By Tim Forrester:

Richmond 26 Ealing Trailfinders 35

Richmond and Ealing Trailfinders fought out a tightly contested pre-season game under the floodlights, Trailfinders edging a topsy turvy game with two late tries. Last season’s Championship winners Ealing arrived with a strong side, following games against Rosslyn Park and Biarritz. Richmond, by contrast, had started with a ‘four quarters’ practice match against traditional rivals Blackheath, so needed to pick up the pace quickly against stronger opposition.

Following a number of departures and retirements, Richmond fielded a new look line-up. The backs were all new recruits apart from full back Will Kaye. The pack, by contrast, was more familiar, the one new player being loose head Conor Maguire.

It was no surprise that Ealing got off to the better start. Welsh international Jonah Holmes was a major new signing for the visitors and a demonstration of their ambition. He was soon in the action, running back a decent box kick by Stephen Kerins to make the key break for the opening try in the second minute. With referee Christophe Ridley repeatedly penalising Richmond, Trailfinders had all the early ball and added a second try in the 12th minute after a break through the centre, completed by scrum half Ollie Fox. Dan Lancaster added two well judged conversions, which were to prove important.

After conceding eight penalties in the first 22 minutes, Richmond seemed to make peace with Mr Ridley and now got themselves back into the game. Paul Kiernan in the centre made a nice break but could not quite get his pass away. Minutes later, a neat move ended with a kick stabbed through to the corner, and the follow up was stopped with an illegal pull back. Winger Jack Metcalf was given a yellow card and Richmond a penalty, which might have been a penalty try. It made no difference, as Richmond took full advantage at the line out, setting up a drive completed by hooker Callum Torpey. Fly half Bill Johnston, ex Ealing, provided the conversion.

Having got themselves back in the game, some deft Ealing handling provided another line break, Alex O’Meara, ex Pirates, being forced into a scrambling tackle five metres out which resulted in the second yellow card of the game. Flanker Carlo Tizzano took the penalty quickly to force his way over, Lancaster taking the score to 7-21.

There was time for one more try in the first half. Richmond secured the kick off ball and earned a penalty soon afterwards. From the ten metre line out, the pack heaved their way forward and were pulled down illegally. From the follow up penalty, Ealing had no answer, and Richmond closed the half, having got themselves right back in contention at 12-21.

Starting the second half with seven changes in the pack and three in the backs, Richmond wanted a good start and got it. Owain James provided the initial inspiration with a neat chip and catch to set his side up near the 22. There followed a succession of four penalties and a yellow card for prop George Davis as Richmond applied the pressure and stayed patient. Given a stern warning, Trailfinders finally had to concede the try, Alex Post rumbling over behind his pack. Johnson added the conversion.

With Myles Scott and David Massey providing some physical edge and man of the match Toby Saysell excelling everywhere, Richmond were now looking increasingly confident. When Ealing’s Ollie Newman became their third player carded, Richmond took full advantage. With Saysell the unfamiliar line out provider, the forwards again muscled their way towards the line, Myles Scott getting the touch down this time. Alex Burrage added the conversion for a deserved 26-21 lead.

With fifteen minutes to go, Ealing needed to raise their game to earn victory and they kept their composure to do so. Flanker Tizzano got his second try close to the posts. after Ealing forced a defensive error out wide. Stephen Shingler’s conversion gave them a two point lead with ten minutes to go.

Tom Mills, ex Saracens Academy, was almost away on the left wing before being recalled for a forward pass. Richmond strived for a winning try, but it was not to be as Ealing stripped the ball at a tackle to score the final decisive try, courtesy of Luke Daniels. Craig Willis then maintained his side’s 100% kicking record for a final score of 26-35.

Both sides will be pleased with their efforts in the game. There was a definite edge to the game and Ealing had to work hard to ensure their victory in the final minutes. Richmond will be happy with their overall competitiveness against the league favourites, especially given the number of new combinations in the team and the need to give a ruin out to all 28 players.

Team: W.Kaye, A.O’Meara, P.Case, P.Kiernan, T.Mills, B.Johnston, S.Kerins, C.Maguire, C.Torpey, J.Litchfield, H.Williams, W.Carrick-Smith, E.Benson, M.Wakeling, M.Bright (c)

Subs: A.Post, G.Cave, L.Spring, S.Collingridge, J.Monson, D.Massey, T.Saysell, M.Scott, L.Scheiner, A.Burrage, C.Duncan, O.James, Z.Makele

FRIDAY MATCH RESULTS:

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FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND 26 - EALING 35