Ealing Amateurs got their Zoo Shield League 3 campaign off to a flying start with a comfortable win against a game but under-powered Cobham side, running in 12 unanswered tries.

In dull but dry conditions, Ealing went straight onto the attack from the kick-off and within three minutes took the lead when quick recycling created an overlap for hooker Stuart Miller to touch down. Bolstered by the return of some key players after the friendly against OMTs 1st XV, the Amateurs dominated the set pieces and breakdowns and showed pace and incisiveness in the backs, running in a further five tries by flankers Des Crinion and Mike Whitney, wing Pascal Baptiste, centre Johnny Murphy and second row Harry Craig, who shrugged off an attempted tackle on the touch-line and sprinted clear to score under the posts.

Turning around 38-0 to the good, Ealing gave debuts to substitutes Tony Barrett at second row and Dutch flanker Mitch van Deursen, both of whom played impressively and showed that there is genuine competition for places in the side. While Cobham never gave up, the Amateurs’ superior fitness levels told as the second half progressed, and further tries followed for centre Alex Hazell, beating the defence with a double side-step, Baptiste running onto a kick ahead by Murphy, prop Ash Spencer, No 8 Adam Hulmston, Whitney and prop Patrizio Bancher.

Seven of the tries were converted, by Murphy (5) and Eddie Beck (2).

A sterner test is likely this Saturday (21 September) when the Amateurs take on Richmond’s top amateur side the Normans at the Athletic Ground, kick-off 3 pm.