Canterbury captain Chris Hinkins described the Ealing Trailfinders performance as superb and Canterbury Head Coach Danny Vaughan rated it the best he had seen by a visiting side during the City club’s five years of National League rugby. As stated on the Canterbury web site, despite the heavily weighted scoreline Canterbury, by normal standards, did not play badly. They won a reasonable share of possession and never stopped competing, but when the league leaders had the ball they were on a different plane. In conditions made for Ealing’s fluid style their eye for space, ability to cut delightful angles and relentless support play were rewarded with eleven tries, five scored by England Sevens squad member Phil Chesters.
Ealing Trailfinders played at a tempo and skill level that Canterbury struggled to contain and this reflected in the half time score line with a bonus point in the bag and leading by 29 points. In the second half Ealing Trailfinders carried on where they left off and came out in the second half with even more enthusiasm.
Ealing Trailfinders’ pace men created first half tries for Chesters (2), impressive full back Peter Hodgkinson , Ryan Gregory and Blair Morris and, in the last minute of the half, Matt Evans. There was no let up on the resumption as the visitors continued to win the crowd’s admiration with their adventure and quick wits. Chesters raced in for another three tries and there were touchdowns from Karl Gibson and Jack Fishwick, while Morgan Thompson contributed seven conversions. Ealing were past the 60 mark before a brave Canterbury, laying siege to the visitors line, eventually created a try for Hilton. Good display from all and an important five point away win.
