Ealing Trailfinders vs Gloucester

A free-scoring affair sees Trailfinders come out on top at Vallis Way.

Ealing Trailfinders kicked-off their pre-season schedule with an entertaining 34-29 win over George Skivington’s Gloucester Rugby at Trailfinders Sports Club.

The Green and Whites were able to overturn a narrow five-point half-time deficit after Val Rapava-Ruskin put his side in pole position at the break.

Tries from Simon Uzokwe, Malon al-Jiboori most crucially a Steven Shingler spot kick at the death ensured a confidence-boosting win ahead of the Championship campaign.

Ben Ward’s side make the trip to Kingsholm next Saturday in the reverse fixture of the pre-season billing before their first league fixture on September 18th against Hartpury.

Gloucester opened proceedings but it was Trailfinders who made an impactful start at the breakdown, winning a penalty and bullying the Cherry and White pack in the game’s first two scrums.

The hosts were able to make their presence count on the scoreboard as Max Bodilly’s risky pass made its way to new signing Cian Kelleher, but the Irishman did well to feign through the first defensive line and offload to Pat Howard to cross over.

Gloucester’s reply was nigh-on instant as full-back Kyle Moyle was found in space on the right flank to finish off an attacking move spearheaded by Billy Twelvetrees, but the latter’s missed conversion kept Ben Ward’s side in the lead.

Careless knock-ons were a feature of the half and stunted some promising play by Trailfinders in the opening 20 minutes, but David Johnston made no mistake after being on the end of a gorgeously-weighted over-the-top pass ball by Steven Shingler, adding his share of the spoils with his second conversion of the afternoon.

Recent U20 Six Nations Champion with England Freddie Thomas touched down under the post to give Twelvetrees an easy shot at bringing the deficit back to two from the tee, as the flanker showcased his robust line-breaking ability in a sequence that the boys in Green and White may look back on and could have done better.

It wouldn’t be the last time Thomas was required to put the burners on, telegraphing Shingler’s pass to intercept and breach into Trailfinders’ ‘22, but captain Rayn Smid recovered excellently as his side won the penalty in the breakdown in the following phase.

Stephen Varney looked to have gotten away with a one-handed attempt at latching onto Bodilly’s pass, with referee not deeming the play to be a bookable offence.

Val Rapava-Ruskin made sure that his side went in at the interval with the lead in their hands in the final exertion of the half from Gloucester, patiently building towards the try line before the prop bundled over.

HT- Ealing Trailfinders 14-19 Gloucester Rugby

George Skivington spoke of his intention pre-match in using as many of his 31-man matchday squad and it was all change at the break for Gloucester as a whole new 15 was fielded.

New signing Kirill Gotovstev soon made himself acquainted with Bobby de Wee as Trailfinders triumphed in the first meeting of the packs in the half.

The boys in Green and White subsequently kicked into touch and retained possession with unrelenting pressure, eventually breaking through via Simon Uzokwe with a Shingler conversion to boot.

Concerns were immediately raised for Gloucester stalwart Charlie Sharples after a heavy collison that left him unconscious for several minutes, but was met with a rapturous applause when being replaced by Jacob Morris.

Henry Walker finished off a well-executed team move from the lineout to leapfrog his team back into the lead with the sides trading blows, not before Malon al-Jiboori got on the scoresheet with Shingler missing his first kick of the match.

Trailfinders looked to extend their two point lead with just over ten minutes left and did so once again through Smid, this time via a rolling maul to leave Gloucester within a converted score of their hosts.

Gloucester’s admirable determination to persistently nudge themselves back into the conversation from every setback saw them camp out in the home side’s ‘22, but a loose lineout meant Trailfinders built some territory up the field via a box kick.

The close nature of the fixture meant it looked a certainty that the team with the final possession held the key to determine the result, such was the competitive edge on both sides’ return to rugby.

Trailfinders’ fantastic work on the ground to win back two possessions left Shingler with an opportunity to all-but confirm the result with a placed kick a minute from time, with the Welshman converting to put his side 10 points ahead.

Gloucester’s typically industrious retorts meant that they had the last say, with an unconverted try to conclude a very respectable showing from both outfits.

