As we head into Christmas here is an update on some of the highlights from the first part of the season.

As many of you will know the Championship side has not put a foot wrong in their bid for promotion and we look forward to an exciting top of the table clash with Jersey on Saturday.  Tickets for the big game are still available here. 

On the alternative Saturdays, you can see the 1871 1st team pushing for back to back promotions as they fight it out at the top of Counties 2 Herts & Middlesex.  Everyone is welcome to watch this young, talented team: you can the fixture list for all of the teams here.  We are still fielding three 1871 teams, which is something to be proud of, although we're tight on numbers and will always welcome new players. 

The Youth teams have seen a return to a full league structure, which is good to see after the disruption of the past few seasons.  We've also aligned the progression through Youth into the Colts squad creating a clear pathway through to adult rugby.  The 1871 1st team has many former Ealing Youth and Colts players, a pattern we're working hard to develop. 

The Minis festival in November was a highlight, not just for the rugby but also as a key fundraising activity.  It is always an amazing weekend, hosting so many Clubs and players, and this year was another big success, supported by great feedback from the other clubs.  A big thank you to everyone who helped make the two days so successful.  

You may have seen the exciting announcement about the Ealing Trailfinders Women's Premier League team starting in 2023/24.  This comes at a good time for us as we start to build a Girl's section, initially focused on Minis but with an expectation that these girls will become our future Youth players.  Our ambition is to see this process develop until we have senior Youth players that can align with the WPL squad.  We're at the beginning of this process and committed to creating more opportunities for girls.  See the attached flyer for more information on the Minis.  

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers that help make this Club what it is, we couldn't do it without you.  We're also incredibly grateful to this season's sponsors and of course Sir Mike and Fiona Gooley for all their support.   

On behalf of the Club's Exec I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Best Wishes
Adrian 
Chairman