FIVE-TRY Ealing Trailfinders maintained their bright start to the season by having too much pace and power for a determined but ultimately outclassed Shelford.

Their 36-15 victory at Vallis Way made it five wins in six games in National League Two South and kept them in second place, seven points behind leaders Barking.

The hosts dominated the early stages, Ben Ward stroking over two penalties. However, the visitors replied from their first attack, skip-per Alex Birkby diving over from a ruck and Ed Gough converting.

An entertaining opening quarter continued with Ealing's wellworked restart giving Kiba Richards a cruise to the line.

Back came Shelford with a Gough penalty, but Ealing's will-ingness to run with the ball, and strength in the set piece, kept the men from Cambridgeshire pinned in their own half.

Richards eluded a string of would-be tacklers and appeared to touch down, but the officials ruled against him. However, David Essien soon surged over to give Ealing a 16-10 half-time lead.

Shortly after the break, Essien's good work instigated a flowing move from the Ealing 22 and Phil Chesters sprinted 60 metres before handing full-back Peter Hodgkinson a trot to the line.

Further enterprising counterattacking should have led to another Ealing try but Marcus Burcham knocked on with the line at his mercy.

Ealing's dominance at last told on the hour as quick ruck ball and swift passing sent Chesters to the corner for his eighth try of the campaign.

Tongan powerhouse Aki Lea kept faint Shelford hopes alive but they were knocked back by Ward's third penalty. Chesters went over again but the referee deemed Hodgkinson's pass forward, before sub Bryan Young touched down to confirm a resounding victory.

It's lowly Bridgwater & Albion next - again at Vallis Way - tomorrow (Saturday) at 3pm.