Ealing Trailfinders - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Lineup: Doncaster Knights vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders travel to Doncaster to face the Knights in Round Nineteen of the Champ in a bid to extend their winning record

Ben Ward has named his match day squad to face Doncaster Knights on Saturday 28 February.

Josh Taylor retains his place as skipper after leading the side to a bonus-point win last weekend against Ampthill.

Ben Ward names a revised front row after last weekend’s win over Ampthill: Kyle Whyte starts at loosehead with George Davis at tighthead. Scott Buckley starts at hooker.

David Bridge retains his place in the engine room and is joined by Sean Lonsdale.

Alongside Taylor in the back row is Jordy Reid at openside flanker and Will Montgomery is at the back of the scrum at number eight.

Michael Stronge retains his place in the starting XV and is joined by Dan Jones in the halfbacks.

Rory Scannell starts at inside centre and Will Parry is on the outside.

Toby Cousins and Geordie Gwynn line up on the wings with Michael Dykes at fullback.

Ben Ward names a 5-3 bench split with the inclusions of Mike Willemse, Matas Jurevicius and Jordan Holgate.

Kick-off is 2:30 pm, Saturday 28th February at Castle Park.

Watch the match on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Michael Dykes

14. Geordie Gwynn

13. Will Parry

12. Rory Scannell

11. Toby Cousins

10. Dan Jones

9. Michael Stronge

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Scott Buckley

3. George Davis

4. David Bridge

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor (C)

7. Jordy Reid

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

16. Mike Willemse

17. Elliot Chilvers

18. PJ Sheck

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Sam Edwards

22. Jordan Holgate

23. Deago Bailey

News, Team Lineup

Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Ampthill

Ealing Trailfinders welcome Ampthill in Round Eighteen of the Champ in a big to extend their winning record

Ben Ward has named his match day squad to face Ampthill at Trailfinders Sports Club on Saturday 21 February.

Josh Taylor returns to the starting XV as skipper and is joined by Vice Club Captain Jordy Reid and Gabriel Mann in the back row.

Ben Ward names a revised front row after last weekend’s win over Hartpury: Elliot Chilvers starts at loosehead with PJ Sheck at tighthead. Mike Willemse makes his third appearance in a matchday squad this season after recently returning from a pectoral injury.

David Bridge retains his place in the engine room and is joined by Matas Jurevicius.

The half-back pairing sees George Worboys start at fly-half to join Michael Stronge at nine.

Jordan Holgate comes in at inside centre with Will Parry on the outside.

Michael Dykes and Tobi Wilson retain their places in the back three after their attacking link up last weekend that saw the pair of them score three tries out of the eight against Hartpury. Joining them in the back three for his debut is Trailfinders Academy product Sam Rockley.

Kick-off is 3:00 pm, Saturday 20th February at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch the match on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Sam Rockley

13. Will Parry

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Michael Dykes

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Elliot Chilvers

2. Mike Willemse

3. PJ Sheck

4. David Bridge

5. Matas Jurevicius

6. Josh Taylor (C)

7. Jordy Reid

8. Gabriel Mann

Replacements:

16. Joe Smart

17. James Kenny

18. George Davis

19. Sean Lonsdale

20. Will Montgomery

21. Sam Edwards

22. Rory Scannell

23. Toby Cousins

News

Match Round-up: Hartpury vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders make history after securing a bonus-point win at 4ED Stadium

Ealing started fast, with Michael Stronge darting over from close range to open the scoring within three minutes. Dan Jones added the extras.

Trailfinders kept the pressure on, winning a scrum penalty on the half-way line. After 16 minutes the men in yellow crossed again, this time it was Dykes who expertly picked up a grubber kick from Tobi Wilson to finish in the corner.

The tries continued to flow, this time it was creator turned scorer as Tobi Wilson dummied the last defender to run in after receiving a pinpoint pass from Francis Moore.

Hartpury weren’t going down without a fight however, as number 11 Holiday raced over to score. Bazalgette added the two additional points off the tee.

Ealing responded quickly though, with Michael Dykes adding to the scoreboard. Dan Jones’ conversion pushed the away side further in to the lead.

It was Dan Jones himself who topped up the scoreline with a try and a conversion of his own just before halftime, putting Ealing 07-36 ahead at the halfway stage.

Hartpury flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half as Holiday scored his second of the day to narrow the deficit.

As the clock ticked past 64 minutes the Hartpury winger was in again to complete his hat-trick. The conversion followed from Bazalgette.

