Mennaye Field Archives - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders left it late to win 24-29 under the lights against Cornish Pirates in Round Two of the Championship.

Tries from Tom Collins, Matt Cornish, Tobi Wilson and Rob Farrar meant Trailfinders secured a bonus point victory in Penzance.

The Londoners sit at the top of the table after Friday evening’s result, collecting ten points from a possible ten so far this campaign.

As the sides ran out from the changing rooms, there was a great atmosphere around The Mennaye Field, with last season’s top two set to go head-to-head.

Unsurprisingly, it was a cagey opening 15 minutes with both sides looking for field position early on. It was Will Trewin who looked most likely to score just after this period; the Cornish Pirates fullback thought he was in, but Angus Kernohan, helped by Rayn Smid, forced Trewin into touch.

Bruce Houston finally broke the deadlock for the hosts with a well-struck three-pointer before Dan Jones cancelled it out with three of his own at the other end.

With just five minutes to go before the break, Trailfinders finally started to build some pressure. A penalty at scrum time gave Jones the opportunity to kick to the corner. The ball was spread wide, and a looping pass over to the left wing meant Tom Collins could go over untouched.

However, Cornish Pirates weren’t ready for the half-time whistle just yet. They levelled the scores with their first try of the match. Arthur Relton broke away down the centre of the field, Trailfinders covered well initially, but it wasn’t enough as Robin Wedlake scored on the left wing.

Half-time- Cornish Pirates 10-10 Ealing Trailfinders

The visitors came firing out of the blocks in the second forty. Last season’s top try scorer, Matt Cornish, scored his first of the 2024-25 campaign, burrowing his way over from five meters out just minutes after the break.

Moments later, Cornish Pirates put a teasing kick over the top, which left Craig Hampson chasing back into the deadball area. He could only get his fingertips to the bouncing ball, and the referee deemed it was deliberately knocked out of play. He awarded a penalty try and sent Hampson for ten minutes on the touchline.

Down to 14 men, and with the scores now level, Trailfinders knew they needed to raise their game, and they did just that. Collins was doing a good job temporarily filling in at scrum-half, he managed to find Jones, who put Tobi Wilson through a hole to restore the West-Londoners lead to seven points.

As we headed into the final ten minutes, it was a sustained period of pressure for Cornish Pirates. With the crowd behind them, they found a way through. Iwan Price-Thomas slid across the whitewash, and Iwan Jenkins tied the scores from the boot, which made it 24 apiece.

It was a tense final few minutes at The Mennaye. Cornish Pirates cleared the ball upfield from a box-kick, and Collins superbly kept it in play. Trailfiinders moved the ball from one touchline back to the other, which opened up space on the right-hand side. Collins beat his man for pace and found Rob Farrar out on the wing; he ran in from the 22, bumped off the covering defence, and dived over in the corner.

The stands fell silent other than an eruption of noise from the visitors’ bench. With the clock in red, Farrar had scored the match-winning and bonus point try. Trailfinders take all five points back to West London.

Full-time- Cornish Pirates 24-29 Ealing Trailfinders

Cornish Pirates:

Tries- Wedlake 40, Penalty Try 47, Price-Thomas 75

Conversions- Houston 40, Jenkins 76

Penalties- Houston 17

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries- Collins 32, Cornish 44, Wilson 52, Farrar 80

Conversions- Jones 33, 45, 53

Penalties- Jones 25

Yellow Cards- Hampson 47, Kernohan 55

Championship 2023-2024 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders came out on top after a hard-fought 17-26 victory over Cornish Pirates at the Mennaye Field on Friday evening.

Tries from Angus Kernohan and Bobby De Wee, along with four penalties from Craig Willis helped secure the win in challenging conditions in Penzance.

The result leaves Ealing Trailfinders nine points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Cornish Pirates came out of the blocks firing as Marlen Walker opened the scoring on the ten-minute mark. The Pirates pack mauled their way over the line and Walker was able to benefit from his side’s early dominance.

Craig Willis, who was unfazed by the conditions, struck a 40-metre penalty to get Trailfinders on the scoreboard. The hosts hit back moments later when Pirates’ captain John Stevens scored from a pick and go after multiple phases camped on the line.

The visitors knew they needed something with half time approaching. As an Ealing Trailfinders maul rolled towards the line, the referee raised his arm into the air to signal a penalty advantage. With the advantage to fall back on, Willis called for the ball and hit a crossfield kick to Angus Kernohan that went the width of the field. All the winger had to do was catch it and dot down, and that’s what he did!

Heading into the break, it was 12-10 in favour of Cornish Pirates.

If it wasn’t bad enough already, the weather then took a turn for the worst as the second 40 began, making it more important than ever to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Ealing Trailfinders took the lead for the first time in the contest with a penalty from Willis. He then extended his team’s lead to four points with another shot at goal.

