Ealing Jades defence was on top form throughout the full 70 minutes of the game putting the pressure on Hammersmith throughout. Ealing fought hard to create gaps and a pick off the back of the scrum allowed skipper Liz Garvey to ship the ball out wide to Hannah Wyatt-Brookes on the wing, who went on to side step the full back and power over the line.
Author Archives: Paul Clarke
REPORT: Teddington 12 – 0 Ealing Jades Away Sunday 27th February 2011
Ealing came bursting out from Kick off in full force, giving the opposition a bit of a shock to be honest. Spending the first ten minutes in Teddingtons twenty two felt good, but with a strong kicker in Teddingtons back line the ball was continuously punted back down the pitch in the following 25mins.
Ealing fought well turning over ball but with mud coming out of everyone’s ears, there were mistakes being made meaning loose ball was a common occurance and open to anyone who was willing to drag their body’s through the mud to win it.
Ealing soon tired and a lucky run made by Teddingtons flanker saw the first try scored and converted but Ealings heads did not drop. The fight was on and some good phase play in the oppositions twenty two saw Hannah Murphy make a great drive through the defence, followed by a powerful push by Yvette Burton over the line. Unfortunately for Ealing, Teddington were quick enough to spot what was happening, leaving the ball held up and a try non-existent still.
Ealing still played well with Marrissa Lowe, Tracey Tapscott and Ali law gaining some considerable ground through the phases. Lizzie Holman and Tash Holmes made some great tackles and Nicky Dent did well drawing the defense in. Supported well by Vanessa Dixon and Lauren Fisk, Ealing were looking good. Shaz Braddish , who can always be relied on to put in big hits, played well. Stacie Casciani in good support on the wing with Lindsey Irvine and Kat Bowman playing good support rugby, meant Ealing were feeling good. However, conditions put the pressure on the girls and the scatty ball meant Ealing were beginning to play less as a team like they have been doing so beautifully recently.
A turnover ball at the scrum led Teddington to quickly ship the ball out wide while Ealing were tied up and ran another try over the line, this time unconverted.
Ealing determined to score spent most of the time from then on, in the oppositions twenty two but time was just not on our side and the score ended 12:0 to Teddington.
Forward of the match went to Lauren Fisk and Back of the match went to Lizzie Holman.
REPORT: Dings Crusaders 3 – 8 Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing returned from Dings following a hard fought game at Landseer Avenue, on a pitch that resembled Vallis Way the previous week, but much worse. The fact that the game proceeded was amazing, however referee Phil Watters passed the pitch fit for this National 2 South encounter and it was no surprise that playing rugby a real problem for both teams.
Ealing’s Mike Cudmore was philosophical after this tight win . He said "The pitch was very heavy to say the least and this meant that it was always going to be a low scoring game. In the first half I felt we created enough opportunities to have added to our 8 point total. In the second half with the pitch progressively getting worse and against the wind it was always going to be difficult to play out. We were under a lot of pressure but all defended well and restricted Dings scoring opportunities. Dings is a very difficult place to get a result at even on a dry day so I was very pleased to come away with a good win" .
Ealing kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and despite the fact their hosts had the majority of the ball, Ealing’s defence was superb again. They denied Dings any meaningful attacking opportunities and did not allow them into their own 22m area for the whole of the first half. Ealing’s back row of Blair Morris, Lee Starling, & Karl Gibson were everywhere , not allowing Dings any time on the ball, creating many turnover opportunities. The problem on the day was the pitch – gaining quick ball is what every team wants to play with but the conditions meant flowing rugby was not to be the order of the day.
Ealing opened the scoring on 16 minutes, when Phil Chesters strolled over for one of his easier 42 tries of the season . Following scrum just inside the Dings 22m line , scrum half Morgan Thompson’s pass found Chesters all alone and he strolled over unopposed to cross for what was to be the day’s only try. Neil Hallett’s kick from out wide was always going to be difficult and the ball sailed wide of the mark.
The game remained tight through the remainder of the first half, and Neil Hallett extended Ealing’s lead on the stroke of half time to take an 8-0 lead into the interval.
The second half remained a tight affair , and it was Ealing strong defence that would frustrate Dings – Ding’s coach Kevin Hopkins said to the Rugby Paper following the game , "We (Dings) had the majority of the ball today and I thought the boys played with great commitment and desire, but you have to give credit to the opposition for the way they defended".
n the past it has been said that Ealing could play on a dry track but when the going got heavy they struggled. Games like this show a different team this season. Dings only return for all their possession was a 46th minute penalty, by fly half Steve Plummer.
When Ealing prop Lewis Brown was yellow carded for killing the ball in the 51st minute Dings sniffed an opportunity , but instead of taking the Ealing pack on at a set scrum, now down to seven men, Dings kicked for the corner. They lost the resulting lineout and a possible chance went begging.
Other games at the top of National 2 South saw Ealing’s lead at the top remain at 8 points . Jersey’s visit to Old Albanians saw the Islanders come away with a tight 19-20 win , but failed to take a bonus point. Third placed Richmond also had a tight 15-21 victory away at Henley Hawks.
