases later the ball was worked out to Matt Gordon, who broke free from his tackler to race away opening the scoring with just three minutes on the clock.

Just moments later Trailfinders were in again, this time it was fellow back David Johnston who was fed the ball on the wing, darting inside to beat his man and dot down for his side’s second try of the game with just over 5 minutes gone. Shingler slotted home the conversion to put the travelling side 14 points to the good.

 

Not the start that the Blues were looking for, Mike Rayer’s men soon started to apply their own pressure with a sustained period inside Trailfinders half. However it was to prove in vain as another solid defensive display saw back-rower Simon Uzokwe win another penalty at the breakdown, alleviating the pressure that his team were under, much to the dismay of a roaring home crowd of just over 2000 spectators.

Moments later it was time for Uzokwe to punish the Blues once again, this time at the other end of the pitch. Luke Daniels found space on the wing and broke free to gain valuable metres, moments and several phases later the ball was fed back to Uzokwe, to power his way over the line for Ealing Trailfinders third of the afternoon.

Bedford looked shell-shocked by the efficiency of Ben Ward’s men and struggled to get a foothold in the game, nothing they were doing seemed to pay off and were met by a stern Trailfinders defence that stopped them from gaining metres. The Blues defence were holding strong after further pressure from the visiting side, but were once again pierced after Jack Digby broke free from his tackler to get Ealing within 10 metres. The ball once again fed back to Uzokwe, who used his brawn to dot down for his second try.

Ealing Trailfinders were dominant in the first half and weren’t content with just wrapping up the bonus point before half-time, with Matt Gordon being found in space on the outside to race away to score another try.

With the clock in the red, there was still time for Ward’s side to inflict more pain, when another won penalty led to Shingler kicking to the corner, Malton throwing an arrow line out and jumping onto the back of the rolling maul, who was bundled over the line with the Hooker getting the ball down, leaving Trailfinders 38 points up going into the break.

Half-Time Bedford Blues 0 – Ealing Trailfinders 38

 

The home side reappeared for the second half and looked revitalised, perhaps knowing that they had an uphill battle to get anything from the game, they sprung into action much to the delight of the Bedford fans.

After what was an impressive start to the second half for the home side, they were finally rewarded for their efforts after 50 minutes, when Dean Adamson was found in space on the left wing dotting down, after sustained pressure inside Ealing’s 22.

Moments later Bedford looked to have dotted down again after a clever grubber kick caught Ealing’s backline off guard. Dotting down their try was ruled out for a knock-on when grounding.

It was a frustrating start to the second period for the West Londoners with attacks just not coming off, however ten minutes later Ealing were on the scoresheet once again, this time is was Club Captain Rayn Smid who was found space out wide, brushing off the on coming tackle to score in the corner extending the away sides points tally once again.

The men in green and white looked to kill the tie off and when Charlie Walker was fed the ball out wide once again stepping his man to race home, Shinglers conversion bringing up the half century.

With the eighty minutes up Bedford were looking to finish the game strongly, giving their supporters something to cheer about and they got their second try of the game when Jack Garside was put in to score.

A commanding performance from the league leaders, as we go into a break week before welcoming Jersey Reds to Trailfinders Sports Club for Round 8 of the Championship Rugby season.

Full Time Bedford Blues 14 – Ealing Trailfinders 50

 

 

Starting 15’s

Bedford Blues 

1. Joey Conway

2. Reece Marshall

3. Corrie Barrett

4. Luke Frost

5. Alex Woolford

6. Bailey Ransom

7. Joe Atkinson

8. Tui Ura

9. Alex Day

10. Will Maisey

11. Dean Adamson

12. Ethan Grayson

13. Jamie Elliot

14. Pat Tapley

15. Rich Lane ©

Replacements 

16. Jack Hughes

17. Josh Pieterse

18. Osman Dimen

19. Jordan Onojaife

20. Oli Stedman

21. Jake Garside

22. Louis Grimoldby

23. Matt Worley

Ealing Trailfinders 

1. James Gibbons

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Bobby de Wee

5. James Cannon

6. Jack Digby

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Rayn Smid ©

9. Craig Hampson

10. Steven Shingler

11. Luke Daniels

12. Matt Gordon

13. Max Bodilly

14. Charlie Walker

15. David Johnson

Replacements

16. Jan Henning-Campher

17. Dylan Smith

18. Kyle Whyte

19. Simon Linsell

20. Malon Al-Jiboori

21. Jordan Burns

22. Craig Willis

23. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

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