1871 sign off before Christmas with three wins and growing momentum
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 enjoyed a hugely positive final weekend of action before Christmas, with all three senior sides delivering performances that underlined the club’s strength in depth and momentum heading into the festive break.
The standout result came away in Counties 1 Middlesex, where the 1st XV claimed a superb 24–21 bonus-point victory over promotion-chasing Chiswick. Despite being without no fewer than 14 injured players, 1871 produced a resilient and intelligent performance against a side who had recently beaten league leaders Finchley. After conceding an early try, Ealing responded with pace and precision, Josh Steadman proving a constant attacking threat as the visitors built a 17–7 half-time lead. A second-half score from Reggie Elliot-Jones extended the advantage, and although Chiswick staged a late comeback to create a tense finale, Ealing showed composure to see the game out. The win leaves 1871 twelve points clear of the teams below them and just two points off the top heading into the new year.
The 2nd XV signed off the first half of the season in emphatic style away at Grasshoppers. With the hosts forced to concede the fixture due to uncontested scrums, a Game On match was played, and 1871 produced a relentless display of attacking rugby. From the opening whistle they dominated possession and territory, scoring regularly throughout both halves to run out 123–0 winners. Junior Peni led the way with five tries, while Kayci Bernard marked his 100th appearance for the club with a hat-trick. Logan Flint’s outstanding work rate and handling earned him a deserved man of the match award, as the 2nds reached the break with a perfect league record intact.
Completing an excellent weekend, the 3rd XV recorded a solid 15–7 home win over Belsize Park. Tries from Rory King and Alex Tarrant, alongside a conversion and penalty from Tarrant, secured a deserved victory built on discipline and collective effort.
With all three sides finishing strongly, Ealing Trailfinders 1871 head into Christmas full of confidence and well placed for the challenges that lie ahead in the new year.
More details and match report
Chiswick 21 – 24 Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV
https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-2006/
Grasshoppers 0 – 123 Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV
https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-2047/
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV 15 – 7 Belsize Park
https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-2048/