The Cornish men responded when former Trailfinder Bruce Houston stabbed the ball through and Matt McNab won the foot race, sliding over in the mud to put them back in front. Two minutes later it was time for Willis to step up and kick his fourth penalty of the evening to nudge his side ahead once again.

To top off a brilliant performance by Willis, he hit a stunning 50 22 to put Trailfinders in a brilliant attacking position. Bobby De Wee muscled his way over from close range to score Trailfinders second try of the match. Willis maintained his 100 percent record from the tee to all but secure the win for the West Londoners.

The nail-biting clash in Cornwall finished Cornish Pirates 17 Ealing Trailfinders 26 with the visitors taking four points back to Ealing.

Championship 2022-2023 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders scored 25 unanswered points in the second half to secure a powerful 12-25 bonus point win over Cornish Pirates at The Mennaye.

In difficult conditions and battling against a vocal home crowd, Ealing experienced a tough opening 40 minutes.

David Johnston was substituted after just three minutes following a heavy collision and his replacement Steven Shingler (on for his 50th appearance) found himself in the sin-bin just ten minutes later. Pirates took full advantage of the extra man and early attacking momentum, crashing over for their first try in the 13th minute.

With the try unconverted, Trailfinders started to find their gear. The visitors worked their way into the Pirates half and built attacking pressure. However an injury to Cian Kelleher meant Jordan Burns was called upon to play the remainder of the match on the wing.

Ealing soon barged their way over the Pirates line from metres out but the hosts defence stood firm to hold the ball up. The visitors continued to throw everything at Pirates and were close to scoring, but a wayward short pass was intercepted and pounced upon. The Cornish centre ran 75 metres to score untouched under the posts. Pirates led 12-0 at half-time.

Heading into the second half, Ealing knew they had to score first to halt the Pirates momentum. That moment came in the 48th minute when Simon Uzokwe bulldozed his way over from close range. Craig Willis missed the conversion but Trailfinders were back in the contest.

Pirates soon found themselves down to 13 men after repeated infringements. Ealing took full advantage with Carlo Tizzano powering his way over. Willis added the extras and the scores were locked at 12-12.

With the clock ticking into the final ten minutes, Trailfinders won a penalty deep in Pirates territory. Willis stepped up and knocked over the penalty kick to give Ealing the 12-15 lead.

Pirates lost another player to the sin-bin in the 77th minute and Ealing pounced. First Willis delivered a beautiful cross-field kick to scrum-half turned winger Jordan Burns who crossed in the corner.

Then in the final seconds Ealing put together a swift attack in the Pirates 22. Shingler broke through the Cornish defence popped a lovely offload to Jonah Holmes who then passed to a charging Jordan Burns who sliced through to score his second and secure a remarkable 12-25 bonus point win.

The comeback victory was Ealing’s eighth Championship win of the season and a fitting tribute to Barney Maddison and Steven Shingler who both celebrated their 50th first-team appearance.

Tickets are selling fast for next Saturday’s Championship clash with Bedford Blues at Trailfinders Sports Club (KO 3pm). Click here for tickets. To book our delicious pre-match hospitality email: hospitality@etprm.com.

Full-time Score: Cornish Pirates 12-25 Ealing Trailfinders

T: Uzokwe 48′, Tizzano 62′, Burns 78′, 80′

C: Willis 63′

P: Willis 71′

Championship 2021-2022 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

It was a tough day at the office for Ben Ward’s men as Ealing Trailfinders fell to defeat on their first away fixture of the season in a 15-12 loss at The Mennaye Field.

The home side came out of the block the fastest as early pressure led to Bobby De Wee being penalised and sent to the sin bin. Making the most out of their numerical advantage a knock through from the boot looking to put Tommy Wyatt through at the corner led to a line out when Hampson it put into touch, for the subsequent line out the ball was worked well from Pirates driving towards the line with Sara Cox awarding a penalty try for the home side due to Ealing Trailfinders coming in at the side.

Moments later a sustained period of pressure from the Pirates really put the Trailfinders under the cosh with the majority of the opening 20 minutes being played within Ealing’s half.

In a frustrating half for the Trailfinders, a number of lost line outs cost the travelling side in the attempt to swing momentum away from the home side. However as much pressure was applied Pirates were made to rue not getting another score on the board when the ball was worked along the back line well from a 22 metre line out and fed to Malon Al-Jiboori who crashes through the Pirates defence to dot down and level things going into half-time.

It was perhaps Ealing who would be the happier heading down the tunnel, seeing very little of the ball throughout the first 40 minutes.

Half-Time Cornish Pirates 7 Ealing Trailfinders 7

The men from The Mennaye started the second half exactly where they left off, going through the phases from the line out, Danny Cutmore picking and going to power forwards and dot down for the home side’s second of the game.

