Ealing Trailfinders Academy U23 v Royal Navy U23 won 26 – 17
This season’s first fixture saw Ealing Trailfinders Academy combine with the Championship Development squad play host to The Royal Navy U23 squad at Vallis Way.
The supporters who braved the rain were treated to an afternoon of high quality rugby with both sides looking to play an ambitious, running style.
Ealing were first on the scoreboard with a penalty by Ben Lloyd after the Navy failed to roll away at the breakdown, the lead changed hands when the Navy kept possession through several phases and scored a well worked try, inexperienced defence after only one session together contributed but credit has to go the senior service for taking their chance well.
Not to be deterred Trailfinders moved through the phases well in the middle period of the half, dominating the breakdown area and moving the ball around the park, this allowed Academy wing Damaro Woodruffe a one on one with his opposite number which he finished off to the delight of the Ealing fans.
The half ended on a low note when a lapse of concentration led to a turnover and the Navy spotted space behind the Ealing backs and an intelligent kick and gather saw the Blues go in 8 – 12 up.
The second half saw the tide turn on the visitors with Ealing having much of the ball, replacement fly half Matt Killeen running the game well and showing he has learned a lot from his time with the 1st XV, and when we were defending the intensity was high and accurate enough to limit the Navy to one unconverted try.
Three tries from Development squad players Alex Ward (1) and Jim Soner (2) saw the boys ease away and a final penalty from Ben Lloyd put the lead beyond the Navy.
All agreed this was a great development opportunity for the young Trailfinders and we are already looking to the return fixture in Portsmouth next year.
See you at training!
Ealing Academy Development XV
Hague-Blundy, Asante, Beynon, Killeen, Woodruffe, Lloyd, U’Chong, Entwhistle, Soner, Salustri, Doherty, Opi, Williams, Cody, Higgins N
Replacements
Chamnaoui, Brooks, Brooker, Flynn, Connor, Ward, Srokowski, Burman, Farrell
Scorers
Tries – Woodruffe, Soner 2, Ward
Pens – Lloyd 2
