Two More Wins Wrap Pre-Season

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 first and second XVs made it two wins from two in pre-season after both defeated their counterparts from Banbury.

The first XV ended with an 82-12 win, while the seconds triumphed 55-0.

The Oxfordshire outfit were late replacements after our previous opponents dropped out late on and pushed the 1871 side hard despite the final scorelines at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Harry Vidler led the way for the firsts with 24 points that included a brace of tries. Prop Akeem Eubank-Anderson ended as leading scorer for the match after he touched down four times.

Seconds’ hooker Joe Kelly ensured it was a memorable afternoon for front-row forwards when he grabbed a hat-trick and Alex Tarrant hit nine conversions.

“I’ve never seen a match where a tight-head prop scores four,” head coach Phil Smith said. “Our captain Lewis Steadman was excellent and deservedly won player of the match, while Toby Holt was busy and had an excellent first half.

“The seconds were superb after half-time once they got over a shaky start. Joe Kelly was excellent and Callum Jones gave the ball plenty of width. The defence was again excellent. Now we need to rest the bodies and be ready for the start of the season.

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 first XV start their maiden campaign in Regional 2 Thames away to Teddington Stags on 26 September. The second XV also start their season on 26 September, against Hendon in Counties Middlesex 2.