Ealing off to a flier as they await Carnegie

A FLYING start sent Ealing Trailfinders on their way to a convincing victory over Hartpury College at Vallis Way yesterday.

The Londoners, who will start their Championship season by hosting Yorkshire Carnegie next week, went full-tilt from the off and by the end of the opening 10 minutes had a 12-0 lead as Luke Daniels helped himself to a brace.

Jonny Bentley, with a brilliant show-and-go from fly-half, went over under the posts for his side’s third tr y and, after William Ryan and Rhys Lawrence added two more, the hosts led 26-0 on the half hour.

Hartpury College hit back with five minutes left on the clock in the first half with a forward drive sending hooker Jake Polledri behind the try line but the try was not converted.

Will Harries extended the Trailfinders’ lead early in the second half before a powerful carry from wing Rhys Crane set up former England Sevens player James Cordy-Redden for an easy run in.

Italian international Seb Negri managed to get one back for Hartpur y College after the lock ran a superb support line.

Trailfinders continued to push until the final whistle but they couldn’t score again despite coming close on a couple of occasions.