The second round of the National Colts Cup pitted the Academy against Guildford, late Autumn sunshine greeted the travelling support providing wonderful conditions, prefect for open running rugby.
An impressive start was typified with Louis Walker’s first try, a strong finish to some neat approach play set the tone for 35 minutes of excellent play. Strong breakdown work by flankers Tyler Bush and Jake Beavis complimented strong running from prop Chris Wells and No 8 Marcus Lowe providing a stream of possession for the Trailfinders back line to attack the Guildford defence.
Tries followed from Lewis Steadman, Jake Beavis and 2 for in-form hooker Alex March. Good defence meant that Guildford rarely threatened the Ealing line and the teams changed ends with the score at 27-0
Two further scores from Walker and Lowe seemed to stir the Guildford players and some really spirited play saw the tide turn. Some aggressive attacks around the fringes saw the Surrey side breach the defence for a close range converted try.
Replacement hooker Tommy Riordan finished the scoring for the Academy but the game ended with Guildford very much on the front foot, two tries followed some weak defending and the final score reflected the determined late exchanges, at 42-19 a fine way to move into the third round of the Cup competition.
County commitments this week give the A squad a great chance to stake a claim for promotion. Still some work for this week, particularly our tackles late on are off the mark so still things to do on the training paddock…..
See you at training!
Ealing Trailfinders Academy
Steadman, Shehabi, Clarke, Day, Luk, Hawkins, Lowe, Beavis, Bush, Cox, Wake, Nash, March, Wells
Replacements
Hitchcock, Riordan, Beaumont, Hissey, McCormack, Ajuchi, Samms
Scorers
Tries – Walker 2, Lowe, March 2, Steadman, Beavis, Riordan
Conversions – Luk