FT- Ealing Trailfinders 34-29 Gloucester Rugby

Ealing Trailfinders:

15. David Johnston, 14. Charlie Walker, 13. Max Bodilly, 12. Pat Howard, 11. Cian Kelleher, 10. Steven Shingler, 9. Craig Hampson; 1. Will Davis, 2. Shaun Malton (replaced by Jan-Henning Campher, 62 mins), 3. Lewis Thiede (replaced by Kyle Whyte, 60 mins), 4. Bobby de Wee, 5. Harry Casson (replaced by Simon Linsell, 60 minutes), 6. Malon Al-Jiboori (replaced by Northcote-Green, 71 minutes), 7. Simon Uzokwe, 8. Rayn Smid (C)

Replacements:

16. James Gibbons, 17. Jan-Henning Campher, 18. Kyle Whyte, 19. James Cannon, 20. Simon Linsell, 21. Max Northcote-Green, 22. Len Massyn; 23. Jordan Burns, 24. Bill Johnston, 25. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Tries: Howard, Johnston, Uzokwe, Al-Jiboori, Smid.

Conversions: Shingler (3)

Penalties: Shingler

Gloucester Rugby first half team:

15. Kyle Moyle, 14. Jacob Morris, 13. Tom Seabrook, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Jonny May, 10. Billy Twelvetrees, 9. Stephen Varney; 1. Val Rapava-Ruskin, 2. Jack Singleton, 3. Fraser Balmain, 4. Ed Slater, 5. Andrew Davidson, 6. Freddie Thomas, 7. Jordy Reid, 8. Ben Morgan

Gloucester Rugby second half team:

15. Issac Marsh, 14. Charlie Sharples (replaced by Jacob Morris, 50 mins), 13. Louis Hillman-Cooper, 12. Jack Reeves, 11. Alex Morgan, 10. George Barton, 9. Joe Simpson; 1. Bryan O’Connor, 2. Todd Gleave , 3. Kirill Gotovtsev , 4. Arthur Clark, 5. Will Britton, 6. Harry Taylor, 7. Wian Conradie, 8. Henry Walker

Replacements:

16. Henry Walker, 17. Bryan O’Connor, 18. Kirill Gotovstev, 19. Will Britton, 20. Wian Conradie, 21. Joe Simpson/ Ben Meehan, 22. George Barton, 23. Charlie Sharples

Arthur Clark, Harry Taylor, Tod Gleave, Alex Morgan, Isaac Marsh, Louis Hillman-Cooper, Seb Blake, Charlie Chapman

Tries: Moyle, Thomas, Rapava-Ruskin, Walker

Conversions: Twelvetrees (2)

Ealing Trailfinders vs Saracens

Saracens put eight tries past fellow promotion hopefuls Ealing Trailfinders on their travels in a 60-0 win, in the first leg of the Greene King IPA Championship Playoffs.

A disappointing afternoon for Ben Ward’s team puts a significant question mark on their bid to secure Premiership status, with the second leg at StoneX Stadium still to play next Sunday.

Saracens demonstrated their international quality with dominance at the breakdown that suffocated Trailfinders throughout the 80 minutes.

12 of the men in black’s starters were indeed internationals, as tries from Maro Itoje, Aled Davies, Jamie George, Nick Tompkins, Sean Maitland, a penalty try and a brace from Billy Vunipola, condemned their hosts to a difficult defeat.

Trailfinders saw little of the ball in the opening stages, but were resilient from a powerful onslaught, consequentially resulting in Owen Farrell put the visitors up by three from the boot.

Craig Willis opted for the corner not once but twice in a galvanising response from the visitors, but it was England international Maro Itoje who silenced the Vallis Way crowd after Sarries built into the ’22 with several phases off the ruck.

Max Bodilly’s breakaway solo run from his own half and into Sarries’ was chased down and a turnover was forced, but Farrell’s following miss from the tee meant the lead stayed at 10.

Saracens’ brutish line breaking ability in midfield breached through Trailfinders’ with ease, as Owen Farrell was stopped just before the line before offloading to his half-back partner in Aled Davies to reach out over the whitewash, with Farrell converting.

Things began to turn a bit desperate for Ben Ward’s men after being unable to retain the ball with their own put-in at the scrum, as Farrell made no mistake and extended the deficit to 20.

