sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alun Walker, Cornish Pirates, Jersey Reds

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EALING TRAILFINDERS | SPRING 2020

TRAILFINDERSEALING TIMES

WE’RE ON THE UP! WE’RE PLAYING SOME OF OUR BEST RUGBY OF THE SEASON SO FAR, AND EALING TRAILFINDERS ARE ON THE MARCH TOWARDS THE TOP OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 1 EDITOR’S welcome 6 8 Oli Shapley

WELCOME TO THE SPRING EDITION OF ‘EALING TRAILFINDERS TIMES’, THE NEXT INSTALMENT OF OUR MAGAZINE TO BRING YOU UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING AT THE CLUB.

The 2019/20 season is entering the final straight and there is London’s Air Ambulance brings the hospital to the patient when still everything to play for over the next three months. time is critical. Since the turn of the year we have won all eight matches to get There will also be a New Sponsors Lunch before the final home right in contention for both the Greene King IPA Championship match of the season against . We are always and the Championship Cup. More detail on our fantastic winning looking for new partners, and in a brand new initiative you can run can be found in the ‘Season Update’ section which looks back book a table and be entered in to a prize draw to win some 18 26 at some memorable victories against the likes of Reds and fantastic prizes which will make your company a visible part of Coventry. the team. Our attack has been relentless with over 300 points scored in In this magazine there is a feature interview with Alun Walker those eight games which is an average of almost 40 points per who discusses how the club has transformed since joining match, so it has been a joy to watch us really click in to gear since back in 2014. The hooker is the only player to have made 100 the New Year. appearances in the professional era and has plenty of tales from his time in West London. 32 Our ‘Winter Wonderland’ back in December turned out to be a great success, it was fantastic to see so many of you here for Elsewhere Kieran Murphy shows the highlights of his career in not only the game but also the festive activities. That is the third pictures, there is a focus on the Trailfinders Rugby Academy year that we have put on the Christmas themed match, and it will which is going from strength to strength, and a Community continue to grow annually. Update amongst other content. If we progress in to the Cup Final there are a maximum of 10 On page 14 you can find another discounted voucher to get games between now and the end of the season, giving us lots to entry for just £10. Simply cut it out and bring it to the gate on get excited about. any match day before the end of the season to enjoy some Championship rugby for great value! Amongst those fixtures there is a trip to take on league-leaders Newcastle at Kingston Park, a Cup Semi Final at home to There is a new addition to match days which will start in the Nottingham and a showdown with Cornish Pirates in Round 22 of coming weeks. A new big screen has been installed in the corner the league. and will see plenty of activities both pre and post match, if there is a message that you would like to display such as a Birthday Off the pitch we have plenty of events to look forward to in then feel free to send me an email! the coming months as well. On Friday 3rd April we are hosting our first ever City Lunch to raise funds for The Motor Neurone I hope you enjoy the magazine, let’s hope for a successful end to Disease Association and London’s Air Ambulance Charity. the season which could well finish with silverware for a third year in a row! Hosted by Jonny Gould, David Flatman will be the Guest Speaker sharing a whole host of entertaining stories from his career which included representing , Saracens and Bath. In light of recent rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrows being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease as well as Joost van der Westhuizen who lost his battle in 2017, we are determined to support the charity and would encourage the rugby family to join us. We are also supporting London’s Air Ambulance Charity, who deliver an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously OLI.SHAPLEY ETPRM.COM injured patients. Using a helicopter from 08:00 to sunset,

CONTENTSEALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 2 3 PARTNER focus Wetherby Senior School

WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL HAS BEEN A LONG STANDING PARTNER SCHOOL WITH EALING TRAILFINDERS, HELPING THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR VISION OF PROVIDING AN OUTSTANDING, PROGRESSIVE, ALL ROUND EDUCATION WHILST PREPARING THE STUDENTS TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A YOUNG MAN.

