Ealing Trailfinders’ turn around in form in past few months has been best personified by the try-scoring feats of Phil Chesters.
While the wing was regularly on the scoresheet in National 1 and National 2 he took a little longer to find his groove after promotion to the Greene King IPA Championship.
He scored in the team’s opening match of the season against London Scottish, but then had to wait over two months for his next tries, when he grabbed a double in the team’s first win of the season, away to Jersey in the league.
“It just shows how far we have come as a squad and how we have really bedded into this league,” he said. “Everyone knows what is required from each other in order for us not only to be in games, but to now go on to win games.
“We are really starting to show how dangerous we are in attack and creating more opportunities throughout the game. This is great for me as a winger, being able to get my hands on the ball more and trying to improve on that try tally.”
Chesters is up to eight tries in the league following efforts in recent weeks against Moseley, Cornish Pirates and Leeds Carnegie. He also capped a fine counter-attacking move in the final play of the match against Leinster ‘A’ in the British and Irish Cup.
Bedford Blues’ visit on Friday is his next chance to add to his tally. When the sides met back in October Chesters came off the bench in the match that was broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Both sides have established reputations for positive, attacking rugby and while Bedford haven’t quite matched the form that took them to the Championship play-offs last year, they have shown they have the nous that has helped them establish themselves as a tricky Championship team.
“Bedford are a quality side, just look at their table finish last season,” he said. “They may not be quite replicating that form so far this year, but they are not to be underestimated. We know what is coming on Friday night and we all know what is required in order to get a positive result.
“Expect what you have seen all season from the boys, 100% passion and commitment for 80 minutes. We are looking to work on those areas that weren’t quite good enough against Leeds and deliver a strong performance. We aren’t in this league to make up the numbers and it is games like these where we need to stop the talking and go out there and prove ourselves.”
