1871 3rds fall short in playoff semi-final

Trailfinders 1871 3rds 14–45 Chiswick 3rds (MMT3 Promotion Playoff Semi-Final)

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds saw their promotion playoff campaign brought to an end as Chiswick 3rds produced a dominant second-half performance to secure a 45–14 victory.

The match began at a high tempo, with Chiswick striking first and quickly building momentum through two early tries. Ealing responded well under pressure, with Kayci Bernard finishing a well-worked move to get the home side on the board. Daniel Thompson added the conversion to narrow the gap and settle early nerves.

Chiswick regained control with a further score, but Ealing stayed in the contest when Mackenzie Hillier powered over before half-time, with Thompson again adding the extras to leave the score 17–14 and the tie still within reach at the break.

The second half, however, belonged firmly to the visitors. Chiswick increased the intensity and began to exploit space with consistent attacking pressure, scoring repeatedly as Ealing struggled to contain sustained phases of attack. Despite committed defensive efforts, the momentum swung decisively, with Chiswick crossing for five unanswered tries after the restart.

Ealing were unable to respond in the second period, as the visitors maintained accuracy in both execution and conversion kicking to stretch clear on the scoreboard and close out a 45–14 win.

Although the result ends the 3rds’ playoff hopes, the season remains one of real progress, highlighted by strong league form, cup success and a Vase triumph earlier in the campaign.