Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club - Champions

Latest victory means promotion to National League 1

Ealing Trailfinders strolled to victory against Lydney on Saturday in a result which sees them confirmed as league champions. This will see them ply their trade in National 1 next season renewing rivalries with the likes of Rosslyn Park and one of Barking and London Scottish. Winning the league will be that much sweeter for Mike Cudmore's men after finishing in third place in the past three seasons.

Ealing won the toss and chose to play up the slope into the wind. This disadvantage didn't seem to matter as from the moment the whistle went Ealing were on the attack. Every time they had the ball they looked dangerous. Cheered on by great local support Ealing had killed the game off within 25 minutes with five tries. Lydney to their credit never gave up but it was clear they were suffering a large number of injuries and were weakened by this. After each restart Ealing chose to keep ball in hand and attacked from right to left with McLean-Dents, Price and Wardingley making in roads into the Lydney defence. On the outside wings Owen Bruynseels and Phil Chesters were their to finish taking their joint tally to over 100 tries between them.

After half time Ealing continued in the same way, prop Lewis Brown going over after a 35 metre run. It was one way traffic from here on in as the Trailfinders passed the 100 points barrier. When the final whistle went the joy on all was clear to be seen as the team celebrated on the pitch with the supporters and family members.

After 30 games, Ealing won 28, losing only to Jersey twice and drawing away at Southend, and finished with a points difference of over 1000 giving them the title of National 2 South Champions. This is the highest level the club has ever been to and a huge job awaits Mike Cudmore and his team as they step into the unknown next season. For now though they can reflect and celebrate a fantastic season.

National League 2 South 2010/11

1st XV Statistics

4 May 2011