Dan Jones placed Trailfinders 5 metres out with an expert kick to touch and the resulting lineout and driving maul rumbled over to further cement Trailfinders’

Lead. This time it was Harry Taylor profiting from the forward pack’s dominance to score.

Hartpury worked to put the pressure on but Ealing’s defence remained resolute. PJ Sheck darted over to score from the base of a ruck two minutes before the final whistle, sealing the victory for the travelling side.

With another win under their belt, Ealing Trailfinders make Champ Rugby history breaking the record for the most consecutive wins in the league.

Final score: Hartpury RFC 19 – 46 Ealing Trailfinders

News, Team Lineup

Lineup: Hartpury vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders travel to Hartpury in Round Seventeen of the Champ in a bid to break the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league.

Ben Ward has named seven changes in his match day squad to face Hartpury at the 4ED Stadium.

Scott Buckley is named as captain in the Club’s bid to make history this weekend. Alongside him in the front row is Kyle Whyte at loosehead and George Davis at tighthead.

The engine room remains unchanged after Trailfinders’ win over Coventry last weekend. David Bridge and Sean Lonsdale both start in the locks.

Kyle Hatherall and Jordy Reid return to the back row. The flankers join Will Montgomery who retains his place at number eight after a physical performance last weekend against Coventry.

Dan Jones returns as the starting fly-half after a clinical second-half performance after coming off the bench last weekend. Michael Stronge joins him in the half-backs at scrum-half.

Rory Scannell starts at inside centre with Francis Moore lining up on the outside

Michael Dykes and Geordie Gwynn start on the wings and Tobi Wilson remains at fullback.

Ben Ward names a 6-2 split bench with the inclusions of Mike Willemse, Josh Taylor, and Will Parry.

Kick-off is 2:30pm, Saturday 14 February at 4ED Stadium.

Watch the match on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Geordie Gwynn

13. Francis Moore

12. Rory Scannell

11. Michael Dykes

10. Dan Jones

9. Michael Stronge

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Scott Buckley (C)

3. George Davis

4. David Bridge

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Jordy Reid

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

16. Mike Willemse

17. Elliot Chilvers

18. PJ Sheck

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Josh Taylor

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Sam Edwards

23. Will Parry

News

Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders level the record for the most consecutive wins in the Champ after a two-point win over Coventry.

George Worboys kicked off the match into Coventry’s 22 who gathered cleanly. Coventry found space on the left wing in an early break but were dragged into touch.

Trailfinders secured the line out and found width in attack. George Worboys found space and darted forward but was brought down just short of the try line. Trailfinders formed the ruck and the skipper Conor Oliver got over the line for the first try. Worboys slotted the conversion.

Coventry struck back quickly with their own attacking phases, putting pressure on Trailfinders in their 22. But a spillage forward from Coventry and a concession of penalties gave Trailfinders the upper hand in their half.

The physical battle ensued with handling errors from both teams. Coventry once again tried to gain ground and found themselves running into the Trailfinders defensive wall. Yet, a penalty to Coventry saw Sam Maunder kick the ball towards the corner. With a ten metre line out, Coventry aimed to move from an attacking platform but Trailfinders stole the ball but spilt it giving Coventry another opportunity. Dan Green darted through for the visitor’s first try. The conversion was successful by Josh Thomas to level the score.

Momentum on their side, Coventry continued to challenge the home side in their own half. Finding space, David Opoku-Fordjour slid in under the posts. Thomas added the conversion.

With the first quarter gone, Trailfinders found themselves defending in their own half as Coventry threw the dummy pass to find a break towards the sticks. A loopy pass out wide on the right allowed Trailfinders to regroup. Josh Thomas opted for the cross-field kick which flew straight into touch. Coventry had a penalty from Trailfinders’ offside and went through the short phases to eventually score from the hands of Sentiki Nayalo. Thomas added the extras.

Trailfinders were awarded a penalty for a high tackle from Coventry after the restart. A line out from Mike Willemse gave Trailfinders the platform to attack in Coventry’s half. Coventry gave away another penalty for bringing down the maul and Worboys kicked for the corner.

Willemse threw a short line out to set the men in green in up for the short range phases. Coventry conceded another penalty for being offside to give the home side the tap and go option. The men in green went out wide to Michael Dykes who scored the second try in the lefthand corner.

As the rain poured down with seven minutes from half-time, Coventry were given a scrum in Trailfinders’ half. But the men in green were awarded the penalty after Coventry went straight down.