This coming weekend see’s Ealing Trailfinders on the road to visit Old Albanians , hoping that the weather remains dry and the OA’s pitch is well suited to running rugby, something both sides like to play.
Ben Ward said of the OA’s fixture, " Old Albanians have had a very good run of results which has seen them well into the promotion race. We know as a team that we will have to be switched on at all times Saturday. Both teams like to play good rugby and it should be an entertaining encounter."
Kick off at OA’s in 3pm.
Ealing Trailfinders XV
15 – Neil Hallett, 14 – Owen Bruynseels , 13 – Pete Hodgkinson , 12 – Joe Price, 11 – Phil Chesters, 10 – Ben Ward (C) , 9 – Morgan Thompson
8 – Blair Morris, 7 – Lee Starling, 6 – Karl Gibson , 5 – Matt Evans , 4 – Ben Griffiths , 3 – Steve Neville, 2 – Jon Moyce , 1 – Lewis Brown , 16 – Dinos Alexopoulos , 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Ryan Gregory, 19 – Jay King 20 – Ronald McLean-Dents
REPORT: Old Isleworthians II 10 – 17 Ealing Exiles
Exiles strong first half efforts bring them closer to the play offs as they beat Old Isleworthians IIs 17-10. Dave Morgan reports from the backline.
The omens were not good. With just 30 minutes to KO there was just one Exile in the changing room – yours truly – concerned that he would face the might of Old Isleworthians alone. Whilst waiting for his team, the sole Exile could hear the confidant noises coming from the home team, their bravado seemingly fortified due to their first XV game being called off and therefore “one or two” of their top side being drafted into the side to play us.
As tradition should have it, a trickle of Exiles drifted in with 20 minutes to KO but our skipper, Nick, was looking anxious as we had more back-room staff (the brains trust of Barry, Alex and Phil) than players. A few regulars were away either in Berlin swaying rhythmically to David Hasselhoff or, in Eff’s case, in a beer filled ditch somewhere in London. But there was good news. Two new players were due to play and rumour had it they were under 40 and could run 10 metres without vomiting blood.
Our warm-up consisted of a few sliced kicks into the brambles and a few hastily shouted words from Alex and Phil. Old Isleworthians on the other hand were nicely warmed-up, running impressive looking moves and generally looking like an organised side ready to play. So, what happens next makes no sense at all.
The attitude the Exiles showed in the first 20 minutes of the game was superb. A number of players – not least, Ciaran and new boys Bradley Yates and Alex Pengilly – were running with purpose and physicality. The opposition, perhaps complacent due to witnessing our shambolic start, were falling off tackles and not coping with our direct runs into their midfield. Our first try was scored by Paul Havel. Paul is a speedster, clearly showing his pace by easily outstripping a couple of defenders before dotting it down in the corner, oblivious to the uncharitable cries of “under the posts” from a certain match report writer who was still huffing and puffing on the 22 line. The next try was taken by our new American signing, Bradley. The Exiles have had some great contributions over the years from the Yanks and, on this occasion, Bradley proved no exception. Ciaran – back from the concussion he sustained against Civil Service – made a 30 metre break bouncing into tackles in that feisty Leinster-man way of his. Ten metres out and with the Old I’s fullback due to clatter into him, he passed inside to Bradley who scored under the posts. Spike converted. Exiles final score of the game came a few minutes later. The Exiles other new signing, Alex Pengilly, confirmed the threat he had been posing for the first 20 minutes by picking up the loose ball and flying down the wing to score a well-deserved try in the corner. At this point, Old I’s decided to wake-up and the last 10 minutes of the half saw them spending increasing time in our 22.
At half time, someone foolishly mentioned that we had so far not conceded any penalties. As that was being said, it was noted that Old I’s captain was having a lengthy chat with the ref; no doubt making him aware of all the dark deeds the Exiles were getting away with hidden from view. Sure enough, the second half started with a flurry of penalties against the Exiles and Old I started to use the advantage they had in the scrum, eventually getting a push over try which they failed to convert. The game then descended into turgid tussle in the middle of the pitch with only the occasional outbreaks of handbags offering any entertainment to the supporters. Scott had replaced Spike as fly-half, but Old I’s more organised defence had us frequently on the back-foot, unable to unleash the backs as had been done in the first half. With 10 minutes to go, Old I scored another try through a chip and chase. Again, they failed to convert. It was now getting tense, with frustration being shown by both sides at the referee’s seemingly laissez faire approach to infringements. However, it’s Exiles policy not to criticise a man who’s given-up his Saturday in order for the game to take place, something for which we thank him along with the fact he was not pedantic and generally refereed the game to the ability of either side.
The Exiles eventfully held on to win 17 – 10. The fourth placed play-off spot in the league is now finely poised between Quintin and us. With a game in hand we should be confident that we can make the play-offs BUT everyone, including key players (you know who you are) needs to make themselves available for the must-win game against London Welsh Vets (19 March).
