Ealing Trailfinders showed Championship pedigree with a gritty 29-22 win against Rosslyn Park to keep their unbeaten start to the season firmly intact. 

ETRFC showed exactly why they finished second in National One last year, seeing off their opponents despite not being at their best. The ETRFC supporters were out in their numbers for the first home game of the season, enjoying the glorious weather and the luxuries of a BBQ and the grand opening of the ETRFC mobile shop.

It was a shaky start from ETRFC, who kicked their way to a 9-3 lead after 15 minutes. ETRFC struggled to make inroads through the Rosslyn Park defence and were behind midway through the first half as the guests broke through for the first try of the day to make it 9-10.

Just before the break, ETRFC broke through the visitors defence as Peter Hodgkinson finished off a dazzling attack, slamming home his second try of the season. With Tom Wheatcroft comfortably kicking the conversion, the hosts had opened up a 9 point lead.

Just before the break, ETRFC were caught napping as Rosslyn Park hit back with a try in added on time to narrow the deficit to 19-17 at the break.

ETRFC came out a different team in the second half, showing the calibre of rugby that had comfortably seen off Coventry on the opening day. It was Wheatcroft’s boot that was first to make changes to the scoreboard, as he kicked ETRFC further in front with ten minutes played into the second half.

Just as ETRFC were turning up the tempo, they were given another wake-up call as they conceded a soft try with 25 minutes left as the guests drew the score level at 22-22.

With the crowd urging them forward, ETRFC demonstrated fighting power as they applied constant pressure and with 15 minutes left made the vital breakthrough as Tim Brockett bundled home after a powerful offensive surge. Wheatcroft kicked the conversion, leaving the score at 29-22.

The guests tried to break through the ETRFC defence but had no answers as the home side stayed resolute to hang out for what was a brilliant win.

Mike Cudmore, Director and General Manager said: “It was a difficult game. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked but we won and that’s the most important thing. It’s always great comfort to know the boys can deliver even when they’re not at their best.”