Ealing Trailfinders Academy U20 22-12 Bedford Blues Academy U19
A fine performance by the Academy saw our first victory in 3 seasons over Bedford Blues Academy at Vallis Way.
Bedford started much the brighter of the two sides, dominating the early exchanges enjoying both territory and possession. The pressure told with a try for the Blues.
Ealing responded well, scrum half Josh Steadman caused the Bedford defence headaches all day with his pace and great feet and a fine solo effort from 20m got the home side on the score board, U17 Junior Academy and Emerging Player Group player Devon Smith in only his second game for the Senior Academy added another, neither try was converted.
Josh Steadman, Ealing Trailfinders Academy U18
Bedford were not going to be out done and came right back and finished the half in the ascendancy, again pressure telling and a converted try saw them go into the break 2 points ahead at 12-10.
There was a feeling of having seen this before among the group, much the same thing had happened in our previous outing away at Moseley. Fortunately the second half performance was again much improved.
Skipper Marcus Lowe led superbly throughout the game, his example inspiring big games from lock Lewis Ellingham and Hooker Alex March.
The first score of the second half came wide out on the right, Nyall Wake finishing off from close range. For the second game on the trot a pair of brothers got on the scoresheet this time Lewis Steadman joined baby brother Josh with 5 points to his name, tracking a mazy run from his brother, taking a lovely pop and sprinting in under the sticks allowing Calum Nolan-Hutchinson to convert.
This represented a huge achievement for our group, many of whom have been involved in some tough lessons handed out by the ever impressive Blues Academy.
Unfortunately the day was dampened with a couple of nasty looking head injuries to Bedford players and we wish both lads the speediest of recoveries and hope to see them next month at Goldington Road.
Ealing Trailfinders Academy
Hodson, Samms, Steadman L, Day, Joseph, Nolan-Hutchinson, Steadman J, Lowe, Smith, Batt, Ellingham, Wake, Vosabalavu, March, Joyce
Replacements
Barton, Retter, Osuntoki, West, Luk, Vogt, Walker
Scorers
Tries – Steadman J, Smith, Wake, Steadman L
Cons – Nolan-Hutchinson
