Ealing Trailfinders romped to an impressive 8 try victory over Forest of Dean rivals Lydney, running out 50-18 winners in their first National 2 outing of the season at Vallis Way .
Ealing Trailfinders romped to an impressive 8 try victory over Forest of Dean rivals Lydney, running out 50-18 winners in their first National 2 outing of the season at Vallis Way .
Despite the win, Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore will feel there is more is more to come from his young side. Cudmore added " To win at home by 50 points is always pleasing. There were aspects of the game we all know we need to improve on but it is very early in the league campaign and this will improve as we go along. The spirit in the squad is strong and all are enjoying their rugby ".
Indeed it was Lydney who started the game well when an error gifted the ball to Lydney, who went over with only 2 minutes on the clock as Lydney second row James Bshford crossed for a early try.
Ealing began to take control of the game, looking very comfortable on the ball in all phases of play. It was winger Phil Chesters who took advantage of the early advantage after some fine build-up play from the back row. The extra points went begging. Lydney failed to send the restart 10m , and crowd favourite Kiba Richards was quick off the mark and his pace took him over the whitewash on 14 minutes. Ben Ward adding the conversion.
Ealing’s dominance continued through the first half, further tries were added by Guthrie Hall, off his sick bed, on 20 minutes, Marckus Burcham on 25 minutes and full back Pete Hodgkinson on 36 minutes taking Ealing into a half time lead 34-8 half time lead. Lydney fly half Tony Wicks adding a penalty on 31 minutes for the visitors after an off side at a ruck against the home team.
Lydney came out and started the second half as they did the first. Replacement winger Dan Smth took advantage of some slack defending to score on 42 minutes.
Ealing began to turn the screw again. Hodgkinson adding his second of the day after Ward opening the Lydney defence up, Ward adding the extras giving Ealing a 39-13 lead on 55 minutes.
Lydney by now were looking down the barrel of a gun – Hooker Scott Hodson broke through a tired defence and his swallow dive deserved 10 points in itself, on 57 minutes, Ward adding the conversion. Replacement centre Liam Lonergan added the last try for Ealing on 66 minutes, Whilst Lydney got on the board with a consolation try on 74 minutes but that was all it was to be.
To win by such a margin is always good for confidence, skipper Jay King said " Winning by 50 points is always pleasing, it is great to see things that we have on during the week come out in the game, it shows real good application and concentration from the guys, a pleasing win to say the least! "
The man of the match award, provided by Ealing based Majestic Wines, was presented by Chairman Damian Bugeja to Ealing number 8 Guthrie Hall.
Next up for Ealing Trailfinders is a trip to Goresbrook, to face an in form Barking team. Kick off is 3pm and your support would be welcome.
Scorers:
