Purple patch after half-time turns game Ealing’s way

EALING Trailfinders ground out an impressive victory against local rivals London Scottish after a much improved second-half performance saw them pull away from their spirited opponents.

With the match in the balance at half time, as Ben Ward’s side held a two point lead, they scored four tries after the break to leave with a bonus point win.

Trailinders director of rugby Ward was delighted with the win: “We’ve been working on how we play away from home so we’re happy to come away with the points.

“We controlled it in the second half and executed the plan to secure the win.”

Craig Willis kicked two penalties in a quiet opening quarter, but it then burst in to life around the half-hour mark. Scottish entered the Ealing 22 and a loose grubber bounced perfectly for Josh Barton who was able to dive over.

Willis kicked his third penalty to edge the Trailfinders ahead once again, but it wouldn’t last long as Scottish scored in a frantic ending to the opening 40 minutes. The ball again bounced loose and this time it was Bobby Beattie who stepped the final defender to score.

Ealing had the last word of the half as Jordan Els picked up from the base and powered over. Willis kicked the conversion to give the Green and Whites a narrow 16-14 lead at half time.

Trailfinders made the perfect start to the second half to take the lead and then pull away from the Exiles, scoring three tries in a tenminute spell. Tommy Bell raced clear, Els got his second from close range and Sam Dickinson latched on to a maul to all-but seal the victory.

Scottish rallied in the closing stages and they got their third try with ten minutes remaining. A looping pass found its way to former Ealing skipper Mark Bright, who stepped his way to the line.

Reon Joseph crossed for a deserved try with five minutes left. With advantage in the Scottish 22, Steven Shingler fizzed a 20 metre pass to the winger who pounced.

The hosts did get their bonus point in the final play of the match as Craig Duncan crossed for their fourth of the evening, but that proved to be the last of the action in a lively derby.

Scottish talisman Bright said: “We’re disappointed to concede as many as we did after the break as we were right in the game at half time. It was pleasing to come away with something but we know we can be better than that.”