By Coventry Rugby 
By Alex Didlick
Coventry produced one of their most complete first half performances of the season but were ultimately undone after the break as Ealing Trailfinders rallied to take the points in an absorbing clash in West London.
The league leaders got us underway with a probing kick into Coventry territory, comfortably cleared by Sam Maunder. Pressure quickly began to build from Ealing, who made early inroads down the left wing before capitalising on an overlap in the Coventry 22. The move was finished a couple of phases later by the captain to open the scoring, a daunting start from Ealing.
Coventry, however, responded positively. Their first visit to the Trailfinders 22 ended with a knock-on, but it was a clear sign that Alex Rae’s side had travelled with intent and belief. Ealing’s first lineout throw went crooked, allowing Coventry to attack again from halfway. The backs stretched their legs for the first time, with Jack Reeves and David Opoku-Fordjour heavily involved, though the final pass drifted into touch just short of the line.
The 4G surface, similar to the Butts Park Arena, suited Coventry’s attacking style. Although Coventry’s first lineout was lost, they kept their composure within Ealing’s 22. Excellent line speed forced prop Kabour Bezuidenhout into a handling error, gratefully snapped up by Dan Green, who raced away to score. 7–7.
Confidence was beginning to spread through the travelling side. Poor exits from Ealing gifted Coventry a lineout 22 metres out, and they made full use of it. A clever chip over the top from Josh Thomas was haphazardly delt with, offering Morgan Adderly-Jones the opportunity to react quickest and offload for Opoku-Fordjour to finish. 7–14, what a start by Coventry!
Jack Reeves was thriving and his kicking game continued to put Coventry on the front foot. Attacking phases stacked up, Thomas broke the line and Opoku-Fordjour again carried strongly. From the ensuing pressure, Senitiki Nayalo showed great awareness, placing the ball over from close range to extend Coventry’s lead to three tries to one.
Ealing hit back through sustained pressure, earning field position before moving the ball quickly left for Dykes to sneak in at the corner. 12–21.
The penalty count began to creep against Coventry, but defensively they stood firm. A crucial holding-on penalty in front of the posts allowed Thomas to clear the lines, though a knock-on by Ealing inside their own 22 was squandered moments later by another Coventry infringement.
The final act of the half saw Coventry stretch their advantage further. A dominant scrum earned a penalty straight in front, which Thomas duly converted. A creative first-half display saw Coventry head into the break leading 12–24, with rain beginning to fall steadily.
Ealing started the second half similar to the first, threatening early, but a stand-out tackle from Reeves forced a knock-on and handed Coventry the scrum. The hosts continued to press, however, and after a holding-on penalty kicked to the corner, their lineout maul was expertly executed for the score. 19–24.
The intensity remained high even as the scoring slowed. Thomas produced a huge territorial kick on 55 minutes to pin Ealing deep, though the resulting pressure was halted by a double movement penalty. Encouraging signs remained.
Momentum swung back the other way quickly. Two penalties in succession put Ealing back into the Coventry 22 and, after recovering from a brief defensive stand, they struck again. A well-worked attack ended with full-back Tobi Wilson finishing in the corner, putting Coventry behind for the first time since the 25th minute. 26–24.
Ealing continued to roll forward. Another penalty at scrum time handed them the platform for a lineout maul, which was converted clinically. 33–24.
Thomas kept Coventry alive with a penalty to reduce the gap to six with five minutes remaining. But, a high-tackle penalty in midfield converted by substitute Dan Jones on 79 minutes effectively sealed the contest.
There was still time for a final flourish, as Api Bavadra crossed in the final play to secure a bonus point for the visitors- a deserved reward for an excellent first-half performance.
A high-quality clash in West London, but Coventry were unable to replicate their opening-half dominance after the break as Ealing showed their class to close out the game. Final score: 36–34. Next up its back at home under the lights for the first time this season on Friday night vs Richmond! We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible as the lads look to build on a positive afternoon in the capital.
Man of the Match- Jack Reeves
The new signing was central to everything Coventry did well in the first half. Dangerous ball in hand, assured defensively, and influential with his kicking game. Performances like that will play a big part in Coventry’s push back up the table.
Goal kicking
Josh Thomas- 4/4
Tommy Mathews – 2/2
George Worboys- 1/2
Dan jones 2/2
Try Scorers:
Coventry Rugby- Dan Green (13’), David Opoku-Fordjour (17’), Senitki Nayalo (25’), Api Bavadra (79’)
Ealing Trailfinders- Conor Oliver (1’), Michael Dykes (28’), Mike Willemse (45’), Tobi Wilson (66’), Scott Buckley (70’)
Line-ups:
Coventry Rugby- Aristot Benz-Salomon, Jordon Poole ©, Eliot Salt, Dan Green, Sentiki Nayalo, Allan Ferrie, Tom Ball, Morgan Strong, Sam Maunder, Josh Thomas, Jack Reeves, Api Bavadra, Morgan Adderly-Jones, David Opoku-Fordjour, Tom Bacon
Finishers: Murray Davidson, Keston Lines, Matt Johnson, Mackenzie Graham, Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi, Josh Barton, Tommy Mathews, Chester Owen
Ealing Trailfinders- Kyle Whyte, Mike Willemse, Kabous Bezuidenhout, David Bridge, Sean Lonsdale, Josh Taylor, Conor Oliver (C), Will Montgomery, Sam Edwards, George Worboys, Michael Dykes, Jordan Holgate, Geordie Gwynn, Toby Cousins, Tobi Wilson
Finishers: Scott Buckley, James Kenny, George Davis, Matas Jurevicius, Gabriel Mann, Michael Stronge, Dan Jones, Will Parry