Elliot Daly’s knock-on allowed a chance for the boys in Green and White to grab on to some much needed possession, but their counterparts had other ideas as the resulting breakdown led to Saracens snatch back the ball and kick for touch.

Hooker Jamie George peeled off the resulting rolling maul and crossed over, while England’s number 10 added to extras to conclude a dominant first forty minutes.

HT- Ealing Trailfinders 0-27 Saracens

Saracens unrelenting pressure was sustained straight from the off with the rolling maul the method of preferred execution of play.

Billy Vunipola was the man to pick the ball and add five more points to his side’s insurmountable tally within a matter of minutes of the restart.

Not long before his substitution, Sarries flanker Michael Rhodes was lucky to escape punishment for a late tackle on captain Rayn Smid.

Substitute Luke Daniels’ efforts to force Nick Tompkins into touch after short blindside burst were soon proved to be in vein, as Billy Vunipola muscled his way over for his second of the afternoon a minute later with a Farrell conversion following.

With the scoreboard sitting at 41-0, Dean Hammond’s attempt at intercepting Elliot Daly’s tipped pass looked to be one of Trailfinders’ best opportunities to get something on the board, only for the winger to knock on with an open field ahead of him.

Guy Thompson was sent to the bin as Sarries rolled over for their sixth try of the afternoon, with Thompson going in at the side as man in the middle Wayne Barnes awarded a penalty try as a result of persistent fouls committed by the home side.

A fast breakaway initiated by Craig Willis’ punt up the park meant Trailfinders had a rare spell in the visitors’ ’22, but couldn’t make the territory nor possession count as Saracens cleared away.

Nick Tompkins received the ball in the following phases, being one of many men over on Saracens’ right flank as the Welshman received the ball and accelerated over the line for Farrell to convert.

Winger Sean Maitland crossed over on his opposite wing as the clock went red for the final action of the game in a sequence of fluid passing rugby, stretching Saracens winning margin to a resounding 60 points.

FT- Ealing Trailfinders 0-60 Saracens

Ealing Trailfinders side to face Saracens:

15. David Johnston, 14. Dean Hammond, 13. Max Bodilly, 12. Matt Gordon, 11. James Cordy-Redden (replaced by Luke Daniels, 47 mins), 10. Craig Willis, 9. Craig Hampson, 1. Will Davis (replaced by James Gibbons, 40 mins), 2. Shaun Malton, 3. Kyle Whyte (replaced by Lewis Thiede, 36 mins), 4. Bobby De Wee, 5. James Cannon, 6. Kieran Murphy, 7. Simon Uzokwe (replaced by Guy Thompson, 40 mins), 8 Rayn Smid (C)

Replacements – 16. Michael van Vuuren, 17. James Gibbons, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Simon Linsell, 20. Guy Thompson, 21. Jordan Burns, 22. Luke Daniels, 23. Malon Al-Jiboori

Yellow card: Thompson

Saracens side to play Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Alex Goode (replaced by Rotimi Segun, 76 mins), 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Elliot Daly (replaced by Duncan Taylor, 62 mins), 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Owen Farrell (C) (replaced by Tom Whitely, 76 mins), 9 Aled Davies, 1 Mako Vunipola (replaced by Ralph Adams-Hale, 57 mins), 2 Jamie George (replaced by Tom Woolfenscroft, 62 mins), 3 Vincent Koch (replaced by Alec Clarey, 60 mins), 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Tim Swinson (replaced by Callum Hunter-Hill,66 mins), 6 Michael Rhodes (replaced by Sean Reffell, 49 mins), 7 Jackson Wray, 8 Billy Vunipola

Replacements- 16 Tom Woolstencroft, 17 Ralph Adams-Hale, 18 Alec Clarey, 19 Callum Hunter-Hill, 20 Sean Reffell, 21 Tom Whiteley, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 Rotimi Segun

Tries: Itoje, Davies, George, B Vunipola (2), Tompkins, Maitland, Penalty

Conversions: Farrell (6)

Penalties: Farrell (2)

Referee: Wayne Barnes

Assistant Referees: Paul Dix & Jamie Leahy

TMO: Stu Terheege

Ealing Trailfinders vs Doncaster Knights

A ninth bonus point victory of the season, secures play-off place for Ealing Trailfinders.