Trailfinders secured a reset from the scrum with time dwindling in the first half but Coventry drew a penalty from the reset. Josh Thomas called for posts and added the extra three points as half-time was called.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 12-24 Coventry

Trailfinders began the second half with great attacking intent, breaking down the left side channel until a handling error gave Coventry the first scrum of the second half.

The men in green won a penalty and fresh-legged Dan Jones kicked the ball to the corner. Attacking from short range, Trailfinders went through the phases, though a handling error sent the referee back to the penalty advantage. Trailfinders reset once more.

Trailfinders relied on the set piece to drive the ball over. Mike Willemse scored for the first time this season on his return to lock in the home side’s third try. Jones slotted the extras.

In attacking motion, Geordie Gwynn put boot to ball for territory gain but the ball headed into touch, giving Coventry a line out in their own 22. Sam Maunder put boot to ball but Michael Dykes cleanly gathered in the air.

The men in green continued to find attacking flow until Coventry tried to intercept the ball but knocked it on, giving Trailfinders another scrum.

After plenty of centre field play, Coventry found themselves heading towards the try line once more. But Trailfinders secured a penalty and Jones kicked the ball towards the halfway line and it landed in touch.

Another wave of Coventry attack avoided, Trailfinders were back with ball in hand and were awarded yet another penalty.

Scott Buckley threw the longer lineout and Trailfinders whipped the ball out to the centres. But the ball was spilt forward from the Coventry tackle.

Once again with ball in hand, Michael Stronge zipped the ball from the maul to the backline. Yet, another handling error in the phases of attack gave the visitors another scrum in their 22. But Coventry conceded another penalty for holding on.

Jones kicked for the corner once more as Trailfinders looked to level. The men in green gathered in Coventry defenders then got the ball out wide to Tobi Wilson who slid in for the bonus-point score. Dan Jones slotted the extras to give Trailfinders the lead once more.

From the restart, Coventry were penalised as then ran in front of the kicker before the ball came loose from Thomas’s boot. Trailfinders secured another scrum, this time on the halfway line.

Dan Jones once more sent the ball into the lefthand corner for a Trailfinders lineout.

Buckley threw a spot-on lineout to Will Montgomery who gathered. Buckley found himself at the tail of the maul and drove it forward to score. Jones added the extra two.

Trailfinders conceded a penalty in their half and Coventry opted for the points. Thomas slotted the three points to narrow the scoreboard deficit.

With five minutes to go, Tobi Wilson sent the ball to the skies, chased his own kick, tackled and sent the Coventry defence back fifteen metres and secured a penalty in the process.

The visitors continued to concede penalties in their own 22 as time on the clock dwindled. Jones opted to take the kick and slotted the penalty to add three more points to the scoreboard.

Coventry were not to be deterred and Api Bavadra scored under the posts. Thomas converted the extras.

In a tense final few seconds, Trailfinders held firm in defence and then secure a penalty. Wilson kicked the ball into touch to as Trailfinders make history and level the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 36-34 Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders –

Tries – Conor Oliver 1, Michael Dykes 28, Mike Willemse 45, Tobi Wilson 66, Scott Buckley 70

Conversions – George Worboys 2, Dan Jones 45 66 71

Penalties – Dan Jones 79

Coventry –

Tries – Dan Green 12, David Opoku-Fordjour 16, Sentiki Nayalo 24, Api Bavadra 80

Conversions – Josh Thomas 12 17 24 80

Penalties – Josh Thomas 74

Match Preview

Match programme: Ealing Trailfinders v Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders ready themselves to make history as they welcome West Midlands side Coventry to Trailfinders Sports Club.

Round Sixteen will see the league leaders bid to level the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league as they face Coventry.

Read everything you need to know about the fixture in the match programme.

News, Team Lineup

Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Coventry

Ealing Trailfinders host Coventry in Round Sixteen of the Champ in a bid to level the Champ Rugby record for the most consecutive wins in the league.

Ben Ward has named six changes in his match day squad to face West Midlands side Coventry.

Returning to the field for the first time this season is Mike Willemse who starts at hooker for the home side. Alongside him in the front row is Kyle Whyte at loosehead and Kabous Bezuidenhout at tighthead.

Conor Oliver captains the side once more after the 65-7 win over Richmond last weekend. Also in the back row is Josh Taylor at blindside flanker and Will Montgomery at eight.

Sean Lonsdale retains his place in the engine room and is joined by David Bridge.

A changed half-back pairing sees Sam Edwards start at scrum-half with George Worboys named at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate and Geordie Gwynn start in the centres.

The back three is made up of Michael Dykes and Toby Cousins on the wings with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

Ben Ward names a 5-3 split bench with the inclusions of Scott Buckley, Gabriel Mann, and Dan Jones.

