Author Archives: Paul Clarke

What a day, what a game, what a weekend……………………….!

”Days like this are what we live for", not a quote from Ealing’s Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore, but from Ealing Evergreen stalwart Bill "There’s only 1 Bill Miller“ Miller following the titanic struggle at the Athletic Ground on Saturday, which saw Ealing extend their lead at the top of National 2 South to 11 points over 2nd placed Jersey, who rested this weekend, and 12 over Richmond who were denied a losing bonus point by Ealing scrum half Morgan Thompson’s 78th minute snap drop goal.

Ealing skipper Ben Ward, knew the importance of the game, but was keen to point out it was just another game in a 30 game season. He said, "It was a big game for us to go away from home and win. The support was amazing and really pushed us on when the going got tough. We are pleased to have not let them got a bonus point and now we must move on and focus on the next game. Westcombe Park are a better team than their league position suggests and a tough place to go and visit."

Ealing awoke on Saturday to grey West London weather and wind gusting around, threatening to spoil what was to be so far the game of the season to date. Richmond were up for this match and had been since December when the fixture was curtailed due to the snow.

Richmond Director Tony Gadsby Peet set the tone as early as Thursday evening with his appearance on BBC Radio London’s The Scrum, when asked if his side fancied their chances, he replied “I think we fancy our chances quite well ……….”. So, here is the scene – Ealing Trailfinders top of National 2 South, Richmond in 3rd place, having won 15 games on the trot………….

Arriving at the Athletic Ground, there were rumours emanating from the pre game lunch from the Richmond alikido’s that Ealing were there for the taking, their pack hadn’t been tested as they would be today, and that The Mond could crack holes in the Vallis Way side’s much heralded defence. Ealing arrived boosted by the fact that they had scored 126 tries, (128 by 4.40pm on Saturday) and only conceding 262 points all season.

Something was going to crack – Would it be Mond’s 15 match winning streak, or would the Vallis Way side’s defence?

During the pre game warm up, Ealing looked confident, they looked like a team that knew they could trust the 20 players in the match day squad. This confidence was added to by the travelling support from West London. Ealing’s senior teams were there in abundance – added to that the mini and youth sections were there in force, an official crowd of over 1000, The Green and White Army were on a mission.

Ealing from 1-20 were simple outstanding – to go to Richmond, a team on a high following a run of 15 wins on the trot, and to keep them from crossing their try line, when on two separate occasions referee Ross Campbell decided that second row Ryan Gregory and number 8 Anders Nilsson had overstepped the laws of the game, was magnificent.

So was the final result a true reflection of the game? Without a doubt Ealing arrived looking intent on spreading the Richmond team around the pitch at the Athletic Ground. Ben Ward’s team showed from the outset that the ambition that has bought them 126 tries so far this season, but in Ross Broadfoot they had a stand off who has the ability to control the game. What they did seem to lack in the first period and for large patches of the second, was a plan B. Too often during the first half, Richmond sent in runners who became isolated, and Ealing back row of number 8 Anders Nilsson, & flankers Karl Gibson and Lee Starling were simply too quick to the break down for their hosts. They either slowed the ball down or turned the Richmond team possession over.

Ealing begun the game brightly, the early parts of the game were dominated by the strong cross wind that spectators in the stand were sheltered from, those brave souls on the other sides however felt the full force. Ealing moved the ball around confidently and put some good phases of play together, and wing Owen Bruynseels was unlucky not to collect a deft cross kick from skipper Ben Ward. The Richmond defence survived this early test. It was the home side’s turn to put Ealing under pressure and a long raking kick from Ross Broadfoot put Ealing back into their 22. Ealing won the resulting lineout and patiently through the forwards moved the ball into midfield.

Richmond were penalised by the eagle eyed Ross Campbell, who made difficult but correct decisions all day, for holding on at the breakdown. Ben Ward’s quick thinking from the resulting penalty saw the stand off kick down field, the Richmond defence scrambled back, with the predatory Phil Chesters and centre Joe Price (who had a fine defensive game) on the hoof. Richmond gathered the ball but were slow in clearing the kick. Chesters charged the ball down, and with a kindly bounce, he went over for his 40th league try of the campaign, finally the monkey is off his back and he can begin to enjoy his rugby!