Six tries ensured that Ealing Trailfinders booked their place in the 2020/21 Greene King IPA Championship Play-offs, defeating fellow promotion hopefuls Doncaster Knights 38-15 at Trailfinders Sports Club on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors opened proceedings with ten points from Sam Olver, but the home side were able to regain control, taking the lead at the break by four points, through converted tries from Guy Thompson and Kieran Murphy.

The Knights made their hosts sweat even more with Sam Graham putting his side within touching distance of a bonus point try after the break, but a second half onslaught with tries from Dean Hammond, Michael van Vuuren, David Johnston and Luke Daniels ensured Trailfinders have a chance of Premiership rugby next campaign.

In their way will most likely be the formidable force of Saracens, a team who ended both Ealing and Doncaster’s 100% records previously and have two games to play still, with Ealing facing their upcoming bye week.

Trailfinders knew they had a game on their hands from the off as Doncaster, fresh off the back of two blank gameweeks, reaped the rewards of their early pressure with a try from Sam Olver, tumbling over from a maul and converting his own try.

The fly-half was able to then add three from the boot soon after and Trailfinders were down by 10 in as many minutes.

The boys in green and white capitalised after a disappointing kick for touch by Craig Willis and regained possession soon after, building up the pitch through several phases before Guy Thompson’s fantastic line-breaking run saw him bundle over for Ealing’s first of the afternoon, with Willis adding the extras.

A late tackle in the ruck on Jordan Burns gave Ealing the advantage, consequentially kicking for the corner and rolling over the whitewash via Kieran Murphy with Willis adding the extras once again as Trailfinders responded well to Steven Boden side’s early statement of intent.

The home side were firmly breaking into their stride as they held the lead for the first time, with Jordan Burns peeling off a ruck and into the ’22, with his pass just evading Dean Hammond and into touch when a try seemed inevitable.

After kicking their way into some territory, Doncaster’s Connor Edwards received an over the top lineout, finding space to break into the danger area.

Fantastic ground work in the ruck characterised the home side’s half, not once but twice suppressing any threat from the Knights in the final ten minutes of the half, perhaps most crucially when the game seemed to be slightly edging away from Trailfinders control.

HT Ealing Trailfinders 14-10 Doncaster Knights

The Knights began the second half just as they had the first, determined to lay the groundwork for the all important bonus point try they needed for play-off rugby with a game week still ahead to play for the Knights against Nottingham.

Olver’s kick for the corner typified this, instead of chipping away at the scoreline to narrow the defecit to a point, in what would have been a gimme three points.

Their decision making ended up paying dividends as Olver’s offload found it’s way to front row Will Holling, with a five metre dash over the try line.

Ealing once again had no hesitation in replying, when Max Bodilly’s quick turn off pace bypassed the back line and opened up the field, Dean Hammond tracking his run and being the eventual recipient of the former’s pass and finishing, with Willis’ extras extending the lead to six.

The home side went out with every intention to extinguish any faith Doncaster had in staying in the tie, substitute Michael van Vuuren putting five more on the board with a rolling maul from a lineout.

The Yorkshire side were handed a lifeline when they were really beginning the be put to the sword, with a knock on at the try line giving the visitors a chance to gain some territory.

The decision to clear the ball out across the field in hope of finding a breakaway runner was instead met by two of Ealing’s own, with Angus Kernohan picking the ball out of the air and handing to ball to his captain David Johnston to cross over, Willis adding the extra two from the boot.

Kyle Evans and James Mitchell’s quick feet gained some threatening ground up the pitch for the visitors, and demonstrated that maybe their side were not out of it just yet with ten minutes to go, Olver had other ideas with a loose pass as the Trailfinders regained the ball well and earned a lineout in the opposing 22 with a blistering breakaway.

Luke Daniels’ clear break for the line with some nifty footwork of his own, effectively put a conclusion to proceedings with five minutes left on the clock, with Wlllis unable to add to his tally thereafter as the Knights winless run at the Trailfinders ground continued.

Coming off seven successive bonus point wins, a victory for Saracens at Coventry this evening, their only away fixture this season, will set up the mouthwatering play-off fixture against Trailfinders, with scheduling and tickets to be confirmed.

