Author Archives: Paul Clarke

REPORT: Ealing Exiles 21 – 66 Hammersmith & Fulham IV

Exiles start the season on a winning note against a younger faster stronger Hammersmith unit.

Report by Nick Greenhalgh

Score 21 points to Ealing Exiles and a great many more to Hammersmith and Fulham IVs.
 
The game was split into 4 twenty minute halves and we won the 3rd quarter, so the title of the report is only in part accurate, but reflected what we took away from the game.  A good natured fast running high impact session against a high quality Hammers side.

There were a few notable performances and in general the Exiles put on a reasonable show to our growing group of supporters.  Afe put in a great deal of try saving tackles as our well exercised full back. After Paul T went off the oppo lent us a sub who truned out to be a better player than they though and as no.8 bludgened his way through his team mates to score the first 2 tries for the Exiles. "T" playing on the flank managed to battle his way through a few Hammers forwards and over the line scoring a lovely try, possibly his first for the Exiles.  Great to see!  The forwards worked well and were not over powered by the Hammers pack, and the backs also gelled pretty well with Stef and Simon Tyler making a good scrum half /fly half patnership.  I (Nick G) managed to start the game at no. 8, drop out to the centres when Paul T took a knock to the head, then had a nice stretch as hooker, before returing out to the centres for the rest of the game where my opposite number seemed to like setting me down on my arse every time I got the ball, most unsporting!  Noteable for the wrong reasons was Tom L’s 5 yard dash over the try line, sadly the wrong try line. I have not seen this move before, you’ll have to get Tom to talk you through it. 

The ref also deserves a mention. He let the game flow very nicely giving the Exiles as much advantage as he could without being too unfair.  He was rewarded with a well stuffed envelope and top marks on his performance sheet for these efforts after the game.

So we were well beaten but enjoyed our run out, and best of all we were finished by 3:00pm and able to sup some Guinness in the sun while watching our Evergreen colleagues pummel thier way to a victory over Southgate!

 

Players:

  1. Barry  – part game
  2. Fabio
  3. Steve R
  4. John M
  5. Eff
  6. Tom L
  7. T
  8. Nick
  9. Malik  – part game
  10. Stef
  11. Simon Tyler
  12. Paul T  – part game
  13. Michael T
  14. Alistair
  15. Alex
  16. Huw
  17. Afe
Tries:
opposition loaned no.8 : 2
T : 1
Cons:
Michael T 3

 

Read the opposition’s match report.

REPORT: Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV 34 – 16 Lydney

Ealing’s flying wing Phil Chester’s got his personal try scoring tally off the mark on Saturday at  Regentsholme as he bagged four tries as the West London side overcome a gritty Lydney performance. Chester’s was the leagues top try scorer last season with 27, and he set a marker down to repeat that achievement.

Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore said after the game, "Lydney is always a tough place to come and get a result.  I was pleased with the five point win and at times we played very well, but as you would expect this early in the season, still lots to work on"

On a day ideal for fast flowing rugby, it was the home side that threw everything at their London counterparts from the start of proceedings. For all the effort all they came away with was a 6th minute penalty from new signing Brett Turner.

Ealing too had new signings on show. Centre Neil Hallet from Esher, along with his number 8 team mate Lee Starling, and Cornish Pirate Matt Evans all produced performances that will have pleased their director of Rugby.

Mike  commented " "They have all settled in well and have added a lot of experience to the team.  They are all very good players but also good club men"

It was however on 9 minutes that Chester’s scored the for the first of his four tries, as the ball was spun into the wide expanses to find Chesters who crossed over to open Ealing’s account. . Centre Neill Hallett converted to put the Vallis Way side 3-7 ahead. The same double act repeated the performance on 14 minutes as Ealing eased into a 14-3 lead on 15 minutes.

Brett Turner added a penalty to put the home side on the board after Ealing were adjudged offside in the forwards, cutting the deficit to 6-14 on 33 minutes. Chester’s took his chance for a third, after a  period of stagnate play in midfield saw him break away on 36 minutes – Hallet narrowly missing the extra points.

