Author Archives: Paul Clarke

Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV were made to work hard for their 36-31 victory against a resolute Fylde team at Vallis Way. The home side enhanced their position at the top of the National 1 table despite having to withstand a second half blitz by the visitors.

Ealing Trailfinders had been guilty of starting slowly in recent weeks, but there was no evidence of that in the opening exchanges. A sweeping move where forwards and backs combined in getting the home side over the gain line led to the ball switching to Owen Bruynseels to score. In the 10th minute Ealing Trailfinders were rocked when Fylde second row Paul Arnold burst through flimsy Ealing Trailfinders tackling to score his side’s first try, with Chris Johnson adding the extras. The home side was proving dangerous as their attacking intent led to Fylde giving away a cynical penalty at the breakdown, which Thomas Wheatcroft converted to restore the lead. Ealing Trailfinders were firing on all cylinders, with Peter Hodgkinson looking particular sharp on his return from an ankle injury. From a dominate Ealing Trailfinders scrum, the ball moved swiftly through the hands to Hodgkinson who beat the last defender to score. Wheatcroft’s successful conversion enhanced the West London side’s lead to 15-7. Ealing Trailfinders were continuing to bombard Fylde’s line and only a string of handling errors and penalties were preventing them from scoring a handful of tries. The home side did manage to convert their continued pressure into points as a poor clearance into the grateful hands of Phil Chesters saw him sprint into the open space before off-loading to Bruynseels to cross for his second try. Wheatcroft’s well-struck touchline conversion gave Ealing Trailfinders a well-deserved 22-7 lead. Fylde came back strongly and it needed an excellent tackle from Hodgkison and a try-saving turnover from Gavin Curry to prevent them from scoring. Johnson reduced the deficit when he slotted a penalty just before the interval to make it 22-10.

Ealing Trailfinders began the second half impressively as a fine move between the backs almost led to Hodgkinson going over to score. Against the run of play, Arnold again exposed some weak Ealing Trailfinders tackling as he broke through the defensive line and almost ran the length of the field to score. From the ensuing breakdown scrum-half Ryan De La Harpe snuck over from close range to score. De La Harpe converted his own try to take the score to 22-17. The home side were again camped in the Fylde half and will be disappointed not to make the most of their territorial dominance. They were punished for their inability to convert their pressure as a fantastic counter-attacking break from replacement winger Oli Brennand enabled De La Harpe to go over for his second try of the game. The scrum-half converted to give the visiting side a surprising 24-22 lead with a quarter of the game remaining.

Ealing Trailfinders replied instantly through hooker Richard Townsend and then replacement prop Lewis Brown, both tries converted by Wheatcroft to restore the home sides lead to 36-24. Fylde showed their resilient character as they came back and scored to give them hope of sealing an unlikely victory. Arnold was the beneficiary of a powerful driving line-out as his second try of the game was converted by De La Harpe to reduce the arrears within a converted try to win the game. Ealing Trailfinders managed to hold on for the final 5 minutes of the game to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Ealing Trailfinders travel to Blackheath this Saturday (13/10/12) before returning home to Vallis Way to face last season’s Championship side Esher (20/10/12) in what is set to be a classic London derby. To find out more click here
 

The club are pleased to announce the signing of Adam Preocanin. After a successful time in Australia Adam has moved back to London and joined the Ealing Trailfinders playing squad.

Adam stated re joining ETRFC “I consider myself fortunate to be joining such a professional club and set up here at Ealing Trailfinders. Despite missing out on the full complement of points at the weekend, I was incredibly impressed with the game and I look forward to training with the boys and hopefully working my way into the team”

Playing history

2010-2012 
University of Queensland, 2 Queensland Premierships and 1 Australian Club Championship

2010
Queensland Reds A

2008-2009
Easts (Brisbane), 1 Queensland Premiership and 1 Australian Club Championship

2006-2007
Saracens Academy/Saracens A
Westcombe Park RFC

2004-2005
Dulwich College 1st XV

Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV staged a thrilling comeback to snatch a 27-27 draw against London rivals Richmond in a pulsating game at the Athletic Ground. Despite trailing 27-10 with just over 10 minutes remaining, Ealing Trailfinders may rue the chance to snatch the victory in a fiercely contested game.