With a place in this season’s Greene King IPA Championship playoffs secure, Ben Ward’s men will now enjoy a short break before returning to action in three weeks time.

FT Ealing Trailfinders 38-15 Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 DAVID JOHNSTON (C) 14 ANGUS KERNOHAN (replaced by Luke Daniels) 13 MAX BODILLY 12 PAT HOWARD 11 DEAN HAMMOND 10 CRAIG WILLIS 9 JORDAN BURNS (replaced by Craig Hampson) 1 JAMES GIBBONS (replaced by Will Davis) 2 SHAUN MALTON (replaced by Michael van Vuuren) 3 LEWIS THIEDE (replaced by Kyle White) 4 BOBBY DE WEE (replaced by Simon Lindsell) 5 JAMES CANNON 6 MAX NORTHCOTE-GREEN (replaced by Shane Buckley, who was replaced by Malon Al-Jiboori)) 7 GUY THOMPSON 8 KIERAN MURPHY

Replacements: 16 MICHAEL VAN VUUREN 17 WILL DAVIS 18 KYLE WHYTE 19 SIMON LINSELL 20 SHANE BUCKLEY 21 CRAIG HAMPSON 22 LUKE DANIELS 23 MALON AL-JIBOORI

Tries: Thompson, Murphy, Hammond, van Vuuren, Johnston, Daniels

Conversions: Willis 4

Doncaster Knights:

15 BILLY MCBRYDE 14 KYLE EVANS 13 CHARLIE FOLEY (replaced by James Mitchell, 13 mins) 12 CONNOR EDWARDS 11 JAMES KANE 10 SAM OLVER 9 GUS WARR 1 CONRAD CADE (replaced by Bomber Hilsop) 2 WILL HOLLING (replaced by Ben Hunter) 3 GAZ DENMAN (replaced by Joe Jones) 4 MATT CHALLINOR (C) 5 MATT SMITH 6 SAM GRAHAM 7 JACK DAVIES 8 GUIDO VOLPI

Replacements: 16 BOMBER HISLOP 17 BEN HUNTER 18 JOE JONES 19 WILL BRITTON 20 CONOR JOYCE 21 GEORGE ROBERTS 22 JAMES MITCHELL 23 JAMES NEWEY

Tries: Olver, Holling

Conversions: Olver

Penalty: Olver

OFFICIALS: REF: ANTHONY WOODTHORPE RR: DAVID MORGAN AR1: DEAN RICHARDS AR2: BILL BRITAN N04: GARETH HOLSGROVE

Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

Ealing Trailfinders bounced back from their Round 7 disappointment against Saracens with a convincing 69-7 victory over Richmond at Vallis Way.

Debutant Charlie Walker got his club career off to the perfect start, as the Ealing forwards softened up the Richmond defence in the midfield, before the wing latched on to a Matt Gordon break and crossed the whitewash with just four minutes on the clock.

Next up for Trailfinders was Will Davis, as he bundled his way over the line from the back of a maul, before Craig Hampson capitalised on another Gordon line break to score Ealing’s third and put them within touching distance on the bonus point.

Captain Rayn Smid was the man to earn the bonus point, though, as an arcing run saw him round the Richmond defence and storm in from 40m out. Max Bodilly then wrapped up the first half with some incisive inside steps and a poacher’s try from close range.

Richmond struck back early in the second half through Callum Watson, after a smart reverse of play caught Ealing off guard and the scrum-half was able to scythe through a hole in the defence.

Trailfinders’ front rows then came alive in the ensuing 14 minutes, with Lewis Thiede, James Gibbons and Kyle Whyte all crossing the whitewash in quick succession, as Richmond struggled to live with Ealing’s physicality.

Hampson picked up his second score of the game when he acrobatically intercepted a Richmond attack in his own 22, before taking it the length of the field and adding further gloss to the Ealing performance.

Gordon stepped up once again with a strong carry and offload that saw him assist on a third score of the game, as Bodilly was on his shoulder to secure his brace of tries. The final mention went to Shane Buckley, who wrapped up the scoring in the 79th minute.

Ealing now face a rest week, before resuming their Championship campaign against Bedford Blues.