Kick-off is 3pm, Saturday 7 February at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch the match on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Toby Cousins

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Michael Dykes

10. George Worboys

9. Sam Edwards

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Mike Willemse

3. Kabous Bezuidenhout

4. David Bridge

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor

7. Conor Oliver (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

16. Scott Buckley

17. James Kenny

18. George Davis

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Michael Stronge

22. Dan Jones

23. Will Parry

News

Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders v Richmond

Ealing Trailfinders scored eleven tries in a comprehensive victory over their West London rivals at Trailfinders Sports Ground.

Tries from Patrick Campbell, Tobi Wilson, Harry Thompson, Michael Stronge, Jordan Holgate, Tobi Cousins, Will Parry and Will Montgomery further consolidated Trailfinders position at the top of the table.

Ealing Trailfinders kicked off their London derby against Richmond in crisp conditions at Trailfinders Sports ground. Soft hands from Tobi Wilson put Patrick Campbell in for Trailfinders’ opening try in the fourth minute, but George Worboys was unable to add the extra two points.

Just over ten minutes later a barnstorming run and a sumptuous offload from Kyle Hatherell put Tobi Wilson in for Ealing Trailfinders’ second try. Worboys slotted the conversion to give the home side a twelve point lead.

Within five minutes, Trailfinders had their third try as Harry Thompson broke from the back of a rolling maul, grounding the ball with a remarkable finish as his momentum carried him towards the line. From out wide on the left the conversion was unsuccessful.

Just three minutes later, Ealing Trailfinders had the try bonus point wrapped up. Wilson exploded onto a beautiful flat pass across the face of a defence from Worboys, breaking the line before offloading back inside to Michael Stronge who crossed the whitewash.

Jordan Holgate powered over in the right corner for Trailfinders’ fifth try, with the men in green scoring their 27th point on the stroke of the 27th minute.

A fantastic Wilson counterattacking break and soft hands across the pitch put Tobi Cousins in for a try in an identical spot to Holgate’s try, and from the same tough angle Worboys added the extras.

On the stroke of half time Trailfinders went off the top of a lineout, and Holgate crashed the ball up before offloading to his centre partner Will Parry, who slid in under the posts for his side’s seventh try. From out in front, Worboys nailed the conversion as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 41-0 Richmond

Holgate started the second half the way he finished the first, breaking the line from inside his own half, before offloading to Stronge who grabbed his second try of the game. Worboys slotted the kick from the left touchline, making the score 48-0 with 45 minutes played.

Trailfinders’ rolling maul was stopped by the Richmond forward pack, before the ball was spun to Holgate, who stepped the defence and grabbed his second try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery burrowed over from close range for Ealing Trailfinders’ tenth try of the day.

Richmond grabbed their first points of the game through a try for Chidera Obonna, after Paddy Case floated a flat pass over Trailfinders’ defence to put the winger into space. Replacement Lewis Dennett added the conversion.

Trailfinders had the last word, with Montgomery powering his way over for a second well taken try on the cusp of full time. From out wide on the right touchline Scannell slotted a tough conversion, as the referee’s whistle brought an end to proceedings at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Jordan Holgate was awarded Player of the Match.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 65-7 Richmond

Player of the Match: Jordan Holgate

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Patrick Campbell 4, Tobi Wilson 16 Harry Thompson 21 Michael Stronge 24 44, Jordan Holgate 28 57 Tobi Cousins 37, Will Parry 40 Will Montgomery 68 80

Conversions – George Worboys 17 38 40 45

Richmond:

Tries – Chidera Obonna 77

Conversions – Lewis Dennett 78

Match Preview, News

Match programme: Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

The West London derby weekend continues as Ealing Trailfinders host Richmond in Round Fifteen of the Champ.

Read everything you need to know ahead of the game in the match programme.

News

Match Round-up: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders secure a hard fought win at Kingsey Road after a scoreless opening forty.

Trailfinders started the game strong, going through the phases in Chinnor’s half. The home side fought valiantly in defence and held Conor Oliver up over the line after five minutes.

After resetting, the men in yellow continued to draw penalties from Chinnor. Dan Jones kicked the ball into touch in Chinnor’s 22 to set up an attacking lineout. Chinnor continued to defend well and secured turnover ball in their 22.

The home side found their flow and drew a penalty from Trailfinders and kicked down field. Chinnor gained metres but Trailfinders’ blitz defence kept forcing them back. Loose ball from Chinnor meant Trailfinders were awarded a scrum on the edge of their 22.