Using the excellent facilities at Trailfinders Sports Ground, our coaching team, having spent time in the Watford academy professional sports coaches, Nick Allso and Jordan Coombes amongst other impressive achievements. Head of community, work with the Wetherby PE department to provide fun and Danny Harlow is impressed with the contribution Szymon challenging games to develop physical skills, fine tune mental has made so far. “We are really pleased the impact he has had and decision-making abilities whilst continually encouraging in such a small amount of time. We have already seen huge teamwork, respect and discipline. improvements in the technical and tactical abilities of all the teams Szymon is involved with. He’s also had a great impact on From a rugby perspective, the school had a great Autumn term the rest of the coaching team, sharing ideas and best practice. reaching the Middlesex Cup final for the first time in their short I’m sure he’ll continue to be a valuable member of the team at history. Director of sport, James Sullivan is very happy with their Ealing Trailfinders and Wetherby Senior School.” achievements, hoping to build on this success over the coming years. As we look ahead to the summer term, the warmer months are coming and that means only one thing: It’s cricket and tennis To help with their love for football, we have recently recruited an season! We’ll continue to work with Wetherby to provide an amazing football coach, Szymon Gruszczynski. Szymon brings excellent sporting experience to all their students. a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the community

4 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 5 THE Season so far

EALING TRAILFINDERS HAVE MADE A STUNNING START TO THE NEW YEAR AND ARE WELL PLACED IN BOTH THE LEAGUE AND THE CUP WITH BOTH TROPHIES STILL UP FOR GRABS.

In the lead up to Christmas there were three Cup matches as the pool stages drew to a close, and three wins ensured the passage through to the knockout stages in emphatic style. A huge 80-17 victory against saw the Trailfinders run in 12 tries, with the half century reached Bedford then made the short journey to West before half time in a relentless attacking display. They London but despite their improved form they headed to Ampthill the following week, and had to complete were unable to lay a glove on the Trailfinders, who a dramatic comeback to get the win. ’s men were braved Storm Dennis to register a 38-5 victory. 22-14 behind with just eight minutes remaining, but a Jordan Kieran Murphy scored twice to put his side on the Burns try and then a 79th minute penalty from Craig Willis way to another bonus point win. stat s saw them claim a two point win. It was then time for the Championship Cup A group decider against Coventry saw the final match of the Quarter Final against familiar foes pool arrive with plenty riding on it, but it didn’t phase the just two weeks after the league meeting. A tense Trailfinders who were dominant throughout. A 56-19 win first half as expected saw the Green and Whites head down the tunnel with a 10-5 lead, but a p21 w18 secured them a Home Quarter Final, with another eight tries registered in front of the home supporters. sublime second half meant that they would stroll in to the semi-finals with a 36-17 win, booking a It was then back to the league with the crucial fixture against last four tie against Nottingham in April. Newcastle at Trailfinders Sports Club, and despite the home side dominating possession and territory it was the Falcons The last match in February saw the Trailfinders d1 l2 head to Butt’s Park Arena to take on Coventry, who would leave with a valuable win. After the break two consecutive home matches who were unbeaten at home in the league so far against Yorkshire Carnegie and The Christmas break then followed, and the New Year began this season. That record would however come mean that the Trailfinders will be looking to with a trip to Lady Bay with Nottingham the first opponents tumbling down as the West Londoners made it extend the winning run in to double figures, and of 2020, which would be the start of the winning run. eight wins in a row during a gruelling 80 minutes. then they head up to Newcastle for a meeting of First half tries from Pat Howard and Kieran At a ground that the Trailfinders had never won at it was the top two in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Murphy gave them an 11 point lead at the break, always going to be a tough test, but Reon Joseph scored February started with a home match against Hartpury on and that wouldn’t be surrendered despite two two second-half tries in quick succession to secure a much the opening day of the month, and the good form continued yellow cards as they held firm to end the block of needed 18-10 win. as they cruised to a 59-5 victory. Nine tries were scored, matches with a 17-8 win in yet more horrendous Ampthill were the next visitors to West London, and they including a sensational individual effort from Levi Davis on conditions. met a rampant Green and White outfit who scored 77 points his debut which will go straight in to the running as a Try of to register a huge victory. Tommy Bell and Alun Walker both the Season contender. crossed the try-line twice to put the Trailfinders on their way The always tricky trip to Jersey followed, in what has become to a second consecutive win. a great rivalry over the last few years. In a topsy-turvy match A local derby at London Scottish followed and another in the Channel Island sun both sides failed to capitalise on impressive performance would get the bragging rights. narrow leads, but eventually an Elliot Millar Mills try with just Ward’s side had a narrow 16-14 lead at half time, but four seven minutes remaining secured a memorable 28-24 win. tries in the second half saw them run away with a 42-26 In the final play of the match Jersey were hammering away bonus point win. at the line, but resolute defence forced an error and sent the travelling fans in to raptures.

