Ealing Trailfinders beat Richmond 36-19 in first home league game

Ealing Trailfinders beat Richmond 36-19 on Sunday, 27 September, in their first home league match of the 2026/27 season. The West London derby was played at Trailfinders Sports Club on Vallis Way in West Ealing. Following their opening victory at Chinnor, Ealing now have two wins from two in Elior Champ Rugby.

The contest began in stop-start fashion, with handling errors and several scrums, and the first ten minutes passed without a score. Francis Moore then opened the scoring. Ealing used a penalty to move into attacking territory before Moore powered through the Richmond defence for the first try.

The hosts' second try also grew from a set piece. After a lineout and maul, the ball moved to the right and Toby Cousins found the space to finish. James Humphreys added the conversion. Richmond replied before the interval when Paddy Case chased Matt Marsh's kick and touched down. Ealing went into half-time leading 17-5.

Richmond reduced the gap soon after the restart. Sam Reynolds finished an attack on the left wing and the successful conversion brought the visitors back into the match. Trailfinders responded immediately. Deago Bailey beat four defenders on his way to Ealing's third try, with Humphreys again adding the conversion.

Richmond closed the gap once more during the final quarter through a short-range try by Harry Hocking. Ealing answered through their forwards. Matt Cornish, returning after nine months of rehabilitation, came off the bench, delivered the lineout and then reached the back of the maul to score. Rory Scannell converted after the ball struck the inside of the post and went over.

The closing minutes belonged to Ealing. Hocking was shown a yellow card and Trailfinders took a tap penalty rather than kicking for goal. Debutant Fyn Brown finished the short carries with the hosts' fifth try, completing the 36-19 win. The club named Moore as player of the match.

The pattern of the game also showed Ealing's ability to regain control after both Richmond responses. Each time the visitors narrowed the deficit, the hosts answered with another try. Lineouts and the maul were especially productive, contributing directly to the scores finished by Cousins and Cornish. Five different players crossed for Ealing, demonstrating that the result was spread across the team rather than resting on a single scorer.

For supporters in Ealing, the main point is the team's strong start: this home victory followed last weekend's 43-26 away win at Chinnor. Trailfinders' next league match is away to Cornish Pirates on 3 October. The club's official website remains the place to check the latest ticket, team and broadcast information before the fixture.