The strong wind was evident as Neil Hallett lined his conversion up from wide on the left hand side. As it went skyward, so the wind took it across the front of the Richmond posts. After 8 minutes Ealing led by 0-5.

Richmond responded, they preferred to take the Ealing 8 on with close pick and goes, sending midfield runners into contact, maybe looking for the referee to penalise the visitors defence, did they not trust their men out wide, or was the pace of Bruynseels and Chesters too much for them? Broadfoot was getting them deep into the Ealing half, but the hosts lineout was being frustrated by the Ealing forwards, Ryan Gregory and Matt Evans were plucking the ball from the home side on regular occasions and frustrating their attacks and they failed to build any sustained pressure.

On 31 minutes Ross Broadfoot made amended for his missed penalty on 13 minutes, with a well struck kick judging the wind to perfection to bring the score line back to 3-5 to Ealing.

Ealing were not panicking and again looking like a team that knew their limits they continued to play with control, and were not flustered as Richmond continued to defend manfully. Just before half time, following a scrum on the right just inside the Richmond half, Ben Ward launched an inside pass to right wing Owen Bruynseels. He hit the gap at speed, breaking the Richmond defence and look odds on to cruise under the posts unopposed, but Mr Campbell after consulting his touch judge pulled the Ealing wing back for crossing, no complaints seemed to emanate from the stands were the Green and White army was gathered.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes Ealing looked to increase their lead. Both sides defence had "fronted up", and on 38 minutes it was Ealing’s man of the match, full back Neil Hallett that extended the lead with a well taken and deserved try. Ealing’s second row Matt Evans, received the ball following a quick ruck, he hit the gap and suddenly found himself in acres of space, he was faced by the home side’s full back, James Brooks. He deftly chipped over the advancing ex Leeds and Wasps man and you could see his giant strides eat the ground up. The Mond defence scrambled back, as Ealing forged forward and they regained possession. Play shifted to the right of the Richmond posts, Ealing looked to re gather themselves, prop Steve Neville and blind side Karl Gibson took control and set up another ruck. The ball was transferred to the left from Ward to Joe Price, Chesters wide out on the left held the home defence, and Hallett’s incisive angled run took the outstanding full back over for the visitors second try of the day.

Could he convert his own try? He judged the wind wonderfully to see the ball sail between the posts to extend Ealing Trailfinders lead as the half time whistle blew to 3 -12.

Ealing were playing the conditions well, and Ealing Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore would have been looking for his side to build on this during the second period. He said “I was happy with our overall game in the first half. In the second half we had to over defend due to errors and indiscipline. Playing a team away from home who were unbeaten in the last 15 games with 14 men for twenty minutes was always going to be a big task but the team showed their commitment and want throughout and kept Richmond out. Although I am very happy with the win and the commitment shown we will be working hard on the key areas we need to improve on".

Could both sides maintain the level of commitment into the second half? The Green and White Army have become used to seeing Ealing cut loose in the second half of games, but the defence of both teams showed that something special would be needed. Richmond entered the fray and immediately took the game to their visitors, launching attack after attack at the Ealing line. Still Ealing held firm. It was as if the decision had been made that no one would cross their try line on this day!

On 47 minutes following a series of Richmond pick and goes, referee Mr Campbell, after issuing a warning to Ealing, adjudged Ryan Gregory to have killed the ball once too often, With that he was dispatched to the sin bin with the ring of the Richmond match commentator in his ears. Richmond’s Broadfoot kicked the relatively simple penalty, (was anything simple if that wind!?) to bring the Richmond deficit back to 6-12.

Richmond were on the ascendancy now, and very much looking to take advantage of their numerical advantage. Ealing were just not able to get their hands on the ball, and Richmond mounted attack after attack.

Possibly it was playing into Ealing’s hands, time and again Richmond’s runners were going into the contact zone alone, becoming isolated and allowing the Ealing defence to fan out across the pitch. The clock ticked down, and despite Richmond receiving further penalties they continued to opt for the scrum. Still Ealing were not yielding. Ealing’s 7 man scrummage was still solid against the Richmond 8, but they continued to take scrummages when on offer believing they could out muscle the visitors. Did this cost them the chance of victory when three points were on offer? Maybe, but then again decisions like these are what makes sport so absorbing.

Ryan Gregory returned to the field, his team mates had ensured that only three points had been conceded……. Within two minutes of his returning, number 8 Anders Nilsson suffered the same fate, and was also despatched to the bin for infringing at the breakdown. Surely now Richmond could take advantage …..

Still they opted for the scum mage, still the Ealing team held them out, still defending as if their lives depended on it………….Remind anyone of New Zealand v England, Wellington 14 June, 2003?

Another missed penalty on 64 minutes from Ross Broadfoot, another collective sigh of relief from the travelling hordes of Ealing supporters – could they continue to hold out?

Again the clock ticked by, again and again the Ealing defence held firm. Mike Cudmore sent on replacements for his heroic forwards, Ben Griffiths came on for Ryan Gregory whilst Sonny Kuwango replaced Lewis Brown. Just before Nilsson returned to the battle after his enforced rest, Dinos Alexopolous replaced
Steve Neville on 67 minutes – The look on Steve face showed the 100% commitment that he had shown. Hardly able to speak to walked slowly towards the dug out – and slowly the smile spread across his face!

Back to their full compliment of players and with just over 13 minutes to play, both sides aware that a score either way could make or break the game: Richmond pushed the ball wide to find their winger for once, the final pass went to ground, Ealing recovered possession and with that began to wind down the clock.

Ealing pressed forward, forcing a scrum on the Richmond 22m line – from the resulting ruck, scrum half Morgan Thompson broke Richmond hearts, with a snap drop goal from just outside the 22m, the ball very nearly taking the paint from the crossbar as it sailed over…………….. 6-15 with less than two minutes to play – Ealing were home and dry – no bonus point on this occasion, no one will mind. A team performance and a mature performance that saw the league leaders show they have the ability to close tight games out when required.

Celebration – naturally – the team realised that this was a huge game, but unless they back it up next week then all will have been wasted. To Richmond, gracious in defeat, they had their chances and have shown they are a good team, what Ealing would now like is for them to beat Jersey next weekend!

Ealing’s try scoring hero Neil Hallett said after the game, “I never felt that we were going to lose but with only 6 points in it & down to 14 players for 20 minutes it was a little tense."

"That was easily the most physical game we’ve played this year & there are definitely sore bodies on both sides. A lot has been said this year about our attack but Saturday was when we showed the true spirit & grit of the team by the way we defended! Our reaction & celebrations at the final whistle shows just how much that victory meant to the team & the club."

"There were times in the game when the crowd gave us that extra lift. Cheering every big hit or turnover showed just how great our support can be. Everyone loves playing in the big games, I just hope the crowd is just as good for when we entertain Jersey"

Mike Cudmore echoed Hallett’s comments “Our travelling support were very vocal and that inspired all during a very tough encounter. The singing and celebration at the end with our supporters was something very special to be a part of and see”.

For match photos – See here. Our thanks to Loretta Thompson.

Next Saturday,12th February, Ealing are back on the road to face Westcombe Park. The following week is another crunch game as they entertain Jersey in a game that could go a long way to deciding who will become champions of National 2 South.

Ealing Trailfinders

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 – Lewis Brown
16 – Dinos Alexopoulos 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Ben Griffiths, 19- Jack Fiswick 20 – Ronald McLean-Dents

Ealing Trailfinders returned to Vallis Way for Saturday’s National 2 South game against Clifton on a bitterly cold January day.