6 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 7 THE FACILITIES ARE INCREDIBLE NOW AND WE DEFINITELY HAVE SOME OF THE BEST AROUND FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM THE interview Alun Walker ALUN WALKER JOINED EALING TRAILFINDERS AS A FRESH FACED 22 YEAR OLD WHILST THE CLUB WERE IN THE THIRD TIER OF ENGLISH RUGBY, BUT SIX YEARS AND OVER 100 APPEARANCES LATER THE HOOKER HAS BEEN A HUGE PART OF THE TRANSFORMATION UP TO THE TOP OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

The Scot arrived in West London in 2014 The promotion to the Championship was ahead of the National One season which a big turning point for us as we went fully ended in promotion, and having seen that professional. That’s when there was a real journey first hand he is loving the push change in mentality and we’ve not looked THE PROGRESS towards the top tier of English rugby. back since then.” the jump to the Premiership gives us great With so many matches under his belt a responsibility to help others and prepare “The progress that we have made has Survival in the second tier was next on the satisfaction. When you see now how the there are a number of stand-out moments the team the best we can. I just want to been absolutely phenomenal. Both on and agenda for the 2015/16 season, and after THAT WE likes of Piers O’Conor are getting on it for the Scot, but unsurprisingly the ones keep doing what I’m doing as much as off the pitch we are improving every year achieving that goal the climb up the table is a big nod to how well our programme that spring to mind straight away are the possible! and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. From has meant that the squad have the aim to functions.” cup triumphs. HAVE MADE being part time when I started to now one get promoted. I really enjoy helping the Academy boys. of the most professional programmes in The development of the club off the pitch “The Cup wins obviously stand out as It’s great to see the progression of the “We definitely believe we can make the the league it is clear to see that we are has been significant with them now being they were incredible occasions but just in players and definitely something I want to HAS BEEN jump. I think that properly started in moving in the right direction.” seen as the 14th best in the country, and general the way that we have progressed do more of.” 2017/18 when we played Bristol away from Walker recognises how much the facilities is the biggest positive. ABSOLUTELY The former Scotland Under 18,19 and 20 home. We were extremely unlucky to lose This season the Trailfinders are hot on have improved. representative came through the ranks that game and it showed us all that we can Last year when we beat the heels of the Falcons at the top of the PHENOMENAL. at Edinburgh, but just before the move to compete against the top teams. “The facilities are incredible now and we that was a massive moment to beat league and have a Cup semi final to look London he spent a year with Nottingham definitely have some of the best around a Premiership side under that kind of forward to in April, meaning that there From then on the games we have had to gain regular game time. for a professional team. When I first pressure and it showed everyone what we is still plenty to play for in the coming against the likes of London Irish, Bristol BOTH ON started we would have 40 players in a are capable of.” months. “I loved it there and it played a massive and have all been very small gym and two physio beds in a small part in my development. I was involved in close and we are within touching distance Walker has also been a prolific try-scorer “We’ve made huge improvements since room whereas now it’s without doubt AND OFF THE every game and then was out of contract of them.” during his time at the Trailfinders, crossing Christmas and the performances so far good enough to be in the Premiership. with Edinburgh so the best option was the line 56 times in 123 appearances. this year have shown that. It is a cliche but Having been in the Championship for a with Ealing, it obviously turned out to be Also seeing how the support has grown our aim is to take every week as it comes PITCH WE ARE number of years, Walker is fully aware of “Of course I love that side of it, any the right one!” in terms of the crowd, the staff, the and see where it can take us. how difficult it is to keep consistent all the rugby player would be lying if they said community programme and the stadium His first season at Trailfinders Sports Club way from September until May. they didn’t but most of mine are all team We go out to win every game and as long IMPROVING we are very fortunate to be in such an was a disappointment through injury, but efforts. The hooker is always in the best as we do that we will put ourselves in “I don’t think people understand how hard ambitious organisation.” since then he has been a staple in the position at the back of the maul so that’s the strongest position possible. We have EVERY YEAR this level is. For example when we were in front-row for the Green and Whites. To reach 100 appearances for a club is why I often get on the end of them but we spoken a lot about the Cup as to win that National One to go and win 27 out of 30 a rarity in the professional game, and all celebrate them equally.” three years in a row would be an incredible “My first year was a frustrating one. Just matches was an incredible achievement. AND IT’S A reaching that landmark has given Walker achievement.” four games in I got a knee injury which That was all whilst we were training two The Scot captained the club on his first immense pride. pretty much ruled me out for the rest of nights a week, so the strides we have appearance during a pre-season friendly, Walker has just signed a new deal at PLEASURE TO the season and made it a write off. It let made since then are unbelievable. It “It’s of course something I’m very proud and leadership has been something he has Trailfinders Sports Club which will mean me focus on skills as well as conditioning, definitely gives me a bit of perspective and of, in modern sport it’s tough to hit those grown in to over the years. he enters his seventh season, and he has and from the sidelines you could see the appreciation of how much effort has gone figures. It’s definitely a testament to his eyes set firmly on lifting the Greene BE A PART OF IT. “I never really thought of myself as a winning culture that was being built week in to the club. everyone around me for the support, my King IPA Championship by then. leader but I like to lend a hand and give in week out. longevity is due to a lot of factors and lots Also seeing the players that have made advice. I think with the experience there’s of people have worked very hard to help.”

