In a dramatic end to the game, Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds snatched a sensational victory from the jaws of defeat in the Middlesex Merit Table Vase final to become the third club team to collect silverware in the 2025-26 season.

Old Actonian 2nds, crowned champions of Middlesex Merit Table 3, looked dangerous in the early exchanges with strong direct running by their big forwards, and by half time had built up a 10 point lead through two unconverted tries. The second half was to prove far more eventful, and the deficit was reduced to 3 points soon after the resumption with a powerful finish by prop Jevon Surge, a regular scorer in the 3s strong end to the season, converted by wing Alex Tarrant. Ealing maintained strong discipline, with just one penalty and one free kick for an early shove conceded in the second period but conceded a third try 12 minutes after the break, with the extras added. Undeterred by this setback, 1871 3rds reduced the gap to 17-12 with a try by replacement Rob Lyall, gliding over wide on the left, before Actonians stretched their lead again with a converted try. At this point they looked well placed to secure the Vase trophy, with a comfortable lead of 24-12, but Ealing were undaunted and began to assert themselves against a tiring pack, leading to a try and conversion by Tarrant. With the clocking ticking and 5 points still separating the teams, Ealing went straight back onto the attack, and to the delight of their many supporters in the crowd tied the scores with a powerful finish by second row Omarion Smith. Extra time beckoned if the conversion from a few metres to the right of the posts missed, but Tarrant held his nerve to bisect the uprights and put his side into the lead for the first time in the game. The final whistle followed to confirm a remarkable comeback win. Joint man of the match were the versatile Afzaal Ijaz, on this occasion playing flanker, and wing Dan Nethercote

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds are back in action on 18 April in a home MMT3 promotion playoff semi-final against Chiswick 3rds before the three trophy-winning Ealing sides are honoured during the interval at the Ealing Trailfinders Championship game against Cornish Pirates.