At a ground where they had lost on both previous occasions, last season by an agonising margin of one point, Ealing Trailfinders 1871 produced a scintillating display that yielded eight tries and maintained the team’s average of over 60 points scored per game played in Counties 2 Herts & Middlesex. A dominant scrum throughout the match and crucial line-out steals by flanker Gereint Price in the first half, combined with some outstanding passing and running by the backs, resulted in a performance described by the coaches as a pleasure to watch.

With just 3 minutes gone, Ealing stole a lineout through Price on the opposition 22 metre line, and captain Lewis Steadman pierced the defence with a good angle off fly-half Harry Vidler’s pass. Saracens launched attacks, driving through their forwards, but met a brick wall. Price stole another throw-in, an Ealing penalty followed, and Vidler slotted the ball between the uprights to put his team two scores ahead. Three minutes later, the irrepressible Price thought he was over for a try but the referee had whistled for an Ealing penalty. Price himself ran over to the mark, took a quick tap and passed to Louis Aitcheson-Walker on the right wing, who in typical fashion beat his opposite number on the outside to add to his impressive tally for the season. Ealing kept up their high-tempo game and forced an error by Saracens under pressure from a kick and chase. Lewis Steadman hacked on the loose ball and touched down under the posts.

Saracens opened their account with a penalty, but 5 minutes later, and with less than half an hour gone, 1871 secured the try bonus point. Back-pedalling under pressure from a powerful Ealing scrum, Saracens lost possession, the ball was quickly moved right along the back line and inside centre Ben Parkinson finished with aplomb. With the break approaching, 1871 were awarded a penalty, won clean possession from the resulting line-out and drove the maul to the line, with Toby Holt touching down.

Turning around 36-3 down, Saracens produced an improved performance in the second half but were repeatedly unable to breach a well-organised defence. Ealing always looked the more dangerous in possession, and it was no surprise when the lead was extended 14 minutes into the second period. Fed by his brother Lewis on the Ealing 22 metre line, full-back Josh Steadman showed typical acceleration and balance, heading out towards the touch line before cutting back inside and leaving several would-be tacklers in his wake for the try of the day. Saracens eventually found a way through for a short-range try, but 1871 responded soon afterwards with a second try by Josh Steadman, created by Vidler looping around replacement centre Semisi Ikahihifo, making his league debut. Finally, and not for the first time, Saracens made the mistake of kicking deep. Wing Jack Hobbs collected on the left and wrong-footed the opposition chasers with a reverse pass to Lewis Steadman, who sped away to the line.

All 18 players contributed to a fine performance, but the coaches picked out Price and 2nd row Reggie Elliott-Jones as joint man of the match.

1871 next have a Friday night game under the Vallis Way lights against Wasps FC, currently sitting in third place in the table. Ealing will be aiming to maintain their perfect record of 30 points from six games and to preserve an impressively low total of only 40 points conceded to date.