Richmond began the game the stronger with Ealing Trailfinders defending valiantly to prevent any scores in the opening exchanges. The Ealing Trailfinders defence stood firm against a barrage of powerful runners mixed with a subtle off-loading game from the home side, as referee Phillip Davies continually penalised the visiting side. A fantastic break by Owen Bruynseels against the run of play enabled the winger to sprint the length of the field before passing to Ronald Mclean-Dents to score, proving how dangerous Ealing Trailfindes can be on the counter attack. Tom Wheatcroft’s conversion took Ealing Trailfinders into a 7-0 lead. With Ealing Trailfinders looking comfortable at nullifying any threats that Richmond possessed, their interpretation of Davies refereeing was proving costly. A succession of penalties led to the sin-binning of Anders Nilsson followed by Tim Brockett in quick succession. Richmond made the most of the numerical advantage as No.8 Harrison Edwards went over from a catch and drive. From the restart a break through the middle led to a try by Chris Davies. With Ealing Trailfdinders reduced to 13 men, Richmond went into the half-time break 12-7 down.

The second half began much like the first as the home side looked in control as Thomas Platt kicked an early penalty to extend his side’s lead to 15-7. The momentum was with Richmond as second-row Will Warden crashed over after a sweeping move left the once-impenetrable Ealing Trailfinders defence tepid. A Wheatcroft penalty reduced the arrears to 22-10 before another Edwards try extended the Richmond lead to 27-10. A scrappy Ealing Trailfinders line-out saw the ball land into the welcoming arms of Lee Starling who crashed over to give the visitors a glimmer of hope as Wheatcroft successfully added the extras. Richmond came back once again, and if it wasn’t for a superb try-saving tackle and turnover from Mclean-Dents the game would have been out of sight for the league leaders. It needed something special to launch the comeback for Ealing Trailfinders, and that something special came from Bruynseels. His solo effort try was of the highest quality at a crucial stage in the game. The right winger gathered a cross-field kick before shrugging off several tackles on his way to the try-line. Wheatcroft was unable to convert the try as the score was 27-22 with 7 minutes remaining. It was a case of de-ja-vu as Bruynseels plucked another cross-field out of the air to touchdown in the corner resulting in a resounding chorus of cheers from the large away support. Wheatcroft was again unable to land his conversion as the scores were level at 27-27. More drama ensued as the rampant Ealing Trailfinders side were pinning an ever-tiring and disjointed Richmond side in their half with seconds on the clock. Ben Ward had the opportunity to clinch a remarkable victory for Ealing Trailfinders with a drop-goal attempt, but the ball sailed just wide. Ealing Trailfinders will have to settle for a draw in this thrilling encounter as they remain top of National 1.

Director of rugby Mike Cudmore said “There were aspects of our game we need to address. Richmond punished us when we had players in the bin but I was proud of the teams response and the way we came back into the game and could have won it. Our support was fantastic and it helped us raise our game”

This Saturday the 6th October Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV return home to Vallis Way where they face last season’s fourth place team, Fylde. To find out more please click here

A new feature for the 2012/13 season is the video interviews of Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV players. We hope that this will give all supporters the chance to find out more about the players.

This week’s player is Ealing Trailfinders Community Rugby Coach and 1st XV centre Tom Wheatcroft

Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club cemented their position at the top of the National League 1 table with a convincing 56-24 victory against Tynedale at Vallis Way. Ealing Trailfinders perfect start to the season continued as they scored 56 points for the second time in a week. The warm sunny conditions proved to be a perfect platform for the home side to showcase their attacking skills.

Tynedale began the game with real purpose as they pinned Ealing Trailfinders in their own half for the opening exchanges. Withstanding the early pressure, Ealing Trailfindrers responded as Phil Chesters scored a quick-fire double to give the hosts a 10- 0 lead after 15 minutes played in the game. Tynedale proved to be no push-overs as they reduced the arrears just minutes after conceding. Defensive indecision from the Ealing Trailfinders side enabled centre Peter Weightman to crash over and score with fly-half George Cullen adding the conversion. The Ealing Trailfinders pack drove powerfully through the middle creating space for the wider backs to exploit weak Tynedale defending as Chesters completed his first hat-trick of the season. Tom Wheatcroft’s successful conversion extended Ealing Trailfinders lead to 17 -7. Cullen and Wheatcroft exchanged penalties respectively before tight-head prop Alex Westgarth crashed over to reduce the deficit to just 20-17 with 8 minutes remaining in the half. On the stroke of half-time, a surging Ealing Trailfinders scrum resulted in winger Sam Wardingley breaking through a half-gap before off-loading to replacement Owen Bruynseels to score his side’s bonus-point try. Wheatcroft’s conversion gave the home side a deserved 27-17 lead at the interval.