8 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 9 steven shingler

The fly-half has impressed during his first year at Ealing Trailfinders and has now put pen to paper on another season. He has been battling out with Craig Willis for the number 10 shirt throughout the campaign in an area of particular strength for the West Londoners. He began his career at Llanelli before moving to London Irish in 2011 for his first stint in English Rugby. After making 47 appearances there he headed back to Wales with the and stayed there for three years, playing 75 times Contract and scoring an impressive 348 points. In 2016 he signed for , scoring 205 points in 60 appearances. On the international scale he has represented Wales at Under 20 level 14 times, and has also been called up to the senior squad twice for their tours to Japan extensions and South Africa in the 2013/14 season. PREPARATION FOR THE 2020/21 SEASON IS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY, AND SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SQUAD MEMBERS HAVE COMMITTED TO THE CLUB FOR ANOTHER YEAR. alun walker

The hooker already has six seasons at Ealing Trailfinders under his belt and is the only man to make 100 appearances for the club during the professional era. The 29-year-old has been a regular since joining in 2014 to confirm his place Pat Howard as one of the best to put on the Green and White shirt. His form has been magnificent in recent weeks, and he was Man of the Match in the recent The South African has made a sensational start to 2020 and his recent Championship Cup Quarter Final victory against Jersey Reds which saw the performances have played a huge part in the current winning run. Howard Trailfinders progress in to the last four. has scored four tries in his last eight appearances whilst playing in the centre and on the wing, showing his versatility. The Scot, who represented his country at U18, U19 and U20 level originally joined on a two-year contract from Edinburgh having spent 2013-14 on loan at He has vast experience after previous spells with the Stormers in Super Rugby, Nottingham. He has also played for Melrose and Currie. Munster, and the which has made him a regular starter in the back-line.

jack tovey rayn smid Tovey started the season in fine form for the Trailfinders, scoring three tries in the opening two matches of the campaign. A back injury then kept him on The first team captain continues to play a pivotal role for the Trailfinders the sidelines for a three month spell, but he came back in early February for and has signed a new long term deal to remain in West London. With 93 the win over Hartpury and has been an ever-present since. appearances already since signing in 2017, he will be looking to become a The centre came through the Bristol academy and spent a decade with centurion in the coming months. his home-town club from 2009 to 2019, where he went on to make 189 He took over the captaincy last season and ended the campaign by lifting the appearances. Championship Cup after missing just one game all year. Once again he has He plays most of his rugby in the centre but can also cover both wing and full- been an ever-present throughout the 2019/20 season, scoring 11 tries in the back, making him a versatile member of the back-line. He crossed the try-line process. 37 times for Bristol, showing his try-scoring ability and whilst weighing in at over 100kg he adds plenty of size to the midfield.