Ealing Trailfinders

15. David Johnston

14. Charlie Walker

13. Max Bodilly

12. Matt Gordon

11. James Cordy-Redden

10. Craig Willis

9. Craig Hampson

1. Will Davis

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. Simon Linsell

5. James Cannon

6. Shane Buckley

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Rayn Smid

Replacements

16. Michael van Vuuren

17. James Gibbons

18. Kyle Whyte

19. Harry Casson

20. Guy Thompson

21. Jordan Burns

22. Luke Daniels

23. Malon Al-Jiboori

Scorers

Tries – Walker (4), Davis (15), Hampson (28, 63), Smid (31), Bodilly (40, 72), Thiede (45), Gibbons (52), Whyte (58), Buckley (79)

Conversions – Willis (4, 15, 31), Johnston (40, 45, 58, 72)

Richmond

15. Rob Kirby

14. Dan Kelly

13. Cameron Mitchell

12. Benjamin Cook

11. Will Kaye

10. Ted Landray

9. Callum Watson

1. Jonny Harris

2. Jack Musk

3. Jimmy Litchfield

4. Byron Hodge

5. Alex Bibic

6. Hamish Barton

7. Toby Saysell

8. Jake Parker

Replacements

16. Callum Torpey

17. Timmy Walford

18. Sam Gratton

19. Freddie Hosking

20. David Massey

21. Jake Allcock

22. Charlie Gowling

23. Jake Caddy

Scorers

Tries – Watson (44)

Conversions – Landray (44)

Ealing Trailfinders vs Jersey Reds

Ealing Trailfinders consolidated their excellent start to the season with a 64-17 victory over Jersey Reds on Saturday afternoon, picking up their sixth bonus point win of the season and maintaining their position at the top of the Greene King IPA Championship.

First half tries from Bill Johnston, Simon Uzokwe, Shaun Malton and Rayn Smid ensured that Trailfinders had the bonus point wrapped up by the interval, with Ben Ward’s side taking a 24-5 lead into the half.

The floodgates opened in the second half, as Smid completed his hat-trick, whilst Jordan Burns (2), Craig Hampson and Max Bodilly all added their names to the scoresheet.

A strong set-piece start saw Trailfinders open the scoring with a try from on loan fly-half Bill Johnston, after the Irishman capitalised in support of a break by hooker Shaun Malton.

Another accurate throw from Malton minutes later resulted in Simon Uzokwe bundling over from the driving maul, with the hosts having committed 12 men to the maul and Jersey hadno answer so close to their own try line.

After having set up the first two tries, Malton got his name on the scoresheet later in the half as Ealing once again punished Jersey at the lineout and the hooker was on hand to dive over the line at the back of the maul.

Jersey were able to fire back before the interval, however, as a precision grubber through from Scott van Breda was collected and dotted down by Brendan Owen.

Trailfinders were able to finish on a high, though, as a midfield scrum and a powerful carry from Pat Howard set up the bonus point try for the hosts through captain Rayn Smid.

Harvey Biljon’s side were efficient on their return to the field after the half, with Matt Williams barrelling through some disappointing defence from Ealing and registering Jersey’s second of the day.

The response from Ealing was immediate, though, and Smid ended a flowing moving started by Craig Hampson by running over unopposed and re-establishing his side’s leading margin. Just a minute later and their roles reversed, with a Smid break feeding Hampson, who ran in a try from the 40m line.

Jersey were not done, however, and Owen went over for his second try not long after, when he found himself in space on a cross-kick following a Jersey lineout in Ealing’s 22.

Injuries to Bobby de Wee and Dean Hammond saw play disrupted for a while, but Jordan Burns was able to get Ealing back on the front foot with a quick score.

Guy Thompson then took on the role of creator, as he collected his own chip before linking with Simon Linsell and then releasing Jordan Burns for the speedster to cross the line under the posts.

Next up was a well-earned try for Max Bodilly, with the centre capitalising on a Jersey lineout that Ealing were able to disrupt and quickly spread the ball, catching Jersey’s defence in the transition.

Another opportunity in transition, following Thompson diving on a handling error from Jersey, saw Ealing turn the corner on the resetting Jersey defence and Burns sped away down the left wing, before popping the ball back inside to the supporting Smid, who completed his hat-trick.

Attentions at Vallis Way now turn toward Saracens, with the league leaders set to take on the former European Champions at the StoneX stadium in the next round of fixtures.

