EALING Trailfinders beat a gritty Southend 39-28 on Saturday, but had to do it the hard way - recovering from 20-5 down at half-time to claim all five league points.
The game started well enough for the home side when, from a 5m lineout, scrum half Paddy Gill's crossfield kick was gratefully collected by wing Phil Chesters for his 14th try of the season.
Ealing, with the wind in their faces, restricted the visitors to a couple of penalties but were punished for slack defending in the closing 10 minutes of the half as outside centre Mike Stanley crossed for two tries in quick succession - both converted by Andy Frost.
But the second half was a completely different affair as Ealing fly half Ben Ward started to take control of proceedings.
From a scrum, Ward found a gap to feed centre Markus Burcham for the home side's second try of the day on 42 minutes, Ward adding the extras to make it 12-20.
Ward and Frost exchanged penalties on 45 and 59 minutes, but Southend seemed to lose confidence and the home side turned the screw.
Ward set up winger Bryan Young for a converted try on 53 minutes and further tries were added by replacement Owen Bryunseels, with his first touch of the ball, and by Burcham for his second touchdown.
Ward added the conversions for both and put over a penalty to seal Southend's fate.
A late try by Southend replacement Danny Cleare was a mere consolation.
Director of rugby Mike Cudmore said of the fightback: "Our tempo, control, and effectiveness improved and this reflected in the 34 points we scored in the second half. When you ask for a reaction like that and get it, it is pleasing."
Bonus point wins for all three sides at the top of National 2 South
have left Ealing in second place above Rosslyn Park by two points, with leaders Barking six points ahead, but having played one more game.
Ealing are at Westcombe Park tomorrow.