Straight after half time, it was Turner who claimed his third penalty as Ealing were again offside, reducing the deficit to 10 points.  Ealing were continually pressing Lydney back in defence and some impressive hounding by the omnipresent back row of Jay King, Blair Morris and Lee Starling led to another Lydney mistake, the ball being transferred to Chester’s who needed no second invitation and he crossed for his fourth try of the day on 44 minutes and with it a bonus point for Ealing.

Scrum half Morgan Thompson was the beneficiary of another Lydney mistake caused by the tenacious Ealing defence, as he won a foot-race and crossed for the visitors fifth and final try on 49 minutes with Hallet adding the conversion, taking then into a 31-9 lead.

On 64 minutes Lydney produced a fine move resulting in Charlie Vine coming off his wing to outpace the visitors defence, Turner converting to close the gap to 16-31. The final score of the day went to Hallet on 75 minutes to see Ealing home 34-16.

Captain & fly half Ben Ward said after the first league game of the season, "There are no easy away games in this league. If you dont turn up in the right frame of mind and fully focused you will get found out. Thats why its especially pleasing to come away to Lydney and leave with 5 points. It was the first game of the season and its always nice to get our first win under our belt. There are lots of areas where we know we will improve and get better over the coming weeks, but we are very satisfied with the start we have made".

Next Saturday, Ealing Trailinders entertain local rivals Richmond FC in their second National 2 South game of the current season. The proceedings start at 11.30am with a game between the club’s two Veterans sides, The Ealing Evergreens and Richmond Heavies, followed by the clubs 2nd XV who kick off at 1pm.

 

Ealing Trailfinders:
15 – Pete Hodgkinson, 14 – Owen Bruynseels, 13 – Markus Burcham, 12 – Neil Hallett,11 – Phil Chesters, 10 – Ben Ward (Capt), 9 – Morgan Thompson , 1 – Lewis Brown, 2 – Rob Buchanan, 3 – Dinos Alexopolous, 4 – Matt Evans, 5 – Gethin Davies, 6 – Blair Morris, 7 – Jay King, 8 – Lee Starling.
Subs: 16 – Jon Moyce, 17 – Sonny Kuwana, 18 – James Winterbottom, 19 – Karl Gibson 20 – Sam Wardingley

PREVIEW: Lydney v Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV 4th September

That time of year again – 4th September and the 1st XV travel down the M4 to visit the Forest of Dean and Lydney RFC.

Last season is a distant memory and past results count for nothing, despite that Mike Cudmore and his squad will travel to Reagenstholme buoyed by three pre season games that have seen the squad gel together and produce some decent results against Readingensians, Loughborough Students and their final warm up game, a comprehensive defeat of  Championship side Esher last Saturday at Vallis Way.

Mike has been pleased with the development of the squad over the summer which has seen the majority of those who played last season retained, plus the addition of players who with them bring the experience of playing in higher leagues.

Looking ahead to Ealing’s first league game of the season Mike said, "Lydney is always a tough place to go and get a result at and a good challenge for us in our first league outing.  We have worked very hard in the pre season.  We have produced some good performances in the pre season games.  I am now looking forward to the team going out there on Saturday and expressing themselves and delivering a performance that reflects where we are at the moment."

Skipper on Saturday Ben Ward  said after training on Tuesday  "Lydney always provide a very tough challenge. With it being the first game of the season the match should start at a very fast pace but both teams will soon settle. We have prepared well and are looking forward to the game."

Lydney RFC

Lydney RFC was founded in 1888, when there were already 8 teams playing in the town.

The club drew its strength and many of its players from the local tinplate works, and for many years Lydney RFC were known as the ‘Tinplaters’. The first President, Charles Bathurst, later the first Lord Bledisloe, held the position for 70 years. Lord Bledisloe became Governor General of New Zealand in the 1930s and gave his name to the Bledisloe Cup, the Rugby Union trophy competed for by Australia and New Zealand.

