1871 power past Finchley in statement win
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 power past Finchley in statement win despite mixed weekend
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 produced a commanding performance at Vallis Way to secure a crucial 48–12 bonus-point victory over promotion rivals Finchley, ensuring a highly positive outcome from a weekend that also saw a defeat for the 3rd XV and a postponement for the 2nds.
The 1st XV result was the clear highlight, as 1871 overturned the reverse fixture loss from earlier in the season with a ruthless and intelligent display against the league leaders. In calm conditions following a stormy week, Ealing executed their game plan superbly, combining clinical finishing with excellent game management. Debutant full back Cillian Corkery marked his first appearance in memorable fashion with two tries, while George Emmerson added a brace of long-range interception scores that underlined Ealing’s defensive awareness and attacking threat.
Fly half Harry Vidler was instrumental throughout, contributing 21 points from the tee as Ealing consistently took the points on offer and kept the scoreboard moving. After building a 16–7 half-time lead through three Vidler penalties and Corkery’s opening try, 1871 pulled away decisively in the second half. A second Corkery score from a slick five-metre scrum move, further penalties, Emmerson’s interceptions and a late penalty try secured both victory and the all-important four-try bonus. The performance was all the more impressive given a disrupted build-up and early injury reshuffle, with the squad’s depth and adaptability again coming to the fore. Corkery was a popular and deserving man of the match in front of a large and vocal home crowd.
It was a tougher afternoon for the 3rd XV away at Chiswick, who ran out 31–12 winners. Ealing’s points came through tries from Theo Szweda and Kayci Bernard, with Joe Banks adding the conversion, but the visitors were unable to match Chiswick’s consistency over the eighty minutes.
The 2nd XV were unable to take to the field, with their scheduled fixture away to London Welsh postponed.
More details and match report
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV 48 – 12 Finchley
https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-2007/
Chiswick 31 – 12 Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV
https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-2051/
London Welsh vs Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV
Match postponed