EALING Trailfinders continued their rise up the National 2 table and secured third spot with a first-ever win at Bristol's Dings Crusaders.
Ben Ward was at his magnificent best with the boot, kicking fault-lessly to rack up 19 of Ealing's points in a 29-22 victory.
Dings are a tough side to beat. Their pack is aggressive and competitive, and with their vocal support urging them on they never gave up the fight.
But Ealing were in determined mood and scored first through flanker Blair Morris, with Ward converting his first points of the afternoon.
Dings struck back through their fast backs to make it 7-7, but conceded two penalties under pressure from Ealing, who upped the pace.
From another perfect penalty kick by Ward into the corner, an attacking line-out and drive brought a scrum from which No8 Guthrie Hall picked up and touched down near the posts.
Dings responded with a converted try after the break to make it 20-14 but were not able to capitalise on their early pressure, and Ealing once more got on the front foot.
The home side continued to infringe and allowed Ward to ease Ealing into a winning position, first with a penalty, and then with a drop-goal when the referee indicated Dings had broken the rules yet again.
A late Dings try was only a consolation, with Ward finishing the afternoon with a final penalty.
"Dings is a very tough place to get anything and was the first time we have got a win there since I have been at the club," said director of rugby Mike Cudmore.
"The team played with belief and enthusiasm throughout and never stopped working. It was never going to be a rugby spectacle, but this season is about going away from home and putting in performances that challenge the home team and, if all goes well, generate points."
Ealing return to Vallis Way to take on Shelford on Saturday at 3pm.