Moments later The Pirates put the travelling side under more pressure when Jan Henning Campher was penalised by Sara Cox for crawling with the ball after being tackled, Pirates decided to go for the posts and were successful with the boot through Arwel Robson.

Ben Ward’s men could never really find their feet in the game and any time that there seemed to be a glimpse of attacking prowess, The Pirates hit back with great defensive work to push the travelling side back.

Trailfinders were finally rewarded for their efforts in the second half when Craig Willis attempted a grubber through to the corner, a piece of skill that was appreciated by winger Angus Kernohan who scooped the ball up, darting inside to dot down with less than 10 minutes on the clock to close the gap to just three points.

We were then treated to 5 minutes of a barrage from Ealing Trailfinders who tried in a number of way to find a gap through the Pirates defence. It looked to be unlocked when the Jordan Burns worked the ball out to Craig Willis, who launched the ball over to Reuben Bird-Tulloch who looked set to dot down before losing his footing just short of the try line, with Sara Cox bringing the game back for a previous advantage.

Ealing Trailfinders couldn’t make it pay though and when another attempted kick through from Willis was gobbled up, all that was left was for The Pirates to launch the ball out of play to take home the win.

Full Time Cornish Pirates 15 – Ealing Trailfinders 12

Championship 2020-2021 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders continued their fantastic start to the season with their best win of the campaign so far as they comprehensively defeated Cornish Pirates 38-10 at the Mennaye Field.

A sensational second half saw the visitors leading 12-10 with half an hour remaining, but then they transformed their play and took the game away from Pirates in impressive style.

Elliot Millar Mills, James Cordy Redden, Angus Kernohan, Kieran Murphy, Jordan Burns and Shaun Malton all crossed the try-line in a victory that will be remembered for a long time.

The Trailfinders got off to the perfect start, which has become a regular occurrence so far this season, with Elliot Millar Mills scoring the opener after just five minutes.

A succession of penalties took the visitors to within five metres of the line, and they took it quickly before spinning the ball wide to the prop who powered over in the corner. Craig Willis’ brilliant touchline conversion put his side 7-0 ahead.

Another half chance opened up just five minutes later for James Cordy Redden who ran a great line against the traffic at the breakdown, but he was met by the Pirates defence who stayed firm and stopped a second try.

In a hugely physical opening 40 minutes both sides were finding the wind challenging, and most of the rugby was played in the middle third with the weather making handling difficult.

Pirates thought they had got level with an interception on the 20 minute mark, but the referee called play back for an earlier infringement which allowed the Trailfinders to clear.

Craig Willis and Simon Uzokwe combined brilliantly in the midfield to unlock the Pirates defence as the visitors went in search of another score, but just as play entered the 22 the ball was stolen at the breakdown and the hosts cleared.

The Pirates then grew in to the game and Ward’s men were struggling with their discipline, which resulted in Will Cargill dissecting the posts to cut the lead to just four points.

Crucially, the Trailfinders got a valuable try with the last play of the first half to put themselves firmly in the ascendancy. The Pirates had a lineout in their own 22 but it was stolen by Rayn Smid, and then Willis patiently dragged in the defenders before releasing Cordy Redden who dived over in the corner for a much-needed score. The conversion blew just wide in the wind, but the Green and Whites went down the tunnel with a nine point lead.

The Pirates got the second half off to a flying start with a try just two minutes after the restart to get themselves right back in to the match. Cargill’s up-and-under was misjudged by the Trailfinders back-three, and it bounced up perfectly for Shae Tucker who was able to stroll through in a moment of great fortune for the hosts. Cargill added the extras, making the score 10-12 with plenty of rugby still to play.

Then came the crucial spell of the match, as the Trailfinders took a significant step towards victory. A spell of six consecutive penalties saw the Pirates have both Tom Duncan and Shae Tucker sent to the sin-bin for repeated infringements, and the visitors made their 13-man opponents pay.

The latest penalty was quickly tapped, and then Craig Hampson and Max Bodily shifted the ball to Angus Kernohan who was able to finish in the corner. An outstanding touchline conversion from David Johnston in to the wind extended the lead to nine points.

That lead then grew straight after as the bonus point was secured in sensational style. A frantic passage of play saw the ball change hands multiple times, and it was eventually charged down by Pat Howard. The centre was able to gather, and it ended up in the hands of Kieran Murphy who ran over the final defender to score. Johnston added the extras, putting his side 26-10 ahead with 20 minutes to go.

Jordan Burns then put the result beyond doubt with a trademark try in the final 10 minutes. Another sequence of penalties took play up to the line, and the scrum-half spotted a gap at the fringe of the ruck to snipe over for try number five.

Shaun Malton added further gloss to the score-line with the final play of the match, as he went over for the sixth try. A five mere lineout gave the maul the platform, and the hooker was on hand to bundle over from the base. The conversion went just wide, but the win was confirmed in an almighty statement from the Trailfinders.

