Trailfinders ‘front up’ to put squeeze on Knights

FORWARDS coach Glen Townson said Ealing Trailfinders had to show another side to their game as they defeated Doncaster Knights 24-9 at Castle Park.

The west Londoners were up against it and trailed for large parts of the first half before a dominant second half gave them the win.

“It certainly wasn’t pretty in any way, shape or form but that’s very pleasing to get the result,” Townson told the club’s website.

“Doncaster is never an easy place to come but the resilience we showed in the second half was brilliant. We went in at half-time at 10-9 and it was obviously close.

“We said ‘look boys we need to express ourselves a little bit more’ and we’re looking around the changing room and no one is breathing that hard, and we weren’t really taking ourselves to the max. The second half we responded really well.

“They [Doncaster] showed a lot of grit. In the first half we gave too many penalties away. We were doing okay defensively but we spoke all week about keeping our discipline on point.

“We were just feeding their attack. The scrum was in a mess at times. The game became very stop start.

“In the second half we played a little less rugby and played higher up the field and pressured them, and we got our rewards with a couple of great tries. We kept our composure when things weren’t going our way and got the reward eventually. It’s testament to the leadership in the squad. We’ll head back in to the Cup now in good form and can’t wait to keep building towards the Newcastle match.”

Tries from Andrew Durutalo, Will Davis and Rayn Smid, as well as nine points from the boot of Craig Willis, ensured Trailfinders headed back to London with a second consecutive win.

And front row forward Alun Walker said the victory is one that could prove to be massively important in the promotion push.

The hooker was at his best throughout to ensure Ealing registered an impressive triumph.

“That is a massive result for us,” he said. “We really fronted up and physically we were right there, which was key.

“Doncaster haven’t lost at home yet this season so that shows how difficult it was, and to inflict their first defeat was perfect for us.

“The work rate was outstanding and we’re pleased to get back-toback away wins while still knowing we can get better.”