D. Morgan.
Tries:
- Paul Havel
- Bradley Yates
- Alex Pengilly
Cons:
- Spike
Man of the match:
- Paul Havel
Team (and position played):
- Gautier Henry – 1
- Fabio Krasniqi -2
- Warren Greef – 1
- Chandra Sekar -2,14
- John Moore -4
- Bradley Yates (new fella!) – 6
- Steve Richards – 3
- Nick Greenhalgh – 8,2
- Stef McGabe – 9
- Mark Davies (Spike) – 10
- Jonathan McKeogh – 5
- Afe Ogun – 15,14
- Alex Pigilly (new fella!) – 13
- Dave Morgan – 12
- Scott O’Callaghan – 10
- Paul Havel – 11
- Alex Adide – 15?
- Malik Abu – 14,8
- Ciaran Doyle – 7
REPORT: Ealing Trailfinders 0 – 15 Jersey
The heavens opened on Friday evening and with the deluge of rain the descended on West London the Vallis Way pitch was more like a swimming pool than a rugby pitch fit for this top of the table National 2 South clash. The ground staff worked some miracles to get the pitch anywhere near a playable state, and it was a credit to both teams that they played a game worthy of its status.
The game however didn’t go to plan, andJersey’s triumph was well deserved. Ealing’s Mike Cudmore had few complaints as the West London’s second slipped to their second defeat of the season as Jersey’s victory cut Ealing’s lead to 8 points at the top of the table. Jersey still have a game in hand, so Ealing will need to keep them at an arms distance for the remainder of the season . It will go all the way to the wire no doubt!
The weather was always going to have a bearing on the outcome of this game. Make no doubt about it, Ealing had their chances, but two tries by centre Donovan Saunders , one in each half was the difference between the sides.
As Jersey’s Director of Rugby Ben Harvey said to The Rugby Paper following the game, " The conditions today didn’t help anyone scoring , but we were determined that we were going to do our job in defence ".
Ealing started the game kicking up the slope, and they created the first try scoring opportunity , when scrum half Morgan Thompson broke free following a wheeled scrum . He linked with Joe Price, but his pass to wing Owen Bruynseels was adjudged to be forward.
As well as handling, kicking was proving tricky, when first Jersey full back Michael Le Bourgeois, who had a fine game throughout given the conditions, spurned an early opportunity to open the scoring for the visitors on 18 minutes, when his penalty , in centre field went wide. Minutes later , the usually reliable Neil Hallett missed an opportunity for the hosts.
Jersey were sending in their forwards in in waves, but the Ealing defence just as they had done at Richmond was holding firm. On 23 minutes following a series of rucks close to the Ealing 22m line, fly half Tommy Turner, ( son of exWales and Newport Dragons Paul Turner ) found a gap, he linked with his half back partner Dave McCormack, whose off load found centre Saunders who crashed over the Ealing line. Le Bourgeois converted to take the lead to 0-7.
Ealing began to build the phases patiently, but some of their handling and protection of the ball was not up to the standard. Chances came, and following a period of sustained pressure , Jersey’s Tommy Turner was pressurised and he spilled the ball. Flanker Karl Gibson hacked through and it was the Jersey fullback Le Bourgeois who came to his sides rescue as he claimed the ball following a footrace, and clearing the danger.
Referee Chris Sharp bought the half to a close, and the game remained on a knife edge . Ealing’s captain Ben Ward said the team felt they were able to turn things around in the second period, " We felt going in to half time we were able to turn the game around if we could look after the ball. Unfortunately we were not able to do this for long enough periods to test the Jersey defence. When they scored their 2nd try it was always going to be tough to chase the game in the conditions. For us it was just one of those days where nothing goes to handand too many errors cough up possession"
The second period would be dictated by a Jersey team intent of using their limited but effective game plan. Their forwards retained the ball, forcing Ealing’s defence to work hard and with Dan Hawkes replacing Turner at stand off, their kicking games pinned Ealing back in their own half for long periods, and effectively gave them the only option of attacking from deep.
Jersey were intent on playing the game in Ealing’s half, and Dan Hawkes and full back Le Bourgeois did just that , time and again kicking the ball up field and inviting Ealing to counter attack. Ealing’s low tackle count for the home side showed that they had plenty of ball to play with , and credit to the Jersey defence for keeping the pressure on their top of the table team, forcing a high number of errors from the Ealing team.
Saunders went over for his and Jersey’s second try of the day on 49 minutes when following a series of drives from the forwards into the heart of the hosts midfield defence, an overlap was created and Saunders went over for and unconverted try
Ealing replaced the live wire flanker Karl Gibson with Blair Morris, and Ben Griffiths coming on for the industrious Ryan Gregory on 50 minutes, Ealing were to go further behind on 53 minutes when they were adjudged to have gone off their feet at the breakdown by Mr Sharp. Le Bourgeois missed the conversion from the right of the posts and Jersey were out to 0-12 ahead.