Ealing Trailfinders ruthless ability to finish off teams in the second half was again impressively evident here against a tiring Tynedale unit. No.8 Sam Shires managed to sneak over from close range to score against his former club just minutes into the half. The forwards continued the scoring theme as Anders Nilsson and Tim Brockett went over in quick succession to all but seal the victory for the home side with a quarter of the game remaining. Man of the match Ronald Mclean-Dents continued his good recent form as he scored the try of the game. From first phase possession deep in his half, Mclean-Dents gathered a pass from Wheatcroft before shrugging off several Tynedale defenders and sprinting the length of the field to score a scintillating solo try. The conversion by Wheatcroft bought up the 50-points mark once again for the West London outfit. Tynedale attempted to a launch a fight back when No.8 Oliver Steadman scored a converted try but Bruynseels second try of the game sealed a comprehensive victory for the Ealing Trailfinders.

Ealing Trailfinders make the short journey to Richmond next weekend in what will be a fantastic derby encounter before returning home on the 6th October to face the 2011/12 seasons fourth place Fylde.

To find out more about this fixture click here

The Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV will be overjoyed to have secured a resounding 56-15 win over Macclesfield, the only team they failed to beat last season. It took a dazzling second-half performance from Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV, scoring 35 unanswered points against a side that held their own in the first half. The win means Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV remain unbeaten this season after round three.

Macclesfield captain and fly-half Tom Eaton opened the scoring when he successfully kicked a penalty in the opening seconds of the game. The Ealing Trailfinders struck back immediately when outside centre Ronald Mclean-Dents brushed aside several tackles to crash over and score the first try of the game. Tom Wheatcroft added the extra’s to take the score to 7-3. Macclesfield responded in quick fashion when a simple pick from the base of a ruck by industrious hooker Tom Cruise led to a swift line-break before the front rower passed it to Edward Stobbart to sprint in and score. Eaton’s successful conversion took the home side into a 10-7 lead after only 10 minutes played in the match.

Ealing Trailfinders almost hit back instantly after the forwards thundered towards the line before tight-head prop Tim Brockett was held up over the line. The ensuing scrum gave Morgan Thompson a clear stroll to the line to dot down. Wheatcroft’s conversion restored the visitors lead to 14-10. Ealing Trailfinders will be disappointed at their inability to control possession after scoring their points as Macclesfield hit back once again. The Ealing Trailfinders defence was caught wanting, as a dart down the blind-side enabled Mathew Rhodes to score in the corner. Eaton was unsuccessful with the conversion but the hosts still led 15-14. There was an air of predictability that Ealing Trailfinders would score straight away and that is exactly what they did. A try from first phase is a rarity in the modern game but a break by Mclean-Dents from a line-out enabled the impressive centre to off-load to Peter Hodgkinson to score. Ealing Trailfinders went into the half-time break 21-15 up but rueing their mistakes in a pulsating half of rugby for the neutral.

The cliché a game of two halves was particularly apt for this encounter, as Ealing Trailfinders simply blew away the opposition in a fantastic display of attacking rugby. Brockett began the blitz by scoring a try thanks to a break and inter-link play between Thompson and Gavin Curry which was easily converted by Wheatcroft. Further tries by Phil Chesters (2), Thompson and another from Mclean-Dents all converted by the unflappable Wheatcroft confirmed Ealing Trailfinders second-half supremacy and clinched the win for the West London side.

Mike Cudmore Director of Rugby said "We were not happy with lots of facets of our game in the first half and this reflected in the score line at halftime. We discussed what was required from all in the second half and put on a very clinical display in attack and defence and produced a performance we need to strive for each week"

The Ealing Trailfinders welcome No.8 Sam Shires’ former club, Tyndale to Vallis Way this weekend 3pm kick off.

Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV continued their impressive unbeaten start to the season by defeating derby-rivals Rosslyn Park 29-22 in a hard-fought encounter. Park outscored Ealing Trailfinders by three tries to two but thanks to the boot of ex-Worcester centre Tom Wheatcroft, Ealing Trailfinders ultimately deserved their victory on warm day at Vallis Way. 

