Ealing Amateur IIs started their season with a loss in their pre-season fixture against a combined Ickenham I & IIs team on Saturday. 

The game, played in extremely warm conditions, was very competitive and closely contested in large parts. AMS II started well and soon established dominance in the scrum and lineout which gave good possession - especially in the first 25 mins. Unfortunately none of this possession was converted and at key moments Ickenham scored two breakaway tries to take a 10-0 lead and start to gain confidence. Good possession from AMS II saw us go close again with Andy Jack over the line but unable to touch down. Then Ickenham scored again, and converted, to take a 17-0 lead into the half time.

After half time AMS II again applied pressure, with an excellent kick and chase from Alex & Shane and good team defence, and finally converted this into points with a try to Slim (James E). Unfortunately we conceded quickly after the restart despite a near try saving tackle on the line from Greg taking the score to 5-22. AMS II then went on attack again and, following a series of good ‘tap and goes’ and kicks to touch from Ickenham conceding penalties, started to play more in the Ickenham half. The pressure and good attacking moves led to another try to Ealing, from Andy Jack, taking the score to 10-22.

Despite then being on attack again the Ickenham defence held firm and, based on a turn over, proceeded to score their final try from inside their half to finish off the game (10-27).

Overall the team played OK for its first outing but, especially given the hot conditions, the lack of fitness and limited time playing/practicing together took it’s toll. With more training the team will improve in the next match.

Score: Ealing Amateur IIs 10-27 Ickenham I & IIs
Scoring Pattern: 0 - 5, 0-10, 0-17, (half time), 5-17, 5-22, 10-22, 10-27
Team: James Elliot, Tom Bryrne, Stephane Maillefaud, John Harrison, Harry Applegate, John Ronane, Harry Craig, Justin Green, Andy Jack, Andrew Madden, Eddie Beck, Jonny Murphy (CAP), Shane Jonston, Alex Adide, Declan Mc Grath, Eros Biasiolo, Barry Cousin, Greg Life
Tries: James Elliot, Andrew Jack