There is still a strong connection between Lydney and New Zealand, especially the Waikato Province, and there is a regular exchange of players between Lydney and Waikato clubs.

For a town with a population which has only recently exceeded 10,000, Lydney has more than held its own against clubs from bigger towns, and has a great record in the national knock out cup, playing Saracens, Sale and Exeter Chiefs in recent years. They have not been out of the National Leagues since the league system started.

Further details can be found at : http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/lydneyrugbyfootballclub/

Lydney’s pre season has seen them suffer a narrow 20-17 defeat against a Plymouth XV and a "scrappy win " 20-12 over Old Patesians – they are the words from Old Pats!! ( report – http://www.oldpats.co.uk/Match%20Reports/LydneyAway.html )

Previous meetings between Ealing Trailfinders and Lydney RFC

01/05/10   Lydney 8 Ealing Trailfinders 50
19/09/09   Ealing Trailfinders 50 Lydney 18
25/04/09   Lydney 17 Ealing Trailfinders 7
11/10/08   Ealing Trailfinders 53 Lydney 16
15/03/08   Ealing Trailfinders 43 Lydney 13
24/11/07   Lydney 10 Ealing Trailfinders 31

 

1st XV Season Preview

Ealing Trailfinders RFC completed their pre season games in emphatic style against an Esher XV at Vallis Way on Saturday, beating the Championship side by 52 points to 20.

After the game Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore commented on his sides pre season and their aims for the new season. He said "I am pleased where we are at the moment.  Both teams on Saturday played well and have given me some interesting selection decisions.  We have retained the majority of the squad from last season and added some good players where we needed strengthening and I am looking forward to starting our league campaign this weekend away to Lydney.  Our goal this season like all others prior is to perform well in every game we play in and in doing so looking to be in the promotion mix at the end of the season." 

Ealing’s other pre season games have seen them beat Readingensians 45-12 and Loughborough 53-12.

The West London side finished in 3rd place in National 2 south last season, scoring over 1000 points and boasting the league’s top scorer in flying wing Phil Chesters. The squad are looking good, with the majority of players who played last season re signing for the current campaign. There have been several additions to the squad whom Mike Cudmore believes will add to the Vallis Ways league title credentials.

Matt Evans has joined from Championship side Cornish Pirates, he plays either second row or back row, whilst Esher pair, back row Lee Starling and centre Neil Hallet also add some experience to the squad. Crowd favourites Phil Chesters and last season’s supporters player-of-the-season Pete Hodgkinson will also be back at Vallis Way for the new season.

Ealing Trailfinders begin their league season next Saturday, 4th September, with a tricky away trip to the Forest of Dean and Lydney RFC.

Hooker Jon Moyce said that pre season has been exceptional and they will expect a tough forward battle at Regentsholme "Pre season has been very professional, I feel every player in the squad is prepared for national league rugby. The depth within the squad has caused many selection problems but this only improves players performance. The new signings have fitted in very well, new talent and ideas has improved the game plan and the ability to play the style we want. I feel Richmond and Jersey will be an area of concern as they have signed some strong players. But if we stick to are game and play the patterns we know then we should outplay any team in the league. Every player is very excited about the first league game, are game plan is to bring home five points and send a message to the rest of the teams in the league".

The following weekend, local rivals Richmond are the visitors to Vallis Way for a day of rugby between the clubs. Ealing’s Vets side, the Evergreens begin proceedings at 11.30am against their contemporaries, the Richmond Heavies. The clubs 2nd XV play Richmond 2nd XV at 1pm whilst the main course, the league game, kicks off at 3pm. 