From the kick-off the Ealing Trailfinders forwards stamped their authority on the game by marching the visitors back with a 20m drive that had the home support purring in delight. Wheatcroft and Park fly-half Ross Laidlaw traded early penalties before two long range penalties from Wheatcroft gave the home side a 9-3 lead.

Ealing Trailfinders attack was well matched by a tenacious Park defence, which made the most of the limited opportunities they had to penetrate the Ealing Trailfinders line. A controlled set of phases led to an overlap to Park, which they pounced on with winger Neville Edwards scoring and Laidlaw converting to send the visitors into a 10-9 lead.

Ealing Trailfinders continued to exert pressure on the visitors and that pressure led to points. After a powerful forward drive a smart break from fly-half Ben Ward had Rosslyn Park on the back foot and short in defensive numbers. Peter Hodgkinson had an easy run in under the posts to score which Wheatcroft converted to restore the lead 16-10.

With four minutes remaining in the half, Park flanker Willie Lipp was yellow-carded for infringing at the ruck. Wheatcroft continued his fine kicking form to convert the penalty and extend Ealing Trailfinders’ lead to 19-10. Ealing Trailfinders would have been happy with their first half performance, but were dealt a huge blow on the stroke of half time when Park winger Dom Shabbo brushed aside several Ealing Trailfinders defenders to score. Laidlaw converted and reduced the arrears to 19-17 as the players took a well-earned break.

After the interval, Rosslyn Park struggled to cope with Ealing Trailfinders attacking momentum and another successful Wheatcroft penalty further extended the hosts lead to 22-17. A poor exit strategy from the ensuing restart resulted in Park levelling the scores when former England U20’s captain Hugo Ellis crashed over in the corner.

Ealing Trailfinders raised their game impressively in the final quarter of the match which saw prop Tim Brockett sneak over from close range after a succession of powerful ruck attacks from the forwards. Wheatcroft’s conversion gave Ealing Trailfinders a 29-22 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining. Ealing Trailfinders held on till the final whistle to secure an important victory against a side with promotion credentials.

Ealing Trailfinders RFC’s Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore said: “It was a difficult game. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked but we won and that’s the most important thing. It’s always great comfort to know the boys can deliver even when they’re not at their best.” 

Ealing Trailfinders return to Vallis Way on the 22nd September to face Tynedale, to find out more click here

The Ealing Trailfinders kicked off their 2012/2013 National League One campaign with an emphatic 37-13 win over Coventry at the Butts Park Arena. The long-awaited start to the season did not disappoint as the Ealing side were just too good for a team that, like ETRFC, harbour promotion ambitions.

On a warm day, the visiting side demonstrated that the summer arrivals of prop Tim Tunnicliff, lock Steve Pape and back row Sam Shires were to prove worthy acquisitions, as their presence in the pack resulted in a scrum penalty successfully converted by centre Tom Wheatcroft. As a team known for exciting try-scoring backs, it came as a welcome surprise that the first try of the season was as a result of a supremely dominant Ealing scrum enabling No.8 Shires to score and give Ealing Trailfinders a 10-0 lead. A brief lapse in concentration in our own 22 enabled replacement prop Rob Dugard to crash over from close range. Fly-half Cliffie Hodgson added the extra’s to reduce the lead to 10-7 after 25 minutes of play. Again, it was the ETRFC pack’s continued pressure that allowed England Counties full-back Peter Hodgkinson to score after his side’s scrum had the Coventry defence back-pedalling.

Ealing Trailfinders determined defence and structured power rugby illustrated that they were in control of the game. With just minutes before the break, excellent line-out pressure from the Ealing Trailfinders forwards saw the ball fall into the grateful hands of scrum-half Morgan Thompson who sprinted 15 meters to score. Tom Wheatcroft’s successful conversion gave Ealing Trailfinders a well- deserved 22-7 lead at half-time.