Jersey replaced Turner at stand off with the powerful kicking game of Dan Hawkes, his remit increased the amount of ball kicked deep in Ealing’s territory. The soaking ground made the job that much harder, but Jersey’s defence shut the attacking flair of Ealing out. A 57th minute Le Bourgeois penalty put the nail in the Ealing coffin and seal Ealing’s first defeat of the season at Vallis Way.
So how will this effect the outcome of the season? Well going into the game there was still plenty of rugby to play in the season and nothing has changed. The team have not become a bad side overnight – Sometimes in rugby things don’t go your way and maybe today this was one fo those days.
Mike Cudmore said " To lose a game is always disappointing but at home makes it even worse based on our recent results. On the day Jersey gave us plenty of ball to play with but our kicking game, retention, patience and being clinical were not of the standards that we set ourselves. Jersey took their opportunities well and played the conditions better than we did. We know what we did not do well and will ensure that this is worked on and put right this week in training".
The good thing about league rugby is that there is only 7 days to put the wrongs right and, next Saturday Ealing travel to Bristol to play a Dings Crusaders side fresh from a close 16-13 victory over Worthing Raiders.
15 – Neil Hallett, 14 – Owen Bruynseels , 13 – Pete Hodgkinson , 12 – Joe Price, 11 – Phil Chesters, 10 – Ben Ward (c) , 9 – Morgan Thompson
8 – Anders Nilsson , 7 – Lee Starling, 6 – Karl Gibson , 5 – ,Matt Evans , 4 – Ryan Gregory , 3 – Steve Neville, 2 – Jon Moyce , 1 – Rob Buchanan 16 – Lewis Brown 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Ben Griffiths , 19- Blair Morris 20 – Ronald McLean-Dents
PREVIEW: Ealing Trailfinders v Jersey
The Islanders are coming ashore…………….
Last Saturday Richmond travelled to Jersey for what was their second cup final in as many weeks, following Ealing’s victory at the Athletic Ground, they faced what many were saying would be a make or break game for the Surrey side in the Channel Islands.
Jersey were on the back of a week off from league action and talking to the Jersey Director of Rugby Ben Harvey earlier in the week, it was a week that he would probably have preferred a hard game, he said " .I don’t think the week off helped us really. Having one hard match after another is sometimes a help as your weaknesses are exposed and can be addressed. "
Indeed during the first period both teams were sparring and it was only after half time that the home side cut loose, maybe as a result of tired bodies on the Richmond front, they found themselves running on empty.
Jersey’s home record is impressive, stretching back almost two years, but as Ben Harvey said, coming to Vallis Way they are expecting a touch game .
"Home form is not unique to us. Yourselves for example have a terrific home record, so good sides will, more often than not, have good home records." He continued, possible some what tongue in cheek following the impressive win against Richmond, " We are expecting a very tough game. Ealing have proved to be a very strong team in this division for many years. Our away form has been inconsistent so going in to the game as clear underdogs".
So we arrived at the business end of the season, a win for either side can put some more daylight between us both and the chasing pack. Both teams have to travel to Albania to face an OA’s side that could still yet have a say in the outcome of the National 2 South title.
As we approach the weekend so the teams sit in 1st and 2nd place :
Ealing Trailfinders Played 20 Won 18 Points for 926 Points against 272 Tries scored 134
Jersey Played 19 Won 16 Points for 628 Points against 299 Tries scored 80
Ealing were visitors to the Channel Islands in October , in front of a crowd of 1350 passionate Islanders crashed to their only defeat of the season to date, and afterwards Ealing’s DoR Mike Cudmore described the game as such : he had few complaints, conceding that the better team had won, although he was disappointed that a losing bonus point had ultimately eluded his team. He said “We wanted something to show for it, but having said that, it wasn’t a cup final, just one game out of 30,”
So we arrive at game 21 of Ealing’s league season and with Phil Chesters National League try scoring record still fresh in the memory, the home crowd will hope for a dry day and plenty of running rugby on offer. Since the two sides met at Jersey’s Rue des Landes ground, today’s visitors have remained unbeaten at home, whilst their 3 defeats to date have come at the hands of 3 of the top 7 sides, Richmond (25-14) , Taunton (32-26) and Southend (33-25) . Can we read anything into this?
Naturally the home fans will point to the fact that Ealing have scored 78 tries at Vallis Way whilst Jersey have only managed 30 away from their Rue des Landes ground. Also in Ealing’s favour is the fact that they boost the meanest defence in the league conceding only 272 points and 13 tries at Vallis Way.
Ealing’s athletic second row Mat Evans ( his run through the heart of the Richmond backs at the Athletic Ground reminded me of a young Jake Edmunds in his prime!) is expecting a tough encounter this weekend , " We expect the Jersey game to be a huge encounter. The entire squad are fully focused on delivering a performance that can provide Ealing Trailfinders with the all-important win. Jersey are known for their powerful forwards, and we believe we can stop them in this area. We know as a side we underperformed in atrocious conditions when we played them in Jersey, we’ll aim to rectify this on Saturday. "
Mat continued , " The season to date has been fantastic, but I say this cautiously as we know there is a lot of tough rugby left in the season. The defence in the Richmond game was by some way the best all season. We had 14 men for a quarter of the game and still managed to hold out a team of Richmond’s quality. I must say, on behalf of the entire first team squad, thank you for the support at this game and the support throughout the season. We need you more than ever in the coming months. "
A history of Jersey RFC
Rugby has been played in Jersey since 1879 with breaks for war and the Nazi occupation but the modern era started when the club acquired the land for a permanent home near the airport in 1961; the original wooden clubhouse was built in 1964, its approximate location was in the middle of the Jersey Bowl car park. From the early 1970s, when tourism on the island was at its peak, Jersey attracted many of rugby’s top clubs who could combine a break from their regular fixtures with a game against the JRFC.