Cornish Pirates:

15 Tommy Wyatt 14 Alex O’Meara 13 Rory Parata 12 Shae Tucker 11 Robin Wedlake 10 Luke Scully 9 Alex Schwarz 1 Marlen Walker 2 Dan Frost 3 Jay Tyack 4 Fa’atiga Lemalu 5 Danny Cutmore 6 Josh Caulfield 7 Antonio Kiri Kiri 8 Tom Duncan (c)

Replacements:

16 Jack Andrew 17 Tom Channon 18 Sam Rodman 19 Matt Bolwell 20 John Stevens 21 Rhodri Davies 22 Will Cargill 23 AJ Cant

Scorers:

Tries: Shae Tucker (42 minutes)

Conversions: Will Cargill (42 minutes)

Penalties: Will Cargill (32 minutes)

Yellow Cards: Tom Duncan, Shae Tucker

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston 14 Angus Kernohan 13 Max Bodilly 12 Pat Howard 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Luke Daniels, 42 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 65 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by Kyle Whyte, 60 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Shaun Malton, 30 mins) 3 Elliot Millar Mills (replaced by Lewis Thiede, 65 mins) 4 Bobby de Wee 5 James Cannon (replaced by Harry Casson, 60 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy (replaced by Simon Linsell, 60 mins) 7 Simon Uzokwe (replaced by Guy Thompson, 65 mins) 8 Rayn Smid (c)

Replacements:

16 Shaun Malton 17 Kyle Whyte 18 Lewis Thiede 19 Simon Linsell 20 Harry Casson 21 Guy Thompson 22 Jordan Burns 23 Luke Daniels

Scorers:

Tries: Elliot Millar Mills (5 minutes) James Cordy Redden (40 minutes) Angus Kernohan (55 minutes) Kieran Murphy (60 minutes) Jordan Burns (73 minutes) Shaun Malton (80 minutes)

Conversions: Craig Willis (5 minutes) David Johnston (55, 60, 73 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Adam Leal

Assistant Referees: Dean Richards & Clare Daniels

Fourth Official: Kevin Williams

Half Time Score: Cornish Pirates 3-12 Ealing Trailfinders

Championship 2019-2020 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders suffered a disappointing defeat on the opening day of the Greene King IPA Championship season as they fell 30-10 to Cornish Pirates at Mennaye Field.

The West Londoners were uncharacteristically lethargic throughout and failed to live up to their previous performances in the Cup, being beaten by a dominant Pirates side who never looked like surrendering their lead.

The hosts started strongly and took the lead inside the first 10 minutes with a try from Maliq Holden. A penalty from Javier Rojas Alvarez came back off the post but after the ball was cleared it fell in to the hands of Fa’atiga Lemalu who smashed his way through the defence and he had Holden on his shoulder who had a clear run to the line.

Their fast start continued with another try just four minutes later to the delight of the home supporters. On the counter attack they grubbered the ball through, and it bounced up perfectly for Nicolas De Battista who dotted the ball down. Alvarez’s conversion put his side 12-0 in front after just 12 minutes.

The Trailfinders then created a number of chances as they looked to get back in to the match, but they lacked the finishing prowess which is normally so firmly associated with them and the opportunities were missed.

Alun Walker and Rayn Smid combined in the midfield and set Kieran Murphy free just outside the 22, however the final pass to Nathan Fowles went forward to allow the Pirates to escape.

Jack Tovey then created space for Smid again as Jordy Reid carried past a number of defenders, but a fumble gave the hosts the scrum.

Alvarez increased the Pirates’ lead to 15 points on the 20 minute mark with a penalty which saw Craig Willis sent to the sin-bin as the afternoon got even tougher for the Trailfinders.

David Johnston got the Green and Whites on the scoreboard with a penalty from 40 metres as they looked for some reward, but a huge setback saw the Pirates cross the try-line in the final play of the first half to increase their advantage.

They continued to look dangerous with ball in hand, and a break deep in the 22 allowed Brett Beukeboom to bundle his way over, followed by Alvarez adding the extras to give his side a 22-3 lead at the break.

The Trailfinders came flying out of the blocks in the second half and increased the intensity significantly as they started to make crucial metres, however despite coming close on a number of occasions there was to be more frustration with Alvarez kicking another penalty to take the hosts’ lead up to 22 points.

Then a series of scrums deep in the Pirates 22 which included a whole host of penalties seemed to be getting the visitors some joy and a penalty try seemed inevitable, but they managed to hack the ball away as it spat out of the side to keep their try-line intact.

Jordan Burns then created a piece of magic with a sensational individual try to give the visitors some hope. The scrum-half picked up the ball from the base of a ruck and sniped his way past four defenders from 50 metres out to race over the line. Steven Shingler’s conversion cut the lead to 15 points with 15 minutes remaining in the Penzance sunshine.