Fly half Ben Ward is aware that the league will be tough, but also feels that they have have prepared well: "Pre season has gone well. We have kept virtually everyone from last season and added some quality players on top of that. We will be looking to go to Lydney this weekend and put in a good performance. After that we will be able to see where we are at and it will tell us more about how our pre season has gone. It’s a very tough league this year with teams such as Jersey, Richmond and Taunton especially adding to their squads considerably. Other teams such as Henley, Southend and Clifton have all strengthened and there is no such thing as an easy five points anymore. We have a good squad and hopefully with some good performances and a bit of luck can be in with a good chance come the end of the season."

National 2 South will have a different look to it this season. Champions Barking and play off winners Rosslyn Park have been promoted to National 2. They have been replaced by some new names to many at  Vallis Way. Coming down from National 2 are Newbury RFC , whilst joining them are league as Champions from National 3  are Jersey RFC, whilst old friends from London 1 Old Albanians also make up the numbers as play off winners. Taunton were champions of South West 3 , and  Hinckley  RFC are leveled transferred from the Midlands.

The early expectations for favourites come down to the teams who have strengthened over the summer. Newcomers Jersey will present a difficult place to go and win, whilst Taunton and Old Albanians will test many teams. Other teams to watch out for could be Worthing, Southend and Henley.

Local rivals and visitors to Vallis Way on the 11th September Richmond have also strengthened over the summer, with Ex Oxford University director of Rugby Steve Hill arriving at the Athletic Ground with many faces familiar to him from the Varsity side’s he coached.  They have added an influx of players and will represent a stern test to Mike Cudmore’s men as they attempt to go one better on the previous two seasons and clinch the automatic promotion spot to National 1.

Meeting of the Referee Section: TONIGHT – 2 September

Welcome to the new season. On the 2nd September at 7.45pm, at Ealing Trailfinders, the Referee Section will be holding a meeting with our referees and future referees to outline the new Ealing Trailfinders Referee Academy, together with the various events and guest appearances during the season.

Also, Ed Turnill of the RFU will be outlining the new interpretations of the laws for this season. We, in turn, will be offering further coaching, mentoring and assessment for those referees who wish to improve to the level where they can referee all youth games and, if they  wish, move onwards.

 
You are all invited. Other clubs in the area have been invited so please make an effort to attend.
 
See you there.
Pete Patterson and Charlie Hodder

What’s New at Trailfinders Sports Club

Welcome back.

It seems only days ago that last season ended. I am looking forward to welcoming back lots of familiar faces and indeed hoping to meet a few new ones.

While you have been away as well as the usual flurry of weddings, parties, corporate fun days and regrettably, as some of you will know funerals.

But we have also been very busy improving the facility here to enhance the experience for all members.

The more obvious items include our new “officials stand” incorporating the existing score board.

Also the provision of toilets upstairs in the grandstand, dedicated members access to the overflow car park area, extended patio area outside the pitchside windows, new outdoor furniture for 80pax, an awning that I had hoped would have been here to provide some shade from the sun, but in reality will probably be more use providing some shelter from the rain, and some splendid new pitch perimeter barriers, (see Rob for sponsorship opportunities!)

Less visible is the usual pitch maintenance, and improvements on the drainage between pitch 1 and pitch 2.

Enhancements to the range of food available on match days and Sundays are in hand and we have an improved wine list.

Please do remember to present your members card at the bar to ensure that you get your 10% discount. Doesn’t sound a lot, but last year over course of the season 1 member saved over £100 pounds……And no I am not going to tell you who he is!

Don’t also forget discounted rates are available to members for hall hire, catering etc, please ask us if interested.

Looking forward to an excellent 2010-11 Season

Dave

Junior Rugby – New Players Welcome from 3 through to 18

Junior rugby kicks of for the new season on Sunday September 5th.

If there is a potential young player in your family who’s thinking of giving rugby a go please look here to find out all you need to know about Minis & Youth Rugby at ETRFC.

Don’t forget that we welcone both boys and girls, from those that have never played before through to experienced players.

Members Survey 2010

Thank you once again for completing our survey in huge numbers. This is a members club and so this is one way for you to share how you feel about Ealing Trailfinders, and how it can continue to improve.