10 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 11 1871-2021 EALING TRAILFINDERS 150TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON CELEBRATE OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AN EARLY BIRD OFFER ON SEASON TICKETS FOR THE 2020/21 CAMPAIGN!

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • ALL 1ST XV HOME LEAGUE AND CUP POOL MATCHES FOR 2019/20 • BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE – 3 TICKETS • FREE CAR PARKING ON MATCH DAYS A special Early Bird offer is available if • 10% SHOP DISCOUNT purchased before the end of June where you will be able to secure your place at TO BOOK A SEASON TICKET all 14 home matches next season for just £170, working out at only £12.10 per game! WITH RESERVED SEATING, From July onwards, the price will then go up PLEASE EMAIL INFO@ to £195, giving fans the perfect incentive to ETPRM.COM commit to the club early. In addition, we will again be offering reserved seating at an extra cost to ensure you will have the same seat for every game. For an Early Bird reserved seat the price will be £205, going up to £230 in July. Trailfinders Sports Club has been a fortress in recent years with just one home defeat in the last calendar year, meaning you will be witnessing the Green and Whites at their best!

12 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 13 The golf course awaits

Ealing Golf Club is a modern, friendly club that welcomes new members and visitors to enjoy some of the smoothest, fastest greens and best-kept fairways in the country.

Founded in 1898 and laid out by the distinguished golf course architect Harry S. Colt, the Club is a true London golfing haven offering 18 holes of delightful but challenging parkland golf.

We offer a wide choice of membership options, including a lower cost Lifestyle membership op- tion, reductions for under-35s, with no joining fees.

The Club was one of the first clubs nationally to be awarded GolfMark accreditation for helping REMAINING HOME get beginners and Juniors into golf. Our 2 Pros – Ricky Willison and Neil Jordan – offer individual tuition as well as running our popular Junior and Ladies Academies and innovative Start Golf and fixtures Play Golf membership schemes. MARCH Sat Mar 14th 15:00 Yorkshire Carnegie H GK Check out our website for more information, or give us a call, come and play a round and have a Sat Mar 21st 15:00 Doncaster Knights H GK look around. APRIL Sat Apr 4th 15:00 Nottingham H GK Sat Apr 18th 15:00 Nottingham H CUP SF Sat Apr 25th 15:00 London Scottish H GK MAY T: 020 8997 0937 www.ealinggolfclub.com Sat May 9th 15:00 Cornish Pirates H GK

14 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COMEALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 15 LUNCH WITH EALING TRAILFINDERS A TWIST WIN SPONSORSHIP AT EALING City lunch TRAILFINDERS! EALING TRAILFINDERS ARE DELIGHTED TO BE HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER CITY LUNCH IN ANOTHER EXCITING STEP FORWARD FOR THE CLUB.

On Friday 3rd April at Smith & Wollensky restaurant in Covent Garden we will be hosting a drinks reception, three course lunch and an auction to raise funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association and London’s Air Ambulance Charity. Hosted by Jonny Gould, David Flatman will be the Guest Speaker sharing a whole host of entertaining stories from his career which included representing England, Saracens and Bath. The former front-rower is one of the most recognisable pundits in the sport and has strong views to spark plenty of debate. In light of recent rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrows being diagnosed Before our match against Cornish Pirates on with Motor Neurone Disease as well as Saturday 9th May we will be hosting a lunch Joost van der Westhuizen who lost his for companies looking to become part of battle in 2017, we are determined to Ealing Trailfinders! support the charity and would encourage In a brand new initiative, you can book a the rugby family to join us. table and be entered in to a prize draw to The Motor Neurone Disease Association win some fantastic prizes which will make funds and promotes research to your company a visible part of the team. understand what causes MND, how Simply book a table for 10 people and a draw to diagnose it and, most importantly, will be conducted during the lunch, where how to effectively treat it so that it no you could win one of the top prizes: longer devastates lives. They are the only charity in England, Wales and Northern • First Team Shirt Sponsorship (Sleeve) Ireland focused on improving access to • Four x England v New Zealand Tickets care, research and campaigning for those (November 2020) people living with or affected by MND. • Sin Bin Sponsorship We are also supporting London’s Air Ambulance Charity, who deliver an Every booking will include: advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients. Using a • Two Season Tickets for 2020/21 helicopter from 08:00 to sunset, London’s • One Programme Advert for the whole Air Ambulance brings the hospital to the season patient when time is critical. • Two Course Lunch They serve the 10 million people that live work and travel within the M25, treating • Two bottles of wine per table an average of five patients every day. There will also be a separate draw to present Tickets are £90 per person which reflects the Man of the Match Award after the game great value for what will be a fantastic v Cornish Pirates! afternoon, to book tickets and tables Table of 10 - £1,000. Email [email protected] contact [email protected] or to book your table! phone 01483617222.

