1871 secure double victory on challenging weekend
1871 experienced a mixed bag of results over the weekend, securing two vital victories for the first and second teams in challenging conditions, while the third XV faced a tough defeat away from home.
In a hard-fought, low-scoring encounter dominated by defensive sets, the First XV battled their way to a crucial 14-8 victory against Hampstead. Played in difficult, muddy conditions at Hendon RFC, the game was a classic display of 'old school' rugby.
Ealing's win was founded on a masterclass in defence and a dominant set-piece, successfully executing their game plan to play into the wind in the first half and frustrate their strong opposition. Fly-half Harry Vidler's boot proved decisive, converting three penalties and adding to Pat Nash's second-half try from a powerful lineout drive. The team's defensive effort kept Hampstead at bay, ultimately securing the win and leaving the side just two points off the top of the league table.
The Second XV delivered a tough, fighting performance to achieve a 26-12 win away at Twickenham on a damp and uneven pitch. The match was an arm wrestle in the first quarter, with Ealing eventually breaking the deadlock through a try from Luke Beasley (VC).
Twickenham's persistent scrum-half caused trouble, levelling the scores at one point, but Ealing rallied, with Beasley scoring a second try before half-time. In the second period, further scores came from Kimani Goppy and Ilan Trowbridge, who displayed impressive pace and strength on his return from injury. Despite conceding numerous penalties as tiredness crept in, the team secured a hard-earned victory, described as a necessary win to 'get the job done'.
The Third XV faced a difficult afternoon on the road, falling to a significant 43-7 defeat against Ickenham & Uxbridge. The Ealing side managed to cross the whitewash once, with Zach Rayner scoring their sole try, which was successfully converted by Daniel Thompson.