Ealing Trailfinders made a winning start to their new National Three South league campaign with a 19-8 win at Vallis Way over Rosslyn Park on Saturday, writes Arthur Lewis.

Fly-half Ben Ward put Ealing ahead with an early penalty and despite struggling to make the most of attacking opportunities, Ealing added to their lead with a second Ward penalty midway through the first half to make it 6-0.

However, Ealing were unable to maintain the pressure on Park - a string of unforced errors allowing the visitors possession - and full-back Chris Simmons took a rare opportunity to run in the game's first try for the visitors.

The try sparked Ealing into life and they raised their tempo, but a combination of determined Park defence and a lack of accuracy frustrated the home side's efforts as a series of scoring chances went begging.

After the half-time interval, Ealing cut down the error rate and Ward kicked a third penalty to extend the home team's lead to 9-5.

Ealing were now well on top and beginning to penetrate the previously rocksolid Park defence with a relentless wave of attacks.

And they eventually created space for wing Kiba Richards to round the last defender to score to make it 14-5.

There was no let up and Owen Bruynseels would have added to the score-line if he had not slipped with one man to beat.

The second try did come after Park's substitute hooker was yellow-carded and new captain Mark Lock drove over from a the base of a five-metre scrum to score and put Ealing clear at 19-5.

Ealing did have an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt but made a hash of a five on one before replacement fly-half Richard Mahoney slotted a penalty for Park from half-way that proved to be little more than consolation.

Ealing travel to Canterbury this Saturday for their next game.