Academy in LV=Cup win at Essex side Westcliff

Westcliff v Ealing Trailfinders Academy won 24-3

An early meet and a long coach trip failed to deter the Academy from probably their best defensive effort of the season against a strong and determined Westcliff side in the first round of the LV=U18 Cup.

On a grey, cold and windy day it was Westcliff who started the better side, playing some power rugby through their forwards drew a penalty from Trailfinders and West converted what could have been a tricky kick.

This stung Ealing into action and some improved play saw the momentum swing to the West London side, Prop forward Chris Wells was the first to score with a well executed series of close drives.

Excellent defence forced Westcliff to kick more than I am sure they would have liked and the Academy back three returned each kick with interest and from one such passage, on form Full Back Lewis Steadman scored a well taken try in the left corner to extend the Ealing lead. Some shaky passing followed and a couple of tries went begging due to poor execution but winger Rasaan Samms finished the scoring for the half with a run in from 20m after good interplay in midfield, Scrum Half George Hawkins added the extras to make the score 17-3 to the visitors.

The second half was a tense affair, Westcliff looked to attack the fringes with a pick and go game, Ealing stuck to their guns and tried to move the ball, an uncharacteristic quiet half from a normally busy pack saw many attacks peter out but a fine move from set piece saw winger Louis Walker over the line for his 7th try of the season in Green and Orange.

Further excellent tackling and breakdown work saw the Ealing line remain unbreached and the final score of 24-3 accurately reflect a hard days work.

So onto next week, a rare home game sees us welcome Trojans to Vallis Way for a National Colts Cup 3rd round tie, the boys would love to see you there.

Ealing Trailfinders Academy

Steadman, Walker, Clarke, Day, Samms, Luk, Hawkins, Lowe, Beavis, Bush, Beaumont, Wake, Nash, March, Wells

Replacements

Hitchcock, Riordan, Adamah, Leonard-Fox, Akue, Enoch-Gill, Shehabi

Scorers

Tries – Wells, Steadman, Samms, Walker

Cons – Hawkins 2