Back With A Bang

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 first and second XVs roared into the 2026-27 season with wins in their opening pre-season encounters on Saturday.

The teams took on their rivals from Basingstoke, and while the first XV edged a close encounter 24-21, the second XV dominated in a 74-7 victory.

The first XV, who will be playing in Regional 2 Thames this season, started strongly and played some impressive rugby in the first half. In the second though, Basingstoke raised their performance, but Lewis Steadman’s team held on, and Toby Holt was named Player of the Match.

Kimani Goppy started the try-scoring for the second XV and 10 more followed. Player of the Match Goppy added a second, and Marquis Daly-Vidal also grabbed a brace. Harrison Slater converted four, and Alex Tarrant slotted five conversions in a clinical display that bodes well for the coming Counties Middlesex 2 season.

The first and second XVs are back in action for their second pre-season matches on 5 September. They will welcome Banbury to Trailfinders Sports Club, with kick-off at 15.00.