By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby Academy U18s had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter with Ealing Trailfinders Academy, as a dramatic contest in west London ended all square at 19–19.
Coventry made an excellent start and were rewarded for a positive opening spell with the first try of the afternoon. After pinning Ealing back deep in their own territory, the visitors kicked to the corner and set up a powerful driving maul from the lineout. The pack surged towards the line and, as the defence collapsed inwards, hooker Will Dorrell spotted his moment. Peeling off the back, Dorrell showed impressive footwork to sidestep the Ealing scrum-half before diving over to open the scoring.
The visitors continued to carry momentum and soon added a second. Sustained pressure close to the Ealing line eventually told as Coventry’s forwards went to work once more. After several short, direct carries, Sol Gordon rumbled over from close range, finishing off a determined spell of forward play to give Coventry a healthy advantage.
However, Coventry allowed the home side back into the contest through a period of overplaying in the middle of the pitch. Turnovers and penalties handed Ealing both possession and territory, and the hosts made Coventry pay. Two well-taken tries swung the momentum, but Coventry’s earlier scores proved crucial as they headed into the break narrowly in front at 14–12.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Coventry showing plenty of ambition but struggling to manage the pressure at key moments. A succession of penalties conceded allowed Ealing to build sustained attacks, and the home side eventually broke through for a converted try to take the lead for the first time at 19–14.
To Coventry’s credit, heads never dropped. The visitors dug deep, tightened up defensively and began to apply pressure of their own. That resilience was rewarded late on when Coventry struck for a crucial final try, keeping their composure to finish clinically and draw level on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately for the Blue-and-Whites, the conversion attempt drifted wide, meaning neither side could be separated as the match ended 19–19.
While there will be frustration at missed opportunities, Coventry can take real positives from their attacking threat and, in particular, their character to fight back and secure a deserved share of the points against strong opposition.
Next up, Coventry Rugby Academy U18s return to action on Friday 16th January, hosting Hartpury College U18s at the BPA with a 19:30 kick-off. Free entry is available, with food and drink on offer in the XL Motors Stand.
An online ticket is required for entry – book now at www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/