Ealing Trailfinders

15. David Johnston, 14. Angus Kernohan, 13. Max Bodilly, 12. Pat Howard, 11. Dean Hammond, 10. Bill Johnston, 9. Craig Hampson; 1. Kyle Whyte, 2. Shaun Malton, 3. Lewis Thiede, 4. Simon Linsell, 5. Harry Casson, 6. Bobby de Wee, 7. Simon Uzokwe, 8. Rayn Smid (C)

Replacements

16. Michael van Vuuren, 17. Will Davis, 18. Elliot Millar Mills, 19. James Cannon, 20. Guy Thompson, 21. Shane Buckley, 22. Jordan Burns, 23. Luke Daniels.

Tries – B Johnston (5), Uzokwe (11), Malton (28), Smid (40+3, 44, 73), Hampson (46), Burns (59, 62), Bodilly (65)

Conversions – B Johnston (5, 40+3, 44, 59, 62, 65, 73)

Jersey Reds

15. Brendan Owen, 14. Lesley Klim, 13. Scott van Breda, 12. Apakuki Ma’afu, 11. Darren

Atkins, 10. Brendan Cope, 9. Max Green; 1. Roy Godfrey, 2. Eoghan Clarke, 3. Dan

Richardson, 4. James Scott, 5. Sean O’Connor, 6. Macauley Cook, 7. Lewis Wynne (C), Matt Williams.

Replacements

16. Jack Macfarlane, 17. Ollie Dawe, 18. Jack Higgins, 19. Zak Farrance, 20. Tim Grey, 21.

James Elliot, 22. Josh Bainbridge, 23. Jack Roberts.

Tries – Owen (36, 53), Williams (42)

Conversions – Cope (42)

Red cards – Ma’afu (56)

Match Officials

Referee: Neil Chilvers

Assistant Referees: Simon Adams and Stephen Nicholas Lee

Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ealing Trailfinders:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

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

Hartpury:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

Conversions: Joshua Bragman (26, 34 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Nick Wood

Assistant Referees: Steve Lee & Ian Bibey

Fourth Official: James Clarke

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 28-14 Hartpury

Label This Man of the Match: Max Bodilly

Ealing Trailfinders vs Ampthill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ealing Trailfinders:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

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

Ampthill:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

Penalties: Russell Bennett (35, 40 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Dean Richards

Assistant Referees: Nick Wood & Simon Adams

Fourth Official: James Clarke

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 19-6 Ampthill

Label This Man of the Match: Angus Kernohan

Ealing Trailfinders vs Doncaster Knights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ealing Trailfinders:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

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

Yellow Cards: Will Davis, Bobby de Wee

Doncaster Knights:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

Conversions: Sam Olver (30, 80 minutes)

Penalties: Sam Olver (10, 51 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Sara Cox

Assistant Referees: Robert Warburton & Gareth Holsgrove

Fourth Official: Nikki O’Donnell

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 14-10 Doncaster Knights

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Guy Thompson

Ealing Trailfinders vs Saracens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ealing Trailfinders:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

Conversions: Craig Willis (9, 56 minutes)

Penalties: Craig Willis (2, 30 minutes)

Saracens:

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

Replacements:

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

Scorers:

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

Conversions: Will Hooley (80 minutes)

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

Match Officials:

Referee: Jack Makepeace

Assistant Referees: Dean Richards & Mike Hudson

Fourth Official: George Selwood

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 13-14 Saracens

Trailfinders Challenge Cup Man of the Match: Alun Walker

Ealing Trailfinders vs Bristol Bears

Ealing Trailfinders secured their third victory of the pre-season campaign with a 35-19 win over Bristol Bears ‘A’ at Trailfinders Sports Club.

On a day that will be remembered for the return of supporters who were back for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Londoners scored five tries as Harry Seward, Harry Casson, Kieran Murphy, Jordan Burns and Simon Uzokwe all crossed the try-line.

Ben Ward’s side got off to the perfect start with a try inside the first three minutes. A penalty was kicked deep in to the 22, and then they went through the phases until Harry Seward drove over from close range. Steven Shingler added the conversion to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Bristol then grew in to the game and fly-half Tom Wilstead kicked three penalties as they edged their way 9-7 in front after the first quarter.

