Ealing show why they are favourites to retain title

■ By WILLIAM GUPWELL

Ealing T …………55pts

Tries: Williams 5, Reid 11, 78; Holgate 17, Taylor 35, Bird-Tulloch 53, Moore 60, Hampson 66, Wilson 73

Conversions: Jones 6, 12, 36, 54; Willis 80

Hartpury Uni … 21pts

Tries: Johnson 23, Austin 31, Smith 39

Conversions: Bazalgette 24, 32, 40

CHAMPIONSHIP title holders Ealing Trailfinders showed why they are favourites to retain their crown with a nine-try victory over Hartpury.

Hartpury trailed only 26-12 at half-time but two second-half yellows saw Ealing stretch clear.

Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward said: “I’m really pleased. I thought we started well with the early lead, Hartpury came back as expected but then in the second half we took a bit more control and finished with some nice tries.” Ealing started the game superbly with two early scores. The first came from a pick and go from back row Jordy Reid, who offloaded to a trailing Lloyd Williams who was able to finish for their first try of the league season.

It was followed shortly after as Reid was involved once again, this time going over for the try himself in the corner. The champions quickly had a third try before the 20 minute mark as Jordan Holgate went over.

Hartpury heads didn’t drop and they got on the board from a cross-field kick fielded and finished by Jack Johnson. They followed it up with a trick play from a lineout as Mike Austin darted down the blindside for their second.

The hosts were determined to stay in the lead and their next score was a thing of beauty. Josh Taylor rumbled over the Hartpury winger and ran the ball in for an outrageous solo score.

The visitors got one more back before the break when a Trail-finders lineout on the Hartpury five-metre line went array, allowing Hartpury to break up-field with Robbie Smith finishing off.

Hartpury openside Harry Short was shown yellow for collapsing the maul on 52 minutes and Ealing capitalised with Rueben Bird-Tulloch getting a try quickly after.

Francis Moore also got a try on debut, finishing off a great try from the hosts, followed by replacement Craig Hampson as well as full-back Tobi Wilson at the back of a 15-man driving maul. Reid got his second from close to finish off a statement win with Hartpury No.8 Hayler in the bin.

Hartpury director of rugby John Barnes said: “When Trailfinders scored after that first yellow card, that was probably the game over. They’re a top side for a reason; credit to the boys, it’s a tough place to come.”