This period culminated with a very successful Centenary year in 1979, teams with international players came over to play and help celebrate this event – JPR Williams being one of the most famous! This decade left the club with an unequalled collection of plaques and memorabilia; teams coming from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia (the beach guard connection) and Holland.
The current clubhouse was opened in September 1994 and corresponded approximately with the start of the leagues; then Jersey could not rely on random visiting sides and had to join the league in Hampshire. Our 1st XV has worked it’s way up to the National 2 South League but the travel costs are very high – JRFC relies heavily on functions and sponsorship to support this commitment.
In the summer of 2010 the new Lord Jersey Stand was built between the 1st XV pitch and the Airport Road and the Pavilion, with kitchen and bar, to the east of the main club facilities. This to provide amenities for the increasing number of spectators due to the success of the 1st XV.
Jersey in 2011
As we know only two well Jersey are no pushovers, undefeated at home, on the road as Ben Harvey said their " away form has been inconsistent ". Does this have a bearing on what many believe to be the game of the season. Ealing’s Mike Cudmore doubts it: " What has happened in the past has no reflection on this game. Both teams will be well prepared and know what is required. We are very proud of our home record and I will be looking for a huge performance from all to ensure that our home support and the team get what we want from this game" .
Last weekend, and we know Richmond were off the back of the encounter with Ealing, but Jersey very professionally dealt with the Surrey side in the second half, scoring two unanswered tries in the process.
So who are the danger men – Without a doubt the feared Jersey pack have a reputation that precedes them – Number 8 Nick Thrower and open side Steve O’Brien have 10 tries to their name already this season! Wing Ed Dawson has 13, and his colleague Dave Doherty, ex Sale, Leeds and Wasps wing has 8 tries after only a short spell with the club.
Full back Michael Le Bourgeois , what a grand Channel Island name, is their top points scorer, and is well know for his kicking, with 175 ( Neil Hallett has 272 to his name). So giving kickable penalties away with be of paramount importance to Ealing this weekend.
So we are in for a battle royal this coming weekend at Vallis Way – Remember kick of is 2pm ( NOT 3pm as usual) to allow them a quick get away back home after the game!
Entry is Free for Members, though a programme costs £3
Non Members entry is £10
Also playing are Ealing Evergreens vs London Irish at 12.30pm, and Ealing 2nds and Cougars at 2pm
Previous league encounters between Ealing Trailfinders & Jersey
23/10/10 Jersey 32 Ealing Trailfinders 18
REPORT: Ealing Exiles 0 – 16 Chiswick Chiefs
Exiles put up strong defenses and have lots of possession, but inability to get a good link going between forwards and backs resulted in a loss.
Captain’s log by Nick Greenhalgh
The Exiles have been steadily improving since the start of January. An earned confidence has started to bring well needed heart to the team. Having lost 67-7 against Chiswick Chiefs at the start of the season and the fact that this team has been putting massive scores against our MMT colleagues in the 10 out of 13 wins they have had, meant the Exiles knew we had a stiff afternoon coming up.
However, we had a little bit more time warming up than usual as I pulled a captain’s joker feigning a 2:00pm KO when I knew it was 2:15pm. We started the match at quite a pace and it pretty much stayed that way throughout. The Exiles defense held well, unlike our ability to not give away penalties. Testimony for this is given by the 6 – 0 score at half time, ie no tries but 2 penalty kicks! I say no tries as sadly the ref for reasons we are still sketchy about did not allow the one I managed to plant at the back of a ruck thanks for MacSweeney blasting over the line. On securing the ball on the ground away from all oppo hands we called for the ref who gave us a scrum as he thought we were on the 5 yard line…. Not sure why he couldn’t award the try given we weren’t on the 5 yard line but over the try line. Never mind, the ref is always right even when he is wrong so I am sure there is a valid reason floating around somewhere. We nearly got another try with a front of line out bread basket throw to Eff. However, as has happened in pretty much every game and every attempt at this move the ref blows up as Effs finger tips were less than 5 yards out from the thrower, though ref did say it was at least close this time. One day we’ll pull this move off.
The first of the two tries came in the second half as the capable Chiswick back line managed to finally breach the Exiles defense.
