Trailfinders overturn deficit to beat Bristol Bears 28–24

Trailfinders Women opened their season with a 28–24 victory over Bristol Bears after a dramatic second-half comeback. The match was played at North Bristol RFC on Saturday 19 September. The west London side trailed 14–0 before 20 minutes had elapsed and were 19–7 behind at half-time, but four tries and flawless conversions from Rosie Inman enabled them to reverse the result.

Bristol Bears controlled the opening period. The hosts quickly scored under the posts and added the conversion. After a more even spell, they collected another seven points and built a two-try lead before the 20-minute mark. Trailfinders found an answer through Flo Long, who broke through the defence for the visitors’ first try. Inman converted despite strong winds, reducing the gap to seven points.

Bristol crossed again shortly before the interval and converted, establishing a 19–7 half-time score. Ealing therefore needed to recover 12 points in the second 40 minutes. The response came almost immediately after the restart. Evie Collingbourne scored under the posts, and Inman’s second conversion changed the score to 19–14.

The Bears answered with another try and moved 24–14 ahead. Trailfinders then took control of the closing stages. Replacement Amanda McQuade scored, before an unusual Inman conversion became one of the match’s key moments. Strong wind caused the ball to fall from the tee, so she improvised with a successful drop-goal conversion and reduced the deficit to three points.

Lauren Manners delivered the decisive score. She broke through Bristol’s defence for a try that put Trailfinders in front. Inman converted for a fourth time to maintain a 100 per cent record. With Ealing leading 28–24, Bristol launched one final attack, but the Trailfinders defence held until the final whistle.

The practical picture from the match is clear: Trailfinders did not lose composure after a difficult start, while the replacements directly influenced the result. McQuade and Manners came from the bench and scored two of the team’s four tries. Inman’s accuracy was equally important, as she completed all four conversions, including the improvised attempt in strong wind.

The official team announcement described the fixture as Trailfinders’ first Jaecoo PWR Next Gen Cup match of the season and their first competitive outing. Niamh Swailes captained the side. The 28–24 victory gives the Ealing team a successful opening to the campaign and shows that squad depth can be significant in the fixtures ahead.