As the Trailfinders began to chase the game with an eye on a memorable comeback, it was the Pirates who were next on the scoreboard to confirm their opening day win. A penalty was kicked to touch, and the rolling maul rumbled towards the line which allowed Calum Patterson to break away and score.

That proved to be the last try of the match and despite plenty of endeavour the Trailfinders were unable to break what was an impressive home defence, as the ball was smashed in to the stands to give the Pirates a bonus-point win.

Ben Ward’s men now face Jersey Reds next Saturday in their first home match of the league campaign as they look for a big response to a frustrating afternoon in Cornwall.

Cornish Pirates:

15 AJ Cant 14 Alex O’Meara 13 Callum Patterson 12 Nicolas De Battista 11 Maliq Holden 10 Javier Rojas Alvarez 9 Alex Schwarz 1 Jack Andrew 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie 3 Jay Teach 3 Danny Cutmore 5 Brett Beukeboom © 6 Fa’atiga Lemalu 7 John Stevens 8 Will Wilson

Replacements:

16 Tom Channon 17 Marlen Walker 18 Craig Mitchell 19 Matt Bolwell 20 James McRae 21 Rhodri Davies 22 Will Cargill 23 Robin Wedlake

Scorers:

Tries: Maliq Holden (7 minutes) Nicolas De Battista (11 minutes) Brett Beukeboom (39 minutes) Callum Patterson (71 minutes)

Conversions: Javier Rojas Alvarez (11, 39 minutes)

Penalties: Javier Rojas Alvarez (20, 51 minutes)

Yellow Card: Craig Mitchell

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 David Johnston (replaced by Tommy Bell, 70 mins) 14 James Cordy Redden 13 Jack Tovey 12 Pat Howard 11 Reon Joseph 10 Craig Willis (replaced by Steven Shingler, 50 mins) 9 Nathan Fowles (replaced by Jordan Burns, 45 mins) 1 Jordan Els (replaced by Will Davis, 40 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 40 mins) 3 Craig Trenier (replaced by Elliot Millar Mills, 40 mins) 4 Sam Dickinson (replaced by Dave McKern, 30 mins) 5 James Cannon (replaced by Andrew Durutalo, 60 mins) 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Jordy Reid 8 Rayn Smid ©

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 Will Davis 18 Elliot Millar Mills 19 Dave McKern 20 Andrew Durutalo 21 Jordan Burns 22 Tommy Bell 23 Steven Shingler

Scorers:

Tries: Jordan Burns (65 minutes)

Conversions: Steven Shingler (65 minutes)

Penalties: David Johnston (31 minutes)

Yellow Card: Craig Willis

Match Officials:

Referee: Adam Leal

Assistant Referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys & Philip Watters

Half Time Score: Cornish Pirates 22-3 Ealing Trailfinders

Attendance: 1772

Man of the Match: Nicolas De Battista

Championship 2018-2019 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders produced an outstanding performance to secure a 28-8 bonus point victory over Cornish Pirates at Mennaye Field.

Tries from James Cordy Redden, Rayn Smid and a double from Jordan Burns ensured they left Cornwall with a memorable win in a match that they dominated throughout.

Despite a whole host of issues with transport meaning a delayed arrival the Trailfinders came flying out of the blocks in the early stages and went close to opening the score after just two minutes.

After gathering the kick off they went through the phases and a break from Will Harries saw him race towards the 22 before offloading to Jordy Reid. The flanker went close to the line but was bundled down as the Pirates managed to scramble the ball back.

The West Londoners went in front on the 10 minute mark as they turned their early display in to a lead courtesy of James Cordy Redden. A penalty was kicked to the corner and the visitors edged their way towards the line before a Laurence May dummy opened up the defence. The former Pirate offloaded inside to the winger who was able to dive over from close range. Peter Lydons’ conversion extended the lead to 7-0.

The hosts began to grow in to the game as a number of penalties allowed them to enter the Trailfinders territory. They got back in to the match with half an hour on the clock as AJ Cant crossed for a try. Alex Day picked up from the base of a ruck and a neat grubber in behind bounced up to Cant who was able to score in the corner.

That was quickly followed by a penalty from Harvey Skinner to put the Pirates in front as we approached half time, but a crucial score from Rayn Smid put the Green and Whites ahead with the last play of the half.

Another break from Will Harries took the visitors in to the 22, and the ball was spun to Smid who beat the final defender to score. Lydon’s conversion put the Trailfinders 14-8 ahead at half time.

Pirates looked for a quick response after the break and a penalty took them up to the five metre line but an outstanding piece of defence from the forwards managed to pull the maul down to stop what appeared a certain try.

Jordan Burns then scored a crucial try 10 minutes in to the second half to give the Trailfinders some much needed breathing space. Rohan O’Regan latched on to a pass to create space down the wing, and he offloaded inside to the electric Burns who raced clear from 35 metres to dive under the posts. Lydon again added the extras to put his side 13 points ahead.