One of the main problems we had was that we were missing a regular fly half who gets on with his outside players and acts as a sublime interface between forwards an backs. This day Dave Morgan stepped up and as usual bravely played where we asked him to. Dave is a very versatile player though not a natural fly half. I think it is the forward in him. I think I’d do the same. Back myself and hammer into the oppo. However, as a result the ball didn’t make it smoothly down the line from the set piece. If we’d had Liam or Brandon there we’d likely have managed to grab a well earned victory. Madden played at inside centre and lamented that he couldn’t recall getting a pass in the second half. Again I don’t like passing to him either, he’s so greedy and nasty when he gets that oval ball under his arm. So while the backs work from the set piece was not great their defenses were and their attacks from loose play were also reasonable, Neal Craig but in some nice strong runs as did Afe.
The pack played pretty well too. However, fitness as usual was an issue. You’ll know if this applies to you as Barry will have made sure he made his views on this clear to you. But a general note as usual is that getting your fitness from 1 match and potentially 1 training session is never going to be enough to get close to match fit. Make sure your doing some other exertions during the week. Tom claimed not to have vomited on the side line this week, he said it was just really heavy saliva.
Jonathan did a nice 20 yard break from the side of a rolling maul that took the oppo quite unaware, with a bit of luck and more support we could have scored from that.
Big thanks to some of Vets for assisting us this weekend, Dyll, Adrian and Mark. Especially Dyll for being willing to help with the numbers and put on the number 2 shirt. FYI, Dyll was quite shocked at the pace of the game in comparison to Vets games, so we aren’t doing too badly.
We had a new face this week, Anthony Chapman came on in the second row, welcome aboard!
Overall a quite brutal but satisfying game. To loose by 2 tries and 2 penalties to a side who have on average over the last 13 games won 50-7 is not a bad result for us Exiles in the lower middle echelons of the MMT division 5. So as usual big thanks to Chiswick Chiefs for making their way up to Ealing for an most enjoyable afternoon. May be see you in the playoffs, if we win our next 2 games and Quintin doesn’t!
Team & position played (NB I am old an my memory ain’t what it was so the following is a guesstimate!):
Gautier Henry – 1
Fabio Krasniqi – 6
Warren Greef – 6/8
Dave MacSweeney – 2/13
Tom Laishley -5
Dyll Davies -2
Steve Richards -1
Nick Greenhalgh (skipper)- 7/8
Stef McGabe -9
Anthony Chapman -4
Jonathan McKeogh -7/8
Afe Ogun – 15
Anthony Lynch – 5
Dave Morgan – 10
Neal Craig – 12
Paul Havel – 11
Alex Adide – 14
Mike Salmon – 13
Andrew Madden -12
Adrian HobbsThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it -11
Mark Rutherford -14
REPORT: Westcombe Park 10 – 39 Ealing Trailfinders
Following the titanic battle at The Athletic Ground Richmond last weekend, Ealing Trailfinders travelled East to the Garden of England to play Westcombe Park at Goddington Dene in Kent.
Combe, fighting for their survival in National 2 South proved to be no pushover as Mike Cudmore’s side had to work hard for their five try win, spurred on by two try hero Ronnie McLean- Dents who deputised for Pete Hodgkinson in the 13 shirt. Other changes were made to the side that beat Richmond the previous week 15-6, Ben Griffiths coming onto the second row for Matt Evans, and Sam Wardingley coming onto the bench.
Ealing ran out eventual 39-10 winners and with it took their 11th consecutive win on the trot.
Captain Ben Ward said after the game, "Goddington Dene is a hard place to come as we found out the previous year. We are very pleased with the result especially getting the bonus point secured by half time. We didn’t feel we did ourselves justice in attack the week before and it was pleasing to go out and attack as we did. Westcombe Park is a much better team than their league position would suggest."
Ealing started the game as they had done the previous week, looking to move the heavy Combe pack around the pitch, and centre Joe Price went over after tenminutes, collecting a precision cross field kick delivered by Ben Ward, Neill Hallett adding the first of his successful conversions for the day. Combe stand-off Joe Simpson missed a relatively easy early penalty shortly afterwards, and the home side were made to pay, as Ealing scored two tries in an 8 minutes spell to effectively end this as a contest. Firstly the impressive Ronnie McLean Dents crossed for the first of his brace on 19 minutes when following some strong defence by the visitors, they forced a turnover, and McLean – Dents found a huge hole in the defence to saunter in untouched, Hallett adding the extras.
Second row Ben Griffiths extended Ealing’s lead to 19-0 after 27 minutes and with Hallett again on target, Ealing were good value for their 21-0 lead.
On 34 minutes the home side’s second row John Wright was shown a yellow card for killing the ball, from the resultant scrum, Morgan Thompson, the hero of The Athletic Ground with his 78th minute drop goal, pounced and crossed for Ealing’s 4th try, as the home side’s scrum was shunted backwards by the Ealing pack.
Going into half time with the bonus point in the bag, Ealing maybe should have kicked on, but Combe, who also tested Richmond two week’s previously, started the second period the better.
Latching onto a loose bouncing ball, their centre Joe Coleman gave the home side a glimmer of home as he went over wide out. The resultant conversion sailed wide, and when Neil Hallett knocked a simple 49th minute penalty, you could see the home side’s shoulders drop.
