Ward wants big response after first-half failings at Cov
EALING Trailfinders are looking to end the first block of league matches on a high and continue their fine start to the season which has seen them score 24 tries in their opening three fixtures.
Director of rugby Ben Ward makes four changes to the side that beat Coventry 55-19 last week, looking for a fourth consecutive bonus-point win.
“This is another great opportunity for us to improve against a welldrilled Hartpury side,” he said. “We want a big response after our first half showing at Coventry and being back at home there is always the responsibility to perform.”
Will Davis and Elliot Millar Mills both return to the front row and there is a new-look midfield duo with Matt Gordon making his full debut alongside the returning Max Bodilly at centre.
Craig Willis makes his 50th appearance for the club at fly-half, joining nine players in the current squad who have reached that landmark in the Green and White shirt.
“This short season means that we have to keep getting better every week and to finish the first block of four matches with four wins would be a great return,” Ward added.
Hartpury know a huge chalenge awaits.
Ealing have scored 161 points so far this season with only Coventry able to live with the Londoners for any period of time. It was all square at half-time at Butts Arena last Friday before Ealing blew them away in the second half.
Hartpury scrum coach Wayne Thompson is eager to see how his side stacks up.
“This is definitely the sort of game that our players should be getting
excited about,” he said.
“It’s similar to when we have played Bristol and Newcastle in previous years – it’s that level of challenge.
“We’re definitely going there looking for a positive outcome but they’ve started the season very well and, of course, before that they’ve beaten Saracens twice in the Trailfinders Cup.”
Hartpury put in a spirited display in defeat to Doncaster last week and keep largely the same side. Former Trailfinder George Simpson returns on the wing in the only change to the back-line, while up front Olly Adkins starts at loosehead, Josh Gray makes his first start in the back row and Arthur Clark starts at lock.