Ealing’s bench keeps Trailfinders on winning run

IN-FORM Ealing Trailfinders continued their remarkable start to 2020 with a dramatic 28-24 victory away to Jersey Reds at Stade Santander International.

Ben Ward’s side had to rely on a try from Elliot Millar Mills, with seven minutes remaining, and then some incredible defence to secure their fifth consecutive win.

Ward told the club’s website: “I’m delighted. We were never quite at our best. We never quite had control of the game and you’ve got to give a lot of credit to Jersey for that.

“They opened us up a number of times defensively and every time we thought we were getting control of the game they came back into it. Sometimes in those situations all you care about by the end is winning, but I think both sets of coaches will be reasonably pleased with the performances.”

Ealing showed true grit in the end to see themselves over the line and Ward added: “I think we had opportunities in the game when we will look back and we won’t be as happy with our play and we expect better from ourselves, but to come back and to hold on, fair play to the guys up front to get that last penalty.

“Our bench made a real impact. I should have brought a few on earlier if I’m honest, but you are conscious you have to hold back a few in case of injuries. They came on and made an impact when we needed it and that probably coincided with our last try.

“We have to get better at closing out a game like that. We’ve been pretty good since the turn of the year in doing so and maybe that’s what got us over the line, that confidence in knowing we can come back.”