Mike Cudmore made some changes maybe with one eye on the Jersey fixture this weekend, Dinos Alexopoulos coming on for Steve Neville, and shortly afterwards, Jack Fishwick Sonny Kuwana , Sam Wardingly and Matt Evans replaced the foursome of Karl Gibson, Lewis Brown, Joe Price and Lee Starling.
The pressure didn’t stop, as Phil Chesters, fresh from setting National League try scoring records, crossed for his 41st try of the campaign as he again was the beneficiary of a pin point cross field kick. With four minutes remaining, Ronnie McLean Dents found himself free on the right wing, and Ealing were out to 39-5. On the stroke of full time Gavin Wells managed to get a consolation try for the home side, but Ealing remain the team to beat in National 2 South.
Looking ahead to the top of the table clash at Vallis Way with Jersey next Saturday, Ben Ward said "Obviously, to everyone looking in, it’s a massive game this weekend with the top two teams in the league meeting. In this league though you can’t look too far ahead, so as players we had only been focused on the Westcombe Park game. We will do our homework on the opposition as you always do and look to put in a good home performance. They are the only side to have beaten us this year so imp sure it will be a cracker of a game. Hopefully we will get at least as many supporters as we had down at Richmond and they will be as vocal as they were then!"
Two try hero Ronnie McLean Dents is aware that Jersey offer different proposition, but is looking forward to the challenge, "The game against Jersey this weekend as we all know is huge, however our approach to the game is like any other where we have trained hard, looked at the opposition and come up with a plan of attack. I’m personally excited to play another top of the table side and looking forward to a great performance from the team."
Mike Cudmore added, "I was happy with the scoreline and the five point return from the Westcombe Park game. We are now all working hard in training and all looking forward to this week’s visit from Jersey".
Kick off at Vallis Way this weekend is 2pm.
Ealing Trailfinders
15 – Neil Hallett, 14 – Owen Bruynseels , 13 – Ronald McLean-Dents, 12 – Joe Price, 11 – Phil Chesters, 10 – Ben Ward (c) , 9 – Morgan Thompson
8 – Anders Nilsson , 7 – Lee Starling, 6 – Karl Gibson , 5 – ,Ben Griffiths , 4 – Ryan Gregory , 3 – Steve Neville, 2 – Jon Moyce , 1 – Lewis Brown
16 – Dinos Alexopoulos 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Matt Evans , 19- Jack Fiswick 20 – Sam Wardingly
Phil Chesters sets National League try scoring record
After eight minutes of the pulsating National 2 South clash at The Athletic Ground on Saturday, Ealing Trailfinders wing Phil Chesters crossed the Richmond try line for his 40th try this season.
With it he created a new National League try scoring record held previously by Richard Newton of Penzance & Newlyn in 99/00, 38 tries and it also took him past the National League record (levels 1-4) held by Chris Ashton of Northampton & England in 07/08 (in 25 games) of 39 tries.
He has scored 40 tries so far this season at an average of 2.1 per game, an amazing statistic, that has seen the Ealing pace man score seven hatricks and seven tries in one game occasion against poor old Newbury (who took their first five point win last weekend against Canterbury).
Even more amazing is that he has missed three games due to injury. What is frightening is that there are still 11 games to go, so given his current average he could approach 60 tries in one season !
ETRFC -”So Phil, a quiet night Saturday after the Richmond game"?
Phil Chesters -”I think everyone deserved a drink or two after that game, if only to settle the nerves! The whole squad played with 100% passion and commitment and stepped up to the plate, and it is testament to everyone involved down at the club and what we want to achieve. We are very pleased to have come away with a victory.”
ETRFC -”The crowd was pretty vocal, did it surprise the guys the numbers of home fans that were at the Athletic Ground? Does it help you to have that degree of support away from Vallis Way"?
PC -”It was absolutely fantastic to see such a following for the guys. It really does make a difference to look up into the crowd and hear our fans out-singing the home fans, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every single supporter who made the effort to come down and watch us at the weekend – all the boys very much appreciate it!”
ETRFC -”You joined from Westcombe Park, how long did you play there for, and what attracted you to Ealing Trailfinders in the first place"?
PC -”I played at Westcombe for one season and it was a good learning curve for me playing at that level. I think one of the things that attracted me to Ealing Trailfinders was that a lot of friends from St. Mary’s University had made the transition across after or toward the end of their studies, and the ambition of everyone down at the club, wanting to try and take Ealing to the next level."
ETRFC -”What age did you start playing and what was your first position"?
PC -”I first started playing rugby when I was seven. My first position was outside centre before being moved back to fullback, and finally on the wing with Ealing.”
ETRFC -”I assume that yourself and Owen have a fair amount of stick from the squad, having scored 59 of the 128 tries between you this season, how do you cope”?
