12-try rout takes Trailfinders into last four

EALING Trailfinders marched on to the semifinals with a hugely emphatic victory over Scarlets Premiership Select to top Group E.

It was a dominant performance from Ealing, who weathered Scarlets’ early storm and imposed their pace and physicality on the match.

The home side were in control at half-time and firmly put their foot to the floor after the break to add another nine tries.

Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward said: “I’m delight- ed with the performance, especially the second half where we played some good rugby.

“Knockout rugby is all about winning and we did that convincingly.

“Some of the tries we scored were fantastic against a good Scarlets side that had enjoyed some impressive results and who we knew had the ability to test us.”

It started well for the Llanelli-based side who were up within 10 minutes. Gareth Owen gave notice of his powerful presence in the centres and, after his break, his centre partner Richard Smith finished in the corner.

That was as good as it got and after Rory Clegg knocked over a penalty and Arthur Ellis added a try, Trailfinders were well in control with Aled Jenkins and Curtis Wilson adding further scores by the break.

Scarlets had their moments, notably on the back of Morgan Allen’s carrying and Tom Phillips work at the breakdown, but made far too many minor errors.

There was no let-up as the game opened up after half-time and Ealing’s defence and physicality

shone through, while their runners picked holes in the Welsh side’s defence.

Back-rowers Rayn Smid and Mark Bright were unstinting in their workrates and were regularly on hand to carry into Scarlets’ beleaguered defence.

Both scored while wings Wilson and James CordyRedden each got two.

There was no respite as the clock ticked down and Joe Munro, Lewis Jones and Josh Davies each grabbed a try.

Scarlets captain Morgan Allen said: “There’s no excuse for that, it was a lack of effort and effort doesn’t take skill.”