Both sides then turned to their kicking game as they looked to get territory as the wind began to pick up, but it would be the Trailfinders who would get the next score to secure the crucial bonus point.

In almost identical fashion Kieran Murphy made a break from the base of a ruck before passing to Burns who once more had the pace from 30 metres to stun the Mennaye Field crowd and send the travelling supporters in to raptures. Lydon’s conversion from in front od the posts but the result beyond doubt as the lead moved out to 20 points.

Matt Cornish then went close to adding further gloss to the scoreboard as he intercepted and passed to Cordy Redden but he was brought down as the Pirates defence looked to deny the visitors another score.

The Trailfinders held firm in the closing stages to smash the ball in to the stands and confirm a highly impressive victory which will give them the perfect boost ahead of next weekend’s Championship Cup Semi Final.

Cornish Pirates:

15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Rory Parata, 12 Callum Patterson, 11 AJ Cant, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Tyler Gendall, 4 Danny Cutmore, 5 Brett Beukeboom (c), 6 Josh Caulfield, 7 Matt Bolwell, 8 Tom Duncan

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost, 17 Jack Andrew, 18 Tom Concu, 19 James McRae, 20 Dan Lee, 21 Alex Schwarz, 22 Javier Rojas Alvarez

Scorers:

Tries: AJ Cant (27 minutes)

Penalties: Harvey Skinner (33 minutes)

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Peter Lydon 14 Will Harries 13 Pat Howard (replaced by David Johnston, 25 mins) 12 Harry Sloan 11 James Cordy Redden 10 Laurence May 9 Jordan Burns (replaced by Ryan Foley, 72 mins) 1 Alex Lundberg (replaced by Jack O’Connell, 60 mins) 2 Alun Walker (replaced by Matt Cornish, 55 mins) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Elliot Millar Mills, 55 mins) 4 Ben Landry (replaced by Carl Kirwan, 65 mins) 5 Harry Casson 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Jordy Reid (replaced by Rohan O’Regan, 35 mins) 8 Rayn Smid ©

Replacements:

16 Matt Cornish 17 Jack O’Connell 18 Elliot Millar Mills 19 Rohan O’Regan 20 Carl Kirwan 21 Ryan Foley 22 David Johnston

Scorers:

Tries: James Cordy Redden (13 minutes) Rayn Smid (40 minutes) Jordan Burns (46, 66 minutes)

Conversions: Peter Lydon (13, 40, 46, 66 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Michael Hudson

Assistant Referees: Gareth Holsgrove & Shane Lewis

Fourth Official: James Milliner-Woodcock

Half Time Score: Cornish Pirates 8 – 14 Ealing Trailfinders

Championship 2017-2018 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders ended the Championship season with a 39-25 defeat after a late rally from Cornish Pirates gave them the victory in a bad-tempered match at Mennaye Field which featured five yellow cards.

The West Londoners scored four tries and had the lead until the hour mark, but the hosts scored 24 points in the final quarter to secure the win in the final match of the league campaign.

Laurence May gave the Pirates an early lead with a penalty after five minutes to put them 3-0 ahead, but the Trailfinders responded with a number by creating a number of opportunities to go in front.

Dan Grant Adamson dummied at the base of a lineout and went racing ahead but was hauled down just short. The referee then penalised the Pirates three times in a row before sending Christian Judge to the sin-bin, and from the resulting phase Ollie Stedman powered his way over the line for the first try of the match.

Peter Lydon then extended the lead to five points with a penalty from 30 metres, but after Will Davis was sent to the sin-bin the Pirates brought themselves level with a try from Tom Duncan who took a quick tap from close range and scored.

It looked as if the sides would go down the tunnel at the break with the scores level, but another try from Ollie Stedman with the last play of the half edged Ben Ward’s men ahead. The number eight got the ball inside the Pirates 22 and shrugged off three defenders to race over the line in impressive style. Lydon’s conversion put the Trailfinders 15-8 in front at half time.

The match then burst in to life in the second half as both side looked to sign off the league season in style.

Pirates came out of the blocks flying and got level with a try from Chris Morgan who drove over from close range, before May’s conversion made it 15-15.

Mark Bright then scored an outstanding try to give the Trailfinders the lead again. Seb Stegmann and James Cordy Redden combined well on the wing, before offloading inside to the captain who ran to the line unattended.

The Vallis Way outfit then had a number of chances to give themselves some breathing space but failed to capitalise on them, which was followed by a Pirates revival as they took control of the match.

A penalty try saw them take the lead on the hour mark as Will Harries was sent to the sin bin, and then straight from the re-start they went down the other end as Alex O’Meara dotted down in the corner with an overlap on the right wing. May’s touchline conversion put the hosts 29-20 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

Rayn Smid then brought the Trailfinders back in to the match with the bonus point try, as Bright made a break and drew in the final defender before passing to the South African who ran clear from just outside the 22 to cut the deficit to four points.

