Ealing display never-say-die attitude to grind out win

EALING had to rely on a late comeback to secure a dramatic 33-24 bonuspoint victory over resilient Doncaster at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward was relieved after a topsy-turvy clash. “We weren’t at our best today and credit to Doncaster who made us work very hard,” Ward said. “They were very tough to stop but we managed to grind out the win which is very pleasing.”

Ealing started in emphatic fashion and went in front after just seven minutes with a try from Kieran Murphy. A penalty was kicked to the corner and after the maul was brought down the ball was spread wide, allowing the back-rower to step his way to the line.

Ealing wasted no time to score try number two, and crossed before the 20 minute mark. Knights were going through the phases in the 22 but James Cordy Redden intercepted and ran 80m to score in the corner.

However, that sparked Doncaster in to life and they responded with three tries before halftime to take the lead.

A rolling maul powered towards the line which allowed Mike Mayhew to bundle over, and their second try came five minutes before half-time as another maul from close range allowed Rory Pitman to score.

They had all the momentum and Tom James snuck over under the posts to give them a clinical lead. Kurt Morath added a third conversion as they went down the tunnel 21-14 ahead.

Ealing needed a big response in the second half and they pulled themselves level on the 50 minute mark as Murphy crossed for his second try. A penalty was kicked just short of the line and gave the hosts the platform to score, which allowed them to spread the ball wide to Murphy who dummied past the final defender.

Both sides then looked to make their mark in the final quarter, and it was Doncaster who would go ahead with a penalty from Morath.

The hosts responded in impressive style to go in front straight from the restart. They gathered the ball and then went wide straight away, and quick ball hit Matt Cornish on a great angle to smash his way over. Rayn Smid sealed the victory with five minutes remaining.

Knights boss Clive Griffiths said: “We had some good opportunities to score a fourth try and get something out of the game but they were the better team in the second half.”