Excitement and aniticipation was romping through the Northolt changing room as players prepared for the game. As forwards applied strapping, backs checked their studs and hair and ace waterboy Alex Millar began his pregame stretches, there was the undeniable truth that today's match was going to be a stormer.

When the game kicked off, both teams came out of the gates hard. A good catch and carry from Ealing was cut down by a strong Northolt defence, which was to continue all game, and very soon the ball was turned over. In response, the pack carried brilliantly and it wasn't long before Ali Slaughter claimed three easy points from an Ealing indiscretion as a result of the pressure applied by the Northolt pack.

Ealing were to come back hard, though, capitalising on a line break to almost go over in the corner. However, an astonishing show of strength from Adam Harding turned the ball over in-goal and resulted in a scrum. Northolt had the let-off when the Number 8 knocked on and Northolt were able to clear their lines.

The first try of the game came from Dan Topps. Taking a loose ball inside the 22, Dan did his best to make up for the absent Andis Mema by running 20m sideways and then disappearing through a gap in the defence. Ali slotted the conversion - his second kick in a 100% afternoon (no more shall be mentioned, but it doesn't happen often).

Ali scored Northolt's second try, taking a quick tap and beating the defender to the posts.

Another quick tap led to the third try, this time with Ali holding his defender and Rob Woods sticking to his shoulder for the release pass. Rob did brilliantly to make ground then play the ball to Man of the Match, Ed Shapland, who went over for the try. Ed had another game of being all over the park in attack and defence. Had he not received the accolade, it could easily have gone to any of the back row, who all had a great game.

Ealing managed to come back at the end of the first half with a couple of tries of their own. One coming from a loose tackle and the other from a scrum 5m out. The second one, felt a little raw as all the players had spent 10 minutes of dead time while an ambulance was called for an injury and then 5 minutes moving pitches. (We were all pleased to hear in the post-match speeches that the player was fine.)

Going into the half, Northolt enjoyed a lead of 17 points to 12.

In the second half, defences started to weary and more gaps started to open.

Northolt capitalised with a try from Reece Williamson-White, set up from a great break down the line from Phillip O'Connor (or possibly from a steal and run from Adam Harding - if my memory deceives me).

Jonathan Nana-Kojo also went over, breaking through the defence and beating the fullback to the tryline. A penalty conversion was awarded due to a high tackle as Jono went over.

Things got a little tense as some ill-discipline crept into Northolt's defence, resulting in two quick tries. Some strong game management followed, with a stunning restart gather from the forwards.

However, the final blow came when Reece spotted a gap at the back of the lineout and made a good run. Cameron MacFarlane was in support as the defence caught up and Cameron was able to finish with a trademark gallop down the wing. For the break, Reece was awarded a Champagne Moment - an illustrious and evasive accolade.

The final whistle blew with the score 31 to Ealing and 43 to Northolt.

Dylan Flanagan was awarded Dick of the Day in his absence for being the player who spent the least time at the ground - arriving 20 minutes into the first half and leaving as soon as the final whistle blew. Some might say he did well to reach the game at all, but he's the captain so can wear this one.

Onto a fortntight's time where Belsize Park Bulls come to Cayton Park. Can the Holt avenge their early season defeat?