The first points of the second half came via the boot of Hodgson, who successfully slotted a penalty given for the tackler not rolling away.   Any chances of a Coventry comeback were dashed, a scything break from Sam Shires had the hosts on the back foot, which Fly-half Ben Ward exploited as he delivered the final pass for Owen Bruynseels to score  Ealing Trailfinders all important bonus point try. ETRFC may have been guilty for resting on their laurels for the 10 minutes that followed the try as Coventry camped in their half with a Hodgson penalty kick to show for their territorial dominance. Coventry’s forward game was reaping little rewards as last season’s runners up continually knocked them back in the tackle and contact areas. Tom Wheatcroft kicked another penalty before last season’s National League 1 top try scorer Phil Chesters managed to get on the scoreboard after a deft grubber chip from Ben Ward was chased down by the speedster. Ben Ward, taking over the kicking duties from the replaced Tom Whetacroft, converted the try to seal the 37-13 win for the West London side.

After the game, Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore said "I was happy with our game management and overall performance.  We came away with a bonus point win away from home and that is always pleasing."

Ealing Trailfinders welcome London rivals Rosslyn Park to Vallis way next Saturday in what is expected to be an exciting game of rugby.

The tour to Uganda and Kenya was eye opening and a one in a life time opportunity that I will never forget. The tour started early for some with a mix up at the airlines as to when we were meant to be flying. What was meant to be 1 flight for the whole touring party turned in to 3 flights over 3 days, luckily myself, Peter Hodgkinson and Phil Chesters were picked to go out on the first flight.

The tour was a real experience from the time we touched down. On route to the airport was interesting to say the least. The taxi arrived and we soon found out that the back seat-belts did not work. I was on edge the whole journey as the driver thought he was Lewis Hamilton. Anything goes on the roads In Uganda. Once we got there though we found the facilities to be second to none and we knew we were in for a good stay.

The 1st game arrived and myself and Peter were on the bench while Chesters was not involved. We played Uganda Barbarians and I think we thought it would be a push over but they kept coming back at us and deservedly got some point on the board. As they tired down the gap’s appeared and we ended up scoring 66 points. Despite the big win in the end it was a real eye opener to the development of rugby in the country.

The following day we headed to Ginja where we were separated into pairs and headed off to schools. The school I visited was the Army school. It was a boarding school where either their parents had passed away or had abandoned them there, most have lived there all their lives. They were so happy to see myself and Gareth (Fylde lock) and were particularly fascinated by the camera. Their sleeping area was one of the most shocking things I’ve seen, it smelt of sewerage and there were 3 children to one bed with the mattress being wafer thin. As we walked round the school there were children mopping the floors of the class rooms, it was a huge eye opener. In the afternoon there was a huge tournament with the other schools, the Army school didn’t do so well but we managed to see some young talented players who just loved to be running around with a rugby ball in their hand.

The 1st Test match against the Elgon Warriors arrived and all three Ealing Trailfinders representatives were selected to start the game. Due to this game being televised throughout the country it made this game a huge occasion with music, typical African BBQ’s, Tag Rugby and around 5,000 spectators rooting for the Elgon Warriors. The Hype was massive towards this game with the Elgon warriors telling the press how they were going to beat us and how confident they were. The game was very frantic with a few errors from both sides but the skill level and game management of the England Counties got the better of the Warriors and the game was comfortably won 5 – 39. The atmosphere after was like a typical African party with the music blazing, kids dancing around you following your every move and an after party I’ll never forget.

The day before we played the second test, half a dozen of us got the chance to visit some slums. It was the most unbelievable experience and just couldn’t believe how they lived. Children in bare feet with rugged clothing, walking through sewage, mud and indescribable slush. The smile on their faces when they saw us made it worthwhile, they were so happy. We also managed to visit a school in the slums and looking at their facilities compared to ours back home really makes you realise how lucking we are. We moan about such small petty things which we really shouldn’t do because the amazing kids out there are far worse off than us but yet always stay positive. This is another day that will always stay with me.

Now down to the last game, unfortunately I got injured in the week so couldn’t play but Peter and Phil started which was great news. We knew it was going to be a hard challenge as they brought in some Kenyan 7s ringers. However this didn’t seem to faze us and after a very competitive game we comfortably won 14 – 34. This tour was the best experience I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of, it has provided me with memories that will stay with me forever and some amazing new friends.

Never underestimate the power of the sport we play to build, unite and develop relationships in all parts of the world. Remember that no matter how bad you think you have it, there are people out there that have it worse.

Thomas Wheatcroft
Ealing Trailfinders RFC & England Counties player