Ealing continue perfect run with another bonus point win
EALING Trailfinders made it four wins from four with a bonus-point victory over spirited Rotherham Titans.
In a match strewn with errors due to the adverse conditions, the hosts won with tries from Grayson Hart, Kieran Murphy, Lewis Robling, Morgan Allen and Arthur Ellis.
Titans crossed three times through Charlie Maddison, Ben Foley and Jonny Murphy.
Ealing head coach Alex Codling was satisfied with the result but said his side have plenty to work on with the return to league action next weekend.
“To be four from four in the competition is pleasing and a credit to the players but we know that we have to get better and we’re looking forward to the derby with Richmond next Saturday,” Codling said.
Hart opened the scoring after seven minutes. A fivemetre scrum gave the West Londoners a perfect attacking position, and Hart was able to bundle over to score for the second week.
Peter Lydon, who was 100 per cent from the tee, converted to edge them 7-0 ahead.
The hosts were playing with real intent in the early stages and their intensity was rewarded when captain Kieran Murphy scored an impressive try on the 20 minute mark.
James Cordy Redden gathered a high ball before passing inside to Ellis who smashed his way through the defence and drew in the last man, allowing Murphy to run in at the corner.
Robling scored the third try after a quick dart down the short side caught the defence off guard and allowed the centre to run clear from outside the 22. The conversion extended the lead to 21-0 on the half hour and the bonus point came before the break.
Allen, gathering the ball from the base of a five metre scrum, used his power to break through the defence and bundle over.
Rotherham responded before half time and got a deserved try with the last play of the half. A fivemetre lineout then turned into a maul which powered towards the line, and Maddison broke away to score.
Lee Millar’s touchline conversion meant that his team went in trailing 28-7.
Andy Key’s side dominated possession and territory in the second-half, and got the first score of the final 40 minutes with half an hour remaining.
The hosts had the ball but it was ripped away and Foley was the beneficiary, with a clear run to the line from halfway.
Trailfinders replied straight away with a score from Arthur Ellis to put the West Londoners over the 30 point mark.
The flanker got the ball 30 metres from the line, and stepped a number of defenders on his way to one of the standout moments of the match.
The conversion gave them a 35-12 lead before the heavens opened.
Aaron Penberthy saw a chance pass him by after the ball spilled out of a scrum but the ball wouldn’t sit up for the fly-half as it fell into Rotherham hands.
The Titans were rewarded for their endeavour with a try on 75 minutes to round off the scoring.
Millar’s chip over the top was gathered by Murphy who had a clear run to the line from 20 metres out.