Ollie Curry and Brett Beukeboom were then both sent to the sin bin for an off the ball incident, and from the resulting penalty May kicked the Pirates in to a 32-25 lead.

Lewis Robling then made a line break as he looked to bring his side level, but the Pirates kept hold of the ball in the closing stages before sealing the victory with a second try from Alex O’Meara in the same corner to give the home supporters something to celebrate in the Penzance sun.

The Trailfinders end the Championship season in second after an outstanding league campaign, and have the British and Irish Cup Final at Vallis Way in a fortnight as they look to end 2017/18 with some silverware.

Cornish Pirates:

15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Nicolas Coronel, 12 Nicolas De Battista (capt), 11 Matt Evans, 10 Laurence May, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Christian Judge, 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Chris Morgan, 7 Dan Lee, 8 Tom Duncan.

Replacements:

16 Jack Andrew, 17 Alan Paver, 18 Rupert Cooper, 19 John Stevens, 20 Will Cargill, 21 Dan Koster, 22 Toby May.

Scorers:

Tries: Tom Duncan (36 minutes) Chris Morgan (43 minutes) Penalty Try (60 minutes) Alex O’Meara (63, 78 minutes)

Conversions: Laurence May (43, 63, 78 minutes)

Penalties: Laurence May (3, 68 minutes)

Yellow Cards: Christian Judge, Brett Beukeboom

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Peter Lydon (replaced by Will Harries, 42 mins) 14 Seb Stegmann 13 James Cordy Redden 12 Lewis Robling 11 Reon Joseph 10 Shane O’Leary 9 Dan Grant Adamson (replaced by Luke Carter, 70 mins) 1 Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons, 60 mins) 2 Rhys Lawrence (replaced by Alun Walker, 60 mins) 3 Mark Tampin (replaced by Sam Rodman, 65 mins) 4 Sam Dickinson 5 Oli Curry 6 Mark Bright (c) 7 Rayn Smid 8 Ollie Stedman (replaced by Willie Ryan, 60 mins)

Replacements:

16 Alun Walker 17 James Gibbons 18 Sam Rodman 19 Harry Casson 20 Willie Ryan 21 Luke Carter 22 Will Harries

Scorers:

Tries: Ollie Stedman (18, 39 minutes) Mark Bright (47 minutes) Rayn Smid (65 minutes)

Conversions: Peter Lydon (39 minutes)

Penalties: Peter Lydon (25 minutes)

Yellow Cards: Will Davis, Will Harries, Ollie Curry

Match Officials:

Referee: Matt O’Leary

Assistant Referees: Jonathan Healy & William Burton

Half Time Score: Cornish Pirates 8 – 15 Ealing Trailfinders

Championship 2016-2017 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders won their first points of the season when they ran in four tries away to Cornish Pirates, but they had to endure a fight-back form the home team in the second half that stopped them securing their first win of the Greene King IPA Championship season.

Willie Ryan, Curtis Wilson twice and Harry Casson scored the tries, while Ben Ward landed 11 points with his boot. They fully controlled the first half, but after the hosts made a number of changes in the second half they fought their way back into proceedings.

Ealing Trailfinders enjoyed the best of the opening minutes after forcing a slice clearance from Toby May, but despite opting for a line-out from three penalties they were unable to break the Pirates defence and eventually the Cornishmen cleared the danger.

The forward pack maintained their pressure and continued to win penalties, and while centre Lewis Jones led a strong counter-attack the team were unable to find a way through the Pirates defence.

Eventually Ealing Trailfinders made the breakthrough when Ryan peeled off a scrum to score in the corner for a try that Ward converted. Pirates almost hit back immediately as wing Kyle Moyle claimed the restart and offloaded to Brett Beukeboom, but Mark Bright pulled off a try-saving tackle.

The Pirates began to find their rhythm and Lewis Jones put in a try-saving interception and Lewis Thiede held up a ball in-goal as they built some momentum. Eventually their pressure paid off as Matt Evans was put free to race in from the left wing.

They didn’t hold the lead for long though as the pack again applied the pressure and after the team swung the ball from left to right Wilson found space to race over in the corner.

Just before half-time Harry Casson scored his second in two matches by dotting down from close range after the pack again put the squeeze on in the Pirates 22.

Ward scored the first points of the second half with a penalty, but the Pirates found new energy after they made a number of changes and Tom Duncan drove over for their second try of the match.

The hosts maintained their momentum and Will Cargill converted a penalty to bring them within a converted try. They then drew level when wing Kyle Moyle came in off his wing to go over between the posts, for a try that Cargill’s converted.