Harry Casson then scored instantly to reinstate the advantage for the home side. A lineout gave them the perfect platform, and a big carry from Fraser Strachan took them up to the line before Casson powered over the line. Shingler’s conversion put the Trailfinders 14-9 ahead.

Levi Davis and Luke Daniels then combined down the wing as the Green and Whites threatened to pull away in the closing stages of the first half, but scramble defence from the Bears saw the opportunity disappear.

Kieran Murphy put the Trailfinders in control of the match just before half time with their third try of the opening 40 minutes. Two consecutive penalties from a driving maul took them to within 10 metres, and then a quick tap allowed the Welshman who would go on to win the Man of the Match Award to stretch and place the ball on the line. Shingler’s third conversion sent his side down the tunnel with a 21-9 lead.

The second half became disjointed due to the large amount of replacements for both sides, but the Trailfinders did extend their lead on the hour mark with an exceptional try from Jordan Burns.

Rayn Smid made a break down the wing as he stepped past a number of defenders, and drew in the final man to release the scrum-half who raced clear from 35 metres out. Craig Willis added the extras from in front of the posts, and took the lead up to 19 points.

Bristol got back in to the match with a rolling maul try from George Kloska with 15 minutes remaining, but Simon Uzokwe then crossed to add some gloss to the scoreboard.

A flowing backs move with some great hands throughout allowed them to enter the 22, and Uzokwe then spotted a gap from the breakdown and scored his first try for the club. Willis’ conversion reinstated the 21 point lead.

Bristol then scored with the final play of the match as Josh Pieterse got on the end of a rolling maul to cross, but the day belonged to the Trailfinders who made it three wins out of four in the pre-season matches.

Ealing Trailfinders:

15 Luke Daniels 14 Levi Davis (replaced by Angus Kernohan, 55 mins) 13 David Johnston 12 Fraser Strachan (replaced by Pat Howard, 40 mins) 11 Dean Hammond (replaced by James Cordy Redden, 75 mins) 10 Steven Shingler (replaced by Craig Willis, 40 mins) 9 Craig Hampson (replaced by Jordan Burns, 55 mins) 1 Kyle Whyte (replaced by James Gibbons, 40 mins) 2 Michael Van Vuuren (replaced by Taine Wagstaff, 75 mins) 3 Harry Seward (replaced by George Davis, 50 mins) 4 Dave McKern (replaced by Josh Taylor, 60 mins) 5 Harry Casson (replaced by Rayn Smid, 40 mins) 6 Adam Korczyk 7 Guy Thompson (replaced by Simon Uzokwe, 55 mins) 8 Kieran Murphy (c)

Replacements:

Taine Wagstaff, James Gibbons, George Davis, Josh Taylor, Rayn Smid, Simon Uzokwe, Shane Buckley, Jordan Burns, Craig Willis, Pat Howard, Marcus Kershaw, James Cordy Redden, Angus Kernohan

Scorers:

Tries: Harry Seward (3 minutes) Harry Casson (25 minutes) Kieran Murphy (38 minutes) Jordan Burns (60 minutes) Simon Uzokwe (74 minutes)

Conversions: Steven Shingler (3, 25, 38 minutes) Craig Willis (60, 74 minutes)

Bristol Bears ‘A’:

15 Benjy Joseland 14 Freddie Owsley 13 Jack Bates 12 Charlie Powell 11 Siva Naulago 10 Tom Wilstead 9 Chris Cook 1 Andrew Turner 2 George Kloska 3 Jake Armstrong 4 Ben Bamber 5 Alex Groves 6 Charlie Rice 7 James Dun 8 John Hawkins

Replacements:

Josh Pieterse, Aaron Thompson, Oli Robinson, Tom Kessell, Harry Rowson, Chay Mullins, Deago Bailey

Scorers:

Tries: George Kloska (65 minutes) Josh Pieterse (80 minutes)

Penalties: Tom Wilstead (11, 18, 22 minutes)

Match Officials:

Referee: Sara Cox

Assistant Referees: Shane Lewis & Ian Bibey

Half Time Score: Ealing Trailfinders 21-9 Bristol Bears ‘A’

Man of the Match: Kieran Murphy

Attendance: 600

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