 

As ever, let’s start with the good news. 97.2% of you would recommend Ealing Trailfinders to a friend, and  70% feel part of Ealing “a huge amount” or “a lot”. A significant rise from 57% last year.

While 75% if us think our children feel part of Ealing “a huge amount” or “a lot”.

 

Last year only 20% rated the overall service delivered by the club as “excellent”, so it is encouraging to see that rise to 35%. In fact, a gratifying 95% rate the service as either “excellent” or “good”, a significant improvement from 82% last year.

 

It is interesting that, just as last year only 20% of us actually play rugby. Most of us support one of our many teams. Also 35% have been members for 3 years or less. So that is a reminder that there are new members all around us who will still be learning the ropes.

 

1st XV rugby is still rated as “vital” by 73% of us, and since your feedback last year, it is pleasing to see that the number who think our 1st XV are well integrated into the club has gone from 38% to 69%. Still more to do, but a great step forward.

 

The response to our superb facilities was overwhelmingly positive, and Dave Robinson asked to include questions about what menus would suit our different constituencies at different times. As a result we will be seeing new menus in the clubhouse this season. We hope you like what he has planned.

We also note that 20% of us have used the Trailfinders facilities for private parties and work events. It’s good to see that our relationship with Trailfinders is one of mutual support.

 

You do still feel there could be more social events, and once again, you will be seeing new ideas being rolled out. So keep reading the Newsletter and watching the website for news.

 

The direct feedback about sections has gone to the Chairs, as well as specific ideas relating to your section.

 

So, what do you think we could do better?

Just as last year, there are many different niggles about the club. Parking, food, and timing of training get several mentions. The single most common concern is about team selection within Minis especially. This serves as an important reminder to coaches, managers, and parents alike. It is an issue which will probably never go away, and is partly due to our success in recruiting large numbers. It is vital that parents understand that hardworking coaches and managers are in nearly every case making huge effort to be fair. While those coaches and managers must remember that parents and children have a right to an explanation of their decisions.

 

Finally, this is a members club. If you want to make it better, get involved.

 

Here’s to a great season.


1st team squad signings 2010/2011

Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore announces the names of the new players who have signed for Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV for the  coming season, and confirms that Peter Hodgkinson, Dinos Alexopoulos and Phil Chesters have re-signed for another season.I am pleased to announce that the following players have signed for us for the forthcoming season:

Name Position Club
Ben Acton Back row Army
Ben Griffiths Second row/back row Stourbridge
Jack Fishwick Second row St Mary’s University
James Hewitt Centre Chinnor
Jamie Evans Front tow Teddington
Lee Starling Back row Esher
Matt Evans Back row/second row Cornish Pirates
Matt Sinderberry Second row Old Merchant Taylors School
Neill Hallett Full back/centre Esher
Rob Buchanan Hooker On loan from Harlequins
Sam Twumey Second row On loan from Harlequins
Tony Paul Centre Rosslyn Park
Will Lloyd Prop Sutton and Epsom  

The supporters player of the season Peter Hodgkinson and also Dinos Alexopoulos and Phil Chesters who both made the Rugby Paper National 2 South team of the year have re-signed for another season.  

The squad performed well last season and we were able to retain all the players from last year’s squad that we wanted apart from Guthrie Hall who has decided to retire (but we will keep working on him to get him back!).  I am currently looking at any areas that we may need to strengthen and if we do sign anyone I will announce it on the web site.  

The pre season has gone well and now we are all looking forward to the pre season games.  They will all be very challenging games and a good test for all which will be needed as we have a very tough September league campaign to start the season.  

The league since we have been in it has always proven to be very competitive and looking at the teams this season it could arguably be the toughest yet.  The teams who were in the league last season are fully aware of the challenges and what they need to do.  Some of the new teams coming into the league have recruited a lot of experienced players.  We know we will need to be at our best this season to compete and to this end we will look to ensure the players are ready to go on the 4th September.   I look forward to seeing you all at Vallis Way this season.    

Mike Cudmore
Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby