Jack the Hawke got the game underway with an amazing kick off. Mcmurry, on his debut clattered the opposition prop and mighty Tom “Boom” Bloom rucked over for a penalty. Brilliant start to the match. Despite the penalty being unsuccessful, it showed the intent and change in tactics that the club are adopting under Enrico Borra’s stewardship.

The first half saw Ealing run in 3 tries with only one converted. A powerful 5 metre scrum with some clever lines from the backs allowed to take a 17 point lead. It could have been more but the Cray defensive line stood strong and showed once again how dominant we are at snuffing out attacks around our 5 metre line. Elliot Benn showed his bravery, putting in a great last minute tackle to prevent the Trailfinders punching a hole in the middle of the park. A fit and strong Ealing side were forced to concede that whilst they might go around us, they would not go through us.

Cray did manage to get ourselves back into the game, keeping to the game plan Enrico has instilled throughout preseason. Cray took to the boot and penned Ealing back into their own 22. Another kick, another mistake by Ealing, leading to a five metre line out. Up stepped Simon Crane on the darts. A simple ball to Mcken, and 5 man maul with Derby at the back dotting the ball down.

Half time score 17-7.

The second half was pretty similar. The Cray tactics lead to a lot of opportunities inside the Ealing 22, but unfortunately early season errors meant that these gains in territory were not turned into points.

The half saw some massive hits come in from BoomBloom, sending the Ealing 8 in to fits of hysteria as he wriggled around on the floor. No lasting damage done, but a sign that Tom loves the epic hits. Marc, on his debut also got onboard the train to Boshville, destroying the oppo 13 with a bone crunching hit. And poor young Freddy lined up the winger to do the same, only to see his shoulder come out. We wish him a speedy recovery. Matt Lockyer was able to slot into the wing putting in a solid performance for the remainder of the game.

Final score a very creditable 31-7 to Ealing, and played in good spirit throughout by both teams.

The post match debrief was done whilst watching Ealing 1st team beat Zebra ?. And then the long journey home began, only for Cab man Crane to have his taxi break down in the middle of a dual carriage way, however this was a great chance to see Chairman Butters display his skills as a human warning Triangle just off the Hangar Lane Gyratory

A great day had by all. A big thank you Ealing Trailfinders for hosting, and their generosity, in presenting the club with a signed photo of their Championship winning team, and allowing us to watch their pros play Zebre. Thanks also to Enrico for giving us a memorable experience, that will inspire us as we embark upon our mission in Kent Counties 3.

Debuts
Jack McMurary (5)
Tom Miles (9)
Marc Exley (13)
Freddy Morgan Smith (14)

Special mention for Jamie Kitchener in his first match as Captain. A confident show that inspired all around him.

HTC