PC -”There is quite a lot of stick thrown in our direction of course, mainly from the heavies as they see us as the glory boys. They certainly know how to keep our feet on the ground and not get arrogant about the tries!!! But when it comes down to it we know that if each individual does their job on the field then we are going to do ok. I agree that I’m only as good as the players inside me and I’m lucky enough to play behind such a strong group of forwards, (no I didn’t get paid to say that!) and alongside one of the best backlines in the league.”
ETRFC -”What was the team’s view of the season when you all arrived back from pre-season training, given the good show the club has had in National 2 South since it arrived back in the National leagues in 2006?”?
PC -”The squad is going from strength to strength. The core of the squad has been together for a number of seasons now, a lot of the boys know each others game inside out, and even with the disappointment of just missing out on promotion last season, we actually did extremely well with such a young squad and surprised a few people in coming 3rd. At the end of the day many of the boys have another year’s experience under their belts at this level of rugby, which can only be a positive when it comes to the business end of the season.”
ETRFC -”I suppose it goes without saying that you’re enjoying the style of rugby that is being played by Ealing – It allows you to get your hands on the ball at every opportunity. Do the coaches encourage the wings to go looking for work rather than waiting for it to be delivered"?
PC -”It is one of things I love so much about playing down here at Ealing. We aren’t scared of having a go when other teams would maybe take the safer option. We back our skill level and our fitness to play an expansive and exciting style of rugby and take on anyone in the league. Getting my hands on the ball during these winter months is crucial, in order for me to keep warm more than anything else!"
ETRFC -”How are the squad looking towards the next block of games, many people are saying that Ealing are champions elect. How does that sit with the squad"?
PC -”I don’t think it would sit very well!!!! Obviously everyone is very pleased with the result against Richmond. However we all know there is no easy game in this league, and being top of the pile means each week the opposition steps up their own game to try cause an upset. We are very focussed on our goals and we know what is required from us week in week out. The coaching staff will be looking for us to get straight back down to business in training this week, and take another big performance into the weekend.”
ETRFC -”So that’s the try scoring record out of the way, what are your targets now"?
PC -”Just try to keep playing how I’v been playing and help push the club for promotion!"
Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore added his praise to the amazing record that Phil set, ”Phil is a player who is very coachable and always looking to improve. Our style of play does allow the wingers to get their hands on the ball a lot but they still have to convert their opportunities and to this end Phil has done extremely well. After the game on Saturday I congratulated him on breaking the record as it overshadowed by our win away at Richmond and will be looking forward to him adding quite a few more to the new record from now until the end of the season
REPORT: Ealing Jades 69 – 0 Millwall Ladies 6th February
Ealing Jades faced a rugby free Sunday after their league opposition, Ashford, asked to postpone. But Millwall Ladies stepped up and travelled West side for a game which also saw some TVU girls join us too.
Ealing Jades kicked off what proved to be a fantastic game of rugby. Some excellent phases saw Ealing steal the ball from Millwall and Abby Nduva storm over the try line to score the first of their many points of the day.
With the two teams short on numbers, at 12 a side, the scrums went uncontested but the rest of the game saw some tough rucking and ferocious mauls by Ealing Jades. Some excellent defensive play led to Ealing winning the ball then good handiwork by the back line saw Abby, once again, take the ball over for the second try of the game.
Ealing also had some new players to the pitch although you wouldn’t be able to tell that Louise was playing her first full game for the Jades. The power and tackles put in show some great potential in this newbie although her pint drinking abilities leave a lot to be said. Hannah played some great support play rugby for Tash at fly half, consistently taking the off load and barging through the defensive line. Lauren in her first game with the Jades had an excellent first game showing immense confidence and skill already – watch out for this player!
The backs rose to the challenge seeing Tash at fly half commanding the plays throughout the game well. With secure ball out wide, Tash took a loop ball from Sheena who was making a great run up the wing and secured try number three. Which was, for the third time, successfully converted by Tash herself.
The match proved an incredible team effort with every Ealing Jade giving their all and try number four was taken over the line by Sharon Braddish, who is consistently in support, seeing her second in as many games.
Whilst Millwall lacked a lot of experience they soon made up for it in effort as their confidence grew over the course of the match. They took on the ball with more strength and speed, often cutting through rare gaps in the Ealing Jades defence. Some great tackles by Liyana meant that Millwall were soon stopped in their tracks on a number of occasions. Ealing now really starting to think decisively, began making some good breaks with the likes of Stacie Casciani spotting gaps and driving through the defence. Vanessa Dixon took the ball on and showed how much she has grown as a player in the last few months, responding as a runner in the back line with ease. Lindsey Irvine utilised some new found skills on the pitch in the second half by side stepping and handing off some players to break the line and offload to the wing.
The lack of experience within Millwall, meant Skipper Liz Garvey was able to capitalise on a loose ball from the scrum and run a try in from the half way line. This was also followed up by another try after fending off some tired Millwall girls.
Ealing put on a great show for those who came down to support them and romped home to a 69-0 win.
Whilst this match may not have been a league game it was victorious nonetheless, with many lessons learnt which we will take forward when we play Hammersmith and Fulham at home, Sunday 20th February.
Forward of the match went to Liyana and back of the match Abby.
