London Scottish Academy 15 – 48 Ealing Trailfinders Academy
The Academy travelled to the Athletic Ground, Richmond for what was the last game of the Academy programme for some of our players on a damp and windy spring morning determined to deliver a performance to be proud of. The supporters who made the short journey across the Thames were not disappointed.
The early exchanges were very even with Scottish using the wind to pin Ealing in their own half, a great sequence of individual skill from U18 scrum half Josh Steadman broke the deadlock, fielding a high ball inside our half, a mazy run and raw speed saw him over in the corner. This sparked 20mins of some of the best rugby of the season, strong direct running mixed intelligently with well executed passing led by fly half Callum Nolan-Hutchinson resulted with first Rasaan Samms then a quick brace for Josh Hodson.
Not to be outdone London Scottish responded with a try and a penalty kick to bring the game back down to earth, their pack dominated the scrum and led to too many penalties and lost territory.
It was Trailfinders who finished the half on top though with another strong finish and a first half hat trick, from full back Hodson to make the score 10-27 at the break.
The second half continued much as the first despite wholesale changes with the bench exchanging seamlessly with the starters. Replacement fly half Charlie Fatoma led well to steer the team into the right areas. Winger Dyneal Fessal was next on the sheet with a try, followed by centre Chris Hitchcock and finally Joe Batt dotting down, all three converted by the impressive Fatoma.
Scottish showed great character to finish the game with a try from a driving lineout.
A very good performance from all involved and a fitting end to a season that has seen many successes on and off the pitch. Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to growing from the solid foundations now in place.
Ealing Trailfinders Academy
Hodson, Samms, Hitchcock C, Townshend, Adeleke, Nolan-Hutchinson, Steadman, Lowe (c), Bush, Day, Wake, Ellingham, Chamnaoui, March, Hitchcock T
Replacements
Vosabalavu, Joyce, Batt, Avis O, Segre, Steadman L, Fessal, Fatoma
Scorers
Tries – Steadman, Samms, Hodson 3, Fessal, Hitchcock C, Batt
Cons – Nolan-Hutchinson, Fatoma 3