Despite this the league leaders still looked to play the brand of rugby with which they have become synonymous with so far this season. Again their wings were on hand with five of the sides eight tries, but it was a dominant display by the pack against a tough Clifton XV, coached by ex England hooker Mark Reagan and Bristol back row Matt Slater, that will really make the league stand up and take notice. Ealing’s scrummage was rock solid all day, and on a number of occasions they drove their visitors off the ball giving their backs some fantastic counter attacking ball with which to play.

With that good ball, Phil Chesters crossed for a hat trick of tries, and with that he has equalled the National League try scoring record of 39 tries set by Northampton & England wing Chris Ashton, in the Championship season in 2007-08. His fellow wing, Owen Bruynseels also came away with a brace of his own to show for his day’s work.

Phil Chesters said after the game, “Everyone is very pleased with the result maintaining our impressive home record. We came out of the blocks well and managed to secure the bonus point by halftime."

He added, "Credit to Clifton they kept playing for the full 80 minutes, however we weren’t going to let up, the bench made a positive impact and we pushed on in the second half and came away with an impressive eight try win in what was very trying conditions to play rugby".

Ealing began the first period playing up the Vallis Way slope, and within five minutes they had forced a lineout inside the Clifton 22m line. Following a series of drives, scrum half Morgan Thompson came up with the ball. Neil Hallett converted from wide on the right and Ealing were 7-0 up.

Clifton standoff Chris Ashwin pulled three points back for the visitors following an Ealing transgression, but Ealing were playing some very patient phase rugby, moving their counterparts around the pitch and looking relaxed when in possession. Their next score followed an intense period of Ealing pressure. A dominant scrum by the hosts gave Ben Ward decent ball with which to attack. A miss-move to centre Pete Hodgkinson saw the evasive player burst through the Clifton defence, in support was the ever present man of the match, blind side flanker Karl Gibson, cutting inside the defence. He dotted down after 18 minutes to take the home side 12-3 ahead.

Owen Bruynseels was next on the try sheet, and this time the provider was Karl Gibson. With the pack to the fore in the build-up, Gibson found himself in the wide channels, he broke through the Clifton defence and his quick give and take put the pacey Bruynseels clear, who rounded the defence and touched down. Hallett’s conversion drifted wide on the wind, but after 21 minutes Ealing led by 17-3.

Clifton responded well and following a flowing attack, flanker Thomas Pool was on the end of the move and he crossed the Ealing line after 26 minutes. Ashwin’s conversion put the score line back to 17-10 and there was a murmuring of concern from the Vallis Way faithful Green & White army.

Within five minutes Ealing pressed home their advantage. The Ealing pack who had been superb all day – taking the Clifton scrum apart. Anders Nilsson picked and drove at the visitors defence, Lee Starling picked and fed prop Lewis Brown who crossed the Clifton line for the fourth try of the day, and with it the bonus point was in the bag. Hallets conversion on 32 minutes extended the lead to 24-10 as the half time whistle was blown by referee Michael Cooper.

The visitors knew that some work had to be done, indeed Matt Slater bought his pack of forwards out during the half time break to work on their stuttering lineout, but it was the home side who continued brightly as the second half commenced. They again were patient in their build up, and the foraging runs by the Ealing back row continued to make huge in roads into the Clifton half.

Ronny McLean-Dents came on for Joe Price after 45 minutes, and he looked dangerous with the ball in hand. After 50 minutes, the predatory instincts of Owen Bruynseels were again evident. He collected a loose kick by the visitors, then attacked the outside centre and, cutting inside, he found full back Neil Hallett, who drew the full back and Bruynseels went over unopposed. Hallett’s conversion was wide, but Ealing were looking good for their 29-10 lead after 45 minutes.

Ealing’s Mike Cudmore, rang the changes and gave his squad some valuable game time, Lock Ryan Gregory gave way for Ben Griffiths, whilst Sonny Kuwana and Dinos Alexopoulos replaced Lewis Brown and Jon Moyce who all had a fine afternoon and will give Mike headaches when it comes to selection for next week’s game at The Athletic Ground.

Ealing’s next score followed some clever play from the backs. Ealing won a lineout against the throw, and the ball was spun wide in their 22m line. It found Owen Bruynseels, he rounded his opposite number but finding his options limited, he put in a clever crossed field kick, Ben Ward was first to the bouncing ball, and with some neat footwork, he poked it through and found Phil Chesters galloping towards the line, the ball bounced up nicely and the Ealing wing outpaced the covering Clifton defence, crossing to take Ealing out to 34-10.

Phil Chesters was on the scorsheet again on 66 minutes for his second try of the day – finishing off a flowing move started in the Ealing 22 and going through some 10 phases of play. Chester’s completed the days scoring on 70 minutes, and with it equalling the try scoring record set by Chris Ashton.

Ealing completed this dominant display over Clifton, who had ran Richmond so close the week before, based on forward power and patience in building the phases that allowed their backs to play in the wide open channels at Vallis Way .

Skipper Ben Ward said of the game “We did the simple things well which enabled us to control the game. Clifton are a tough team and we knew we would have to win the forward battle. It’s a good win but now we must move on and start working on our game plan for next week".

Ealing visit near neighbours Richmond next weekend for their rearranged league fixture that was curtailed due to snow in December. Richmond since their early season defeat to Ealing at Vallis Way in September have gone on an run of 15 games undefeated and certainly are the form team in National 2 South. It looks to be the fixture of the week in National 2 South.

Ealing’s Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore is aware that much has changed since that early season game. He said, “Richmond, when we played them earlier in the season, were like us, finding their feet and bedding in new players and game plans, this was reflected in the game that day. Since then both teams have developed and improved and it will be a very competitive game between two sides who have a lot to play for."

Phil Chesters for one is looking forward to locking horns with rivals Richmond. He said "Nothing changes for us this week, the squad will approach Saturday as we do every other game, week in week out. Richmond are a good side, their recent run of games have proved that. Games like this, with us in first place and them in second, playing each other is what rugby is all about – Challenges !"

Kick off at The Athletic Ground is 3pm, and all details can be found at the Richmond website http://www.richmondfc.co.uk/

Ealing Trailfinders

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 – Lewis Brown
16 – Dinos Alexopoulos 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Ben Griffiths, 19- Jack Fiswick 20 – Ronald McLean-Dents

Ealing’s first ever visit to Monks Lane for this National 2 South league fixture saw them return to West London with a 14 try victory under their belt, as the league’s top try scorer Phil Chesters was the main beneficiary of the day as he bagged seven tries to take his personal tally to 36 for the season, the highest in all the National league rugby.

Other games in National 2 South also went Ealing’s way as well. Second placed Jersey found Henley Hawks a tough proposition. Leading 15-0 going into the half time break, they clung on to record a 18-15 point victory, and with it slipping further behind Ealing at the top of National 2 South. Richmond also found the going tougher than expected on their visit to Clifton, Ealing’s opponents next weekend. The Bristol side were leading 14-11 going into the final 10 minutes of the game. Richmond’s stand off Ross Broadfoot was their hero with a 72 minute try which he converted to record Richmond’s 12th win on the trot. Ealing visit Richmond for their re arranged league game on February 5th.

So it remains tight at the top of National 2 South. After 17 games, Ealing remain top on 75 points, followed by Jersey on 68, and Richmond on 67.

Ealing Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore said following Saturday’s game ,"The score line prior to the fixture was not important, it was the win and how we went about the game that mattered most. We came away with a big score on the board, and we now need a focused weeks training behind us before we meet Clifton at home on Saturday who are a good side"

Ealing made some changes to the previous weeks starting line up for this visit to Newbury. Full back Neil Hallett was rested, Pete Hodgkinson taking the number 15 shirt, whilst Ronny McLlean-Dents started his first game for the club following some impressive cameo rolls from the bench. Blair Morris took over the number 6 shirt from Karl Gibson.

Ealing flew out of the blocks against the league’s basement club, and it was prop Dinos Alexopoulos whose names was to appear first on the score sheet. Following a ruck close to the line, he muscled his way over to score.

Alexopoulos added of the Newbury game, "This game was a good test mentally for us as a team. It allowed us to work on some areas of the game that we maybe haven’t been as good as we would of liked in recent matches. I was personally very happy to open the try scoring and maybe should of score another but to put 90 points on any team is pleasing. Credit must also go the the Newbury side who never gave up and scored a try of their own"

Centre Ronny McLean-Dents converted Alexopoolous try for the first of his eight successful conversions of the day. Ealing were overpowering the young Newbury Blues side, and they had the four try bonus point in the bag after 21 minutes, following early tries from Owen Bruynseels, Pete Hodgkinson, and Phil Chesters, the first of his seven on the day.

In the run up to half time, Newbury responded with a 13th minute penalty from full back Oscar Matthews, but it remained one way traffic, as Ealing added further tries by Bruynseels (two) and Chesters both grabbing three apiece, before the break, to take Ealing into a half time lead of 54-3.

The second half continued in the same way as the first had ended. Ealing pushing Newbury to their limits. The home side did get one try and with it the cheers of the home supporters. With Ealing pressing, full back Oscar Matthews intercepted an Ealing attack, his legs gave out short of the line, but open side Paul Archer was on hand to score the valuable try for the home side. Matthews converting .

Simon Bundy replaced Bruynseels and Karl Gibson coming on for Steve Neville. Number 8 Anders Nilsson took a breather, Ben Griffiths replacing him.

Phil Chesters was cantering around Monks Field giving the Newbury defence nightmares, he added a further four tries to his seasons total, which were interspersed by tries for second row Ryan Gregory and centre Mclean-Dents. Phil Chesters’ seventh try came on the whistle, and completed the 90-10 demolition.

Following the game, skipper Ben Ward was pragmatic enough to realise there would be tougher fixtures on the cards for his team, and they would begin with next week’s home fixture against a Clifton side rejuvenated by their game against Richmond. He said, "We came to Newbury looking to put a good performance together. Its very difficult when the result is like it is to stick to your patterns and not let the game get too loose. We are pleased with the result and will now turn our attention to Clifton who will be tough opponents this Saturday."

Ealing’s try scoring prop Dinos Alexopoulos is aware that Clifton will offer a different challange , "The Clifton game we know will be a tough match. You only need to look at last weekends fixture against Richmond to see that there are a very good team that will need a big home performance by us to win. The season so far been has produced some very good results for us. We are currently sitting pretty at the top of the league as a result of taking each game as it comes and taking nobody lightly. Lets hope the season continues in this vain".

Ealing Trailfinders

15 – Pete Hodgkinson, 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 – Blair Morris , 5 – Matt Evans, 4 – Ryan Gregory , 3 – Steve Neville, 2 – Dinos Alexopoulos, 1 – Lewis Brown
16 – Karl Gibson , 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – Ben Griffiths , 19- Dave Essien 20 – Simon Bundy

Newbury’s Director of Rugby Andy Widdop said to the Ealing website  this week that the team were looking forward to the challenge of the weekends game. He said "What I can say is that Newbury RFC is very much looking forward to hosting Ealing Trailfinders this weekend. We are looking forward because it brings Ealing to Monks Lane for the first time, I believe, certainly in league action. Obviously with Ealing placed at the top of National Div 2 South we realise that it is yet another huge challenge on the pitch in a season of huge challenges. "

Ealing’s impressive number 8 Anders Nilsson who joined the club this season following 3 seasons at Loughborough University and Bedford Blues, said the side were in good spirits following the recent run of results : " The game against Taunton was a real boost for the boys this weekend. It put to work our belief of being the top side in the league. With a 100 percent lineout stat and good scrums the forwards are pleased with ironing out the creases we may have had against Taunton away in the earlier season. "

Looking ahead to the game against Newbury , Anders Nilsson added that training  this week will be as intensive as ever,  " Our week will consist of making sure as a team we are able to stick to our pattern and keep control for a whole 80 minutes against Newbury. The forwards are looking to continue the good lineout stats ." 

Indeed Ealing’s run shows that the team are being ruthless. Scoring over 100 tries at and with an average of 46 points for per game, the side are looking pretty at the summit of National 2 South. What will please the coaches is the fact they have one of  the meanest defences in the league, conceding only 29 tries!  Always room for improvement then ……………

A history of The Blues

The club was founded in 1928 due to the efforts of Len Whittaker who left St. Barts Grammar School in 1924. The first game played by the newly formed club took place on 15th September 1928 against Midlands team, Stoke. This was the first of 23 games that season during which the Club won 13 matches and lost 10 Even throughout the early years of the Club, the standard of play encouraged such major sides as Northampton, Gloucester, Harlequins and Wasps to come and play against Newbury. In 1932 the Club found a permanent home where we stayed until 1952 at which time the Club moved to Pinchington Lane to the south of the town. It was not until 1958 that a Clubhouse could be built on the site which was less than a mile from our present headquarters at Monks Lane where we have 5 pitches, of which three are fully floodlit. The 1938/39 season saw Newbury unofficially crowned by the local press as “Champions of Berkshire”. The first game to be played after the War was on 13th April 1946. Despite the inauspicious date, the Club won 37 – 0 against Windsor.

Since that time, the Club has gone from strength to strength, winning honours both regionally and at County level. A continuing policy of youth development has meant that many of our players have progressed from Junior to Senior level with the club. More recently, Newbury players have gone on to greater heights with clubs such as Leicester (Tom Croft) and London Irish (Jonathan Joseph)

Today Newbury Rugby Club fields 18 teams from First XV to Under 7′s, including a Women’s team.

Newbury in 2011

Their season has been tough so far, and its a credit to DoR Andy Widdop that they approach each game with such a positive attitude.  The start of the season was made more difficult for them in loosing the services of many prominent 1st XV players

When they visited Vallis Way  in October spectators and players alike  were very positive of the way their young side played despite the score line.

Since then they have recruited well, and in their new number 8 Josefa Kava, they have a huge presence in both defence and attack. His pedigree speaks for itself, having played for the  British Army & Combined Services. They have also recruited centres Dave Ferguson and back row Paul Archer.

They also had a change of club Captain, in Martin Freeman, taking over the reins in December following the departure of Jack Avery.

No doubt they will be looking to make Ealing work hard, so who should we be looking out for?

Well I’m sure that Josefa Kava will be an obvious target, Centre and captain Martin freeman tops their try scoring list with 8, whilst stand off Will Clarke has 39 points to  his name. Open side Oliver Spanswick was also prominent for The Blues when they visited Vallis Way

So how do you approach a top v bottom clash? Is it hard to motivate players? No doubt Mr Widdop will have no problems for his home side,  and speaking to Ealing’s Mike Cudmore, we asked him the question……. " Motivating a team for a top v bottom clash – are there any problems in that?"

"We have treated this game like all others.  We have studied them and will be giving them the respect any team in our league deserves.  We never take anything for granted or get complacent and when you play a team away from home you know you have to raise your game.  For us to be successful this season we need to be consistent in our performances, and to this end we will be putting out our strongest team possible this weekend. "

Results from previous games between Ealing Trailfinders & Newbury RFC

02/10/10 Ealing Trailfinders 94 Newbury Blues 0

Other games in National 2 South this weekend

Clifton v Richmond

Hinckley v Canterbury

Jersey v Henley Hawks

Old Albanians v Dings Crusaders

Shelford v Worthing

Taunton v Southend

Westcombe Park v Lydney

A devastating first half performance by Ealing including a 38 minute first half hat trick by Phil Chesters put this National 2 South game beyond visiting Taunton at Vallis Way on Saturday.

Was this one of the most complete performances of the season? Possibly. Taunton arrived at Vallis Way on the back of a four point defeat to Richmond from their previous outing, and were determined to avenge the defeat they suffered back in September, to Ealing on their home turf.

Ealing’s Owen Bruynseels said before the game , “We know that Taunton will be another tough physical encounter after the last game, and we are fully expecting another at the weekend, however after a good weeks training we are fully prepared for the game”.