Chinnor were ferocious in attack, applying pressure to Sam Edwards as the Trailfinders scrum-half put boot to ball.

Further up the field, another Trailfinders scrum set the platform for attacking play.

With no scores after fifteen minutes, Trailfinders found themselves defending once again in their half. Chinnor’s Nick Smith made a break down the left wing but he was dragged into touch by the Trailfinders back line.

After a lost ball from a Trailfinders line out, Chinnor rapidly moved through the phases towards their try line. Trailfinders slowed down a Chinnor driving maul and the home side sent the ball out wide, still failing to secure an opening score.

Trailfinders continued to defend valiantly as the clock surpassed the first quarter. Chinnor tried to carry the ball forward, but the Trailfinders defensive wall remained solid.

Jordan Holgate was shown a yellow card by the referee after an offside infringement in the centre of the field.

A scoreless scoreboard reflected the efforts of both teams’ defence as the clock moved deeper into the second quarter.

A fourteen-men Trailfinders played an advantage but Edwards missed touched. Chinnor gathered and sent the ball into the sky. Michael Dykes gathered in the air under pressure.

Battle of the midfield ensued with charged down kicks, chip and chases, and speedy runs by backline players from both sides.

Trailfinders were awarded a penalty and kicked the ball into touch to set Scott Buckley up for an attacking line out in Chinnor’s 22. Trailfinders went through the phases but the strength of Chinnor’s tackles sent the ball loose from the hands of the men in yellow.

Play in the midfield continued, with both teams opting for box kicking and applying pressure to the fullbacks.

Chinnor found further attacking flow with a break from Will Cave. The Chinnor back rower kicked the ball down field but Michael Dykes gathered the ball, relieving the pressure from the home side.

Holgate returned to the field with the scoreboard yet to be changed.

Chinnor were metres away from the first score but Trailfinders held the home side up over the try line for a scoreless first half.

Half-time: Chinnor 0-0 Ealing Trailfinders

Chinnor kicked the ball deep from the second half kick-off. Josh Taylor skidded on the damp grass to gather the ball. Trailfinders opted for territory kicking and midfield play ensued, continuing the second half where the first forty ended.

Kyle Hatherell led the charge with Trailfinders’ collision work as Chinnor continued to march forward. Defending from the five metre line, Chinnor recycled the ball through the phases with the hopes of breaking the Ealing defensive wall.

A penalty was awarded to the home side and Chinnor set up a driving maul and stormed through to the try line for the first score after forty-five minutes from the hands of Chris Moore. The conversion was unsuccessful, giving the home side a five-point lead.

Trailfinders responded quickly and found themselves in Chinnor’s 22 with an attacking line out.

Another set piece to Trailfinders saw them have a scrum on the five metre line. The men in yellow drove the ball over in the maul, and Kyle Hatherell scored the first try for Trailfinders to level. Dan Jones converted to secure the lead for the first time in the match.

Chinnor responded with physical carries, drawing penalties from Trailfinders. Five metres out from their try line, Chinnor mauled the ball forward to no avail. The ball was sent back in-field. With space on the wing, the ball went out wide to Sam Hanks on the right wing who ran it into the corner for Chinnor’s second try.

With momentum on their side, Chinnor continued to attack. Hanks backed his kick and chase, gathered and scored in the right hand corner for a second time. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery was shown a yellow card by the referee for infringing in defence.

With fifteen minutes to go, Trailfinders aimed to keep ball in hand after box kicking for territory in previous passages of play. Chinnor’s Freddie Owsley continued the gather well and gain his side metres.

Chinnor’s Grant Hughes received a yellow card, meaning both teams were down to fourteen men.

With a penalty advantage, Trailfinders went to the driving maul. Harry Thompson picked the outside channel and scored in the right hand corner for Trailfinders’ second try. Dan Jones converted.

Only one point differentiating the two sides and less than five minutes to go, Trailfinders tried to apply further pressure but the home side fronted up to the challenge.

Chinnor won a scrum in their own half but missed a kick into touch. Trailfinders gathered and ran the ball up the field. Toby Cousins found a gap on the left wing and charged forward to score underneath the posts. Jones converted to seal out the game.

Full-time: Chinnor 15-21 Ealing Trailfinders

Chinnor:

Tries – Chris Moore 45, Sam Hanks 57 61

Yellow card – Grant Hughes

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Kyle Hatherell 51, Harry Thompson 73, Toby Cousins 78

Conversions – Dan Jones 51 74 79

Yellow card – Jordan Holgate, Will Montgomery