It set up a tense last few minutes, but Lewis Jones pounced on a loose ball he picked out Curtis Wilson who raced away for his second. Ward then knocked over the conversion to return the lead to seven points.

However, the Pirates attacked with renewed vigour and scrum-half Townsend snuck over for a late try that Cargill converted to ensure a share of the spoils.

Ealing Trailfinders now return to Vallis Way for their next league match, against Jersey Reds on Saturday 17 September, kick-off 2pm.

Scorers
Cornish Pirates
Tries (Evans 28, Duncan 56, Moyle 72, Townsend 79), Conversions (Cargill 28, 56, 72, 79), Penalties (Cargill 60)
Ealing Trailfinders
Tries (Ryan 18, Wilson 30, 78, Casson 38), Conversions (Ward 18, 31, 38), Penalties (Ward 45)

Cornish Pirates
Toby May, Kyle Moyle, Alex Dancer, Nicolas De Battista, Matt Evans, Will Cargill, Alex Day; Marlen Walker, Jack Innard, Tyler Gendall, Chris Morgan (captain), Brett Beukeboom, Dan Lee, Alex Cheesman, Tom Duncan
Reserves
Tom Channon, Jack Andrew, Paul Andrew, Jake Parker, Sam Simmonds, Stuart Townsend, Laurence May

Ealing Trailfinders
Will Harries, Curtis Wilson, Lewis Jones, Joe Munro, Phil Chesters, Ben Ward, Luke Carter; Ignacio Lancuba, Rhys Lawrence, Lewis Thiede, Carwyn Jones, Harry Casson, Willie Ryan, Iain Grieve, Mark Bright (captain)
Reserves
Arthur Ellis, Will Davis, Alex Penny, Llewelyn Jones, Mike Macfarlane, Alex Walker, Aaron Penberthy

Attendance – 1,347
Referee – Kristoff Ridley

Championship 2015-2016 Mennaye Field

Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders endured a frustrating afternoon at the Mennaye Field, where they fell short of claiming a losing bonus point against a Cornish Pirates team that has now enjoyed 10 wins from their last 11 matches.

Alex Bradley, Harrison Orr and Iain Grieve all crossed for Ben Ward’s side, but it was the home side who made better use of the wet and windy conditions to take four of the five points on offer.

The home side started the stronger and two penalties from fly-half Lawrence May gave them the early impetus. May and his namesake Toby May were happy to use the wind to send a series of up and under kicks towards Ealing Trailfinders full-back James Love and wings Rhys Crane and James Stephenson to build pressure, but Ealing Trailfinders’ defence held out after the early onslaught.

Eventually the visitors forced their way down the field and after Danny Barnes was unable to touch down Tristan Roberts’ grubber kick, the pack drove Alex Bradley over for his third try in two matches.

Cornish Pirates again used the conditions well and Toby May swooped on a loose ball to score the home side’s opening try of the match and while they pushed hard for a third, Ealing Trailfinders captain Rhys Lawrence twice stopped them; first he swooped on an overthrown line-out and then he ripped the ball from a rolling maul as the Pirates pack began to rumble ominously towards the Ealing Trailfinders line.

May scored his third penalty of the half to keep the host’s score ticking over, but it was the visitors who ended on the offensive.

They carried on in the same vein at the start of the second period, but they were unable to capitalise on good field position. Eventually the hosts cleared their lines and went on the attack which finished with hooker Robert Elloway going over for their second try.

Orr hit back soon after when he linked up with reserve hooker Alun Walker at the front of the line to plunge over for a simple try, but the Pirates again stretched the lead when wing Kyle Moyle cut in through the centre to score between the posts.

Grieve scored from another rolling maul with less than five minute on the clock and despite keeping the ball alive as the clock ran down they were unable to find a way through the hosts swarming and fierce defence.

Scorers
Cornish Pirates
Tries (May 21, Elloway 61, Moyle 73), Conversions (May 21, 61, 73), Penalties (May 4, 9, 35)
Ealing Trailfinders
Tries (Bradley 15, Orr 64, Grieve 76)

Cornish Pirates
Toby May, Arnott, Riley, Hendricksen, Moyle, Lawrence May, Townsend; Walker, Elloway, Paver, McGlong, Beukeboom, Parker, Simmonds, Carpenter (captain)
Reserves
Channon, Andrew, Gendall, Cheeseman, Duncan, Day, Hallett

Ealing Trailfinders
James Love, James Stephenson, Danny Barnes, Joe Munro, Rhys Crane, Tristan Roberts, Alex Walker; Will Davis, Rhys Lawrence (captain), Michael Holford, Llewelyn Jones, Adam Preocanin, Iain Grieve, Alex Bradley, Chris York
Reserves
Jamie Kilbane, Alun Walker, Alex Penny, Carwyn Jones, Harrison Orr, Alex Davies, Toby Howley-Berridge

Referee – John Meredith
Attendance – 1, 348