1871 3rds lift vase in stunning comeback

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds 26–24 Actonians (Middlesex Merit Table Vase Final)

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds completed a memorable season by securing silverware in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to defeat Actonians 26–24 in a thrilling Middlesex Merit Table Vase final.

Actonians, who had enjoyed a strong campaign and were crowned Middlesex Merit Table 3 champions, made an assertive start, using their powerful forward pack to dominate early exchanges. Their pressure told as they built a 10-point lead by half-time through two unconverted tries, with Ealing forced to defend for long periods.

The second half, however, belonged to Ealing’s resilience and belief. Prop Jevon Sturge sparked the comeback with a powerful finish soon after the restart, converted by Alex Tarrant, narrowing the gap and shifting momentum. Although Actonians responded with a third try to re-establish control at 17–7, Ealing refused to fade.

Replacement Rob Lyall added the next try, finishing smartly out wide to bring the deficit back to within touching distance. Actonians again looked to have sealed the contest when they extended their lead to 24–12, but Ealing produced a decisive late surge.

Tarrant crossed and converted to reduce the gap further before second row Omarion Smith powered over to level the scores and send the crowd into celebration. With the pressure at its peak and the prospect of extra time looming, Tarrant held his nerve from the touchline conversion to edge Ealing into a 26–24 lead.

The final whistle confirmed a remarkable turnaround and secured the Vase title in one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

Joint man of the match honours went to Afzaal Ijaz, deployed at flanker for the occasion, and wing Dan Nethercote, both of whom made significant contributions throughout a hard-fought encounter.

A fitting conclusion to a season that has already delivered multiple successes across the 1871 club, with further fixtures still to come as the squad continues to build momentum into the closing stages of the campaign.