Since the comfortable victory over Cobham in the first game of the season the Surrey-side’s results have improved significantly and they are to be highly commended for their spirited performance in this game and for playing right up to the final whistle in what were quite miserable conditions.

Ealing started brightly playing into the howling gale and Alex Hazell’s opener was well converted by Steve Verma. Cobham soon levelled as the Ealing defence over chased and were caught flat-footed by a simple switch. The visitors regained the lead on 13m after a late tackle by Cobham led to a kick to the corner with hooker Liam McDonagh in the boot of a powerful lineout drive.

Despite the hosts reducing the gap with a penalty Ealing appeared to be stretching away with a try from wing Pascal Baptiste and then a fourth from skipper Adam Hulmston securing the try bonus point on 32m. Rather than folding though Cobham demonstrated their resolve with a try in the corner just before half-time leaving the score at 15-22.

With the conditions in Ealing’s favour in the second half some sensible tactical kicking from Ollie Miller saw much of the game played in Cobham’s 22 and Ash Spencer crashed over on 43m with his try closely followed by a seven-pointer for fullback Verma.

Cobham still would not lie down though and scored their third try on 56m. Ealing’s back-row had an outstanding game with Des Crinion back in his preferred ‘number 6’ jersey and it was only an exceptional all round performance by flanker Giuseppe Salustri that prised the man-of-the-match award from Crinion’s grasp.

Salustri crowned a fine display by charging over from 25 metres out with Cobham barely able to lay a hand on him during his mazy run to the line. Hulmston concluded the try scoring on 63m with Verma adding the extras to seal a comfortable 20-48 victory.

At the end of the game Coach Nick Lambert commended the squad on ‘a good first half’ (of the season) and rewarded their endeavours by excusing all from training on both Tuesday and Thursday.

The Ams return to training on January 2nd ahead of a keenly anticipated clash with Richmond in the first of a run of four home games in the New Year.