Middlesex U20 0-53 Ealing Trailfinders Academy U20
The Academy travelled the short distance to Staines RFC to take on Middlesex U20 in a friendly fixture under lights and despite atrocious weather conditions played some excellent rugby and recorded a memorable victory.
High winds and the County forwards dominated the first 10 minutes of the game with almost exclusive possession and territory meaning the Academy’s defence was tested to the limit. As time passed, nerves settled and the tide began to turn, some good individual efforts saw us out of our 22 and into Middlesex territory.
Outside centre Chris Hitchcock was the first to score, quickly followed by mid-field partner Luca Townshend and Tyler Bush got on the sheet, all converted by fly half Yun Shun Luk. The half was finished off with a fine try by impressive full back Lewis Steadman showing a great turn off pace despite the late kick off and coming straight off the train from Manchester.
The thoughts at half time were of the ability to still play an ambitious attacking game and maintain accuracy in spite of the conditions.
The second half was no anticlimax, Tim Hitchcock made it a good night for the family with a try converted by Luk. The Academy pack were now dominant in attack and defence providing great ball for the back line who despite the mud looked threatening whenever they had the ball.
Flanker Joe Batt scored his first try for the Club followed by skipper and man of the match, No8 Marcus Lowe. Replacement centre Ellis MacCausland scored the penultimate try with a great break, offload and support run, leaving winger Louis Walker the honour of completing the scoring with another good try set up by U18 full back Nathan Vogt.
A few mentions have to be made to Nyall Wake, Yun Shun Luk and Lewis Steadman for making the journey back from University in Reading, Manchester and Brighton respectively. Congratulations to Academy U18 players Lewis Ellingham and Josh Steadman continuing their development with the older age groups and to fellow U18’s Funbi Osuntoki and Nathan Vogt and the youngest player on show U17 winger Reon Joseph.
A big thank you from the coaches to all the squad for their decision to include front row forward Funbi Osuntoki who’s age will exclude him from propping at older age groups before April. The collective decision to do whatever it took to get him involved means a ‘work experience’ opportunity in the second row until then, leaps like a tin of salmon but pushes well…..
Finally a look ahead to our next fixture, we take on fellow non RFU funded Championship Academy, Moseley on Saturday 19th December at Vallis Way, kick off is 11:30, it would be great to see as many supporters there as possible.
See you at training!
Ealing Trailfinders Academy
Steadman L, Adeleke, Hitchcock C, Townshend, Walker, Luk, Steadman J, Lowe, Bush, Batt, Martin, Ellingham, Vosabalavu, Joyce, Hitchcock T
Replacements
March, Day, Young, Osuntoki, Leonard-Fox, Wake, McCausland-Swan, Joseph, Vogt
Scorers
Tries – Hitchcock C, Townshend, Bush, Steadman L, Hitchcock T, Batt, Lowe, McCausland, Walker
Cons- Luk (4)