Missing from their starting line up was their Fijian International flanker Apo Satala . The mood that the Ealing pack were in it would have taken another seven players of his stature to make a difference. Ealing’s eight men were so dominant over their West Country visitors, that his presence would have made no difference.

Ealing opened the scoring after two minutes when they moved the ball wide left, superb interplay between number 8 Anders Nilsson, scrum half Morgan Thompson and centre Pete Hodgkinson, finally putting Phil Chesters clear to touch down for his 26th try of the season. Neil Hallett added the extra two points. Chesters repeated the process on 11 minutes for his second of the day. Hallett converted and Ealing were flying.

Ealing’s pack was to the fore for the team’s next try. Going through the phases, they literally pulled their visitors from left to right. Following a a ruck close in, hooker Jon Moyce barrelled over for his first National 2 South try of the season. One for the piano shifters!

Pete Hodgkinson was the conductor for Chesters hat trick two minutes before the break . A neat outside break enabled him to put the Ealing speedster clear. Hallett failed with the conversion, but Ealing were 24-0 ahead and Taunton were looking down the barrel of a gun!

Scrum half Morgan Thompson was having a sublime game behind the dominant home pack, and on half time, he stretched the Vallis Way sides lead out to 29-0 , and with it the four try bonus point. Number 8 Anders Nilsson showed his pace, as he broke through the Taunton defence and off loaded to his scrum half, Hallett added the conversion and Ealing went into half time 31-0 ahead. Taunton left the field battered and bruised, looking for fresh ideas!

Coming in at half time Mike Cudmore and his coaching team would have pleased with the efforts on display , he said , "Our first half performance was of a very high level both in attack and defence,“ and he would have hoped to have continued in the same mode throughout the second half.

Ealing began the second half as they ended the first. The instrumental Pete Hodgkinson’s perfectly weighted kick, found Owen Bruynseels, who crossed the Taunton try line with 41 minutes on the clock – Hallett missed the resulting conversion. Ealing forging ahead at 36-0.

Chesters took his seasons tally to 29 tries, when following blind side flanker Lee Starlings run and off load he dotted down unchallenged as the Taunton defence looked increasingly porous. Hallett’s conversion took the score out to 43-0 as a rout looked increasingly on the cards.

Taunton’s fighting spirit came back to the West country side. With 49 minutes on the clock, Ealing were penalised. From the resulting penalty, they kicked for the corner. Winning the lineout scrum half Waylon Gasson found some space and burrowed over. Full back Gary Kingdom converted, but there was very little chance of a way back for Taunton.

The day’s last try went to replacement Ronnny McLean-Dents when he went over following a flowing move past a fragile Taunton defence. Halletts conversion took the score to 50-7.

Mike Cudmore added following his side’s impressive overall display. “In the second half there were things that we could have done better but the overall we were all happy with the final score line against a tough side". Indeed this was one Taunton’s heaviest defeats.

Skipper Ben Ward, looking ahead to the Newbury fixture, is aware that the team must take their form into this game and no underestimate their opposition . “Although Newbury’s results may not have gone their way this season we know they have some dangerous players that we will have to ensure we don’t give too much time on the ball. We have pride ourselves this season on not looking more than one week ahead and this week is no different. Our focus in training will be on what we have to do to get a result at Newbury .”

Next week Ealing travel to Berksire to face Newbury Blues – Kick off is 3pm , and details from the Blues can be found at their club website – http://newburyrfc.co.uk/

Ealing Trailfinders

15 – Neil Hallett, 14 – Owen Bruynseels , 13 – Pete Hodgkinson, 12 – Joe Price, 11 – Phil Chesters, 10 – Ben Ward (c) , 9 – Morgan Thompson
8 – Anders Neilsson , 7 – Lee Starling, 6 – Karl Gibson, 5 – Matt Evans, 4 – Ryan Gregory , 3 – Steve Neville, 2 – Jon Moyce, 1 – Lewis Brown
16 – Dinos Alexopoulos, 17 – Sungo Kuwana, 18 – James Winterbottom, 19 – Blair Morris, 20 – Ronald McLean- Dents