16 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 17 EALING Trailfinders in the community

EASTER HOLIDAY SPORTS CAMP Easter camps will be run a little bit differently compared to previous camps. We will be operating four sports camps simultaneously: Rugby, football, cricket and netball. Attendees can choose which sport they would like to play upon booking. If attending for multiple days, choose the same sport, or pick different ones each day! Head of community, Danny Harlow is looking forward to the new format sports camp, “We have world class facilities at Trailfinders Sports Club and we also have an amazing team of community coaches. We have specialist coaches in all four sports so it seems really logical to make use of the excellent facilities we have and provide more opportunities for local children to participate in sport!” Easter camp will run on April 7th, 8th, 9th & 14th, 15th, 16th. Use the code “Flyhalf10” to receive 10% off. Follow the community department on social media for up to date information on community events. Register at www.clubs- hub.com/ealing-trailfinders GIRLS AND WOMEN’S RUGBY: Girls rugby is going from strength to strength at Ealing Trailfinders. U13s, u15s and u18s have all been busy over SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS: the last few months. The u13s and u15s attended a pitch up and play at Chiswick RFC, with around 200 other girls from Our school partnerships continue to grow stronger as the West London. The session involved some drills and coaching season develops, this spring term being no exception. We but most of the day revolved around giving the girls an have continued our work in clubs and curriculum time in opportunity to play. over a dozen schools in the borough, working with these schools for multiple, consecutive terms. On top of this, The u18s have had some combined practices and games with there are several other schools we have started in this several other clubs in the area. We wanted to push the girls term, helping them with after school clubs and providing out of their comfort zone and give them different challenges links into the community to facilitate the transition to club to overcome. This really helped with their confidence out sports, especially rugby, netball, football and cricket. This on the pitch, with everyone stepping up and playing their brings the amount of schools we engage with to 16 for best rugby. Hopefully the girls continue with this form over NETBALL: the coming weeks as we prepare to host a touring side from this spring term, the highest amount for the club so far. Ealing Trailfinders Netball Club continues to grow in Exeter. Head of community, Danny Harlow, is really happy with the popularity. U14s practice on Sunday mornings from progress, saying “Everyone in the community department The women’s rugby team continues to grow. Combining 11:30am-12:30pm. We have around a dozen girls attending is really proud of the direction we are heading. We have a training sessions with the University of West London for training, working on catching and passing techniques great team of coaches and excellent relationships with lots women’s team has proved really beneficial. We now and tactical awareness such as attacking space. Over 14s of schools in the area. There are 91 schools in Ealing and have around a dozen people attending training sessions, practice on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm-8:30pm. Whether our aim is to help those schools provide amazing sporting developing the technical aspects of passing, tackling and you have been playing for years, looking to get back into experiences for their children and give them a life-long rucking. Practice continues every Monday evening from the sport or you’ve never played at all, this is a great club love for sport and physical activity.” With the summer 7:30pm at the Trailfinders Sports Ground. All abilities and and facility to get involved with. All ages and abilities are just around the corner, cricket and 7s season will be upon ages over 18 are welcome. For more information contact welcome. For more information email the Danny in the us and our coaches couldn’t be more excited! We hope Danny on [email protected] or 07494899. community department: [email protected] our current and future school partnerships continue to flourish.”

1818 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 19 whilst the psychological benefits of sport and exercise U20 and U21 Academy touring teams. Whilst at the Sharks I help with other frustrations and emotional managements. discovered my passion for coaching and enrolled myself into Again, intermittent funding meant we were unable to be a some of the many courses they had to offer and started to IN THE COMMUNITY… with small reading groups or one on one interventions to help students attain their required reading levels. With consistent presence in the school and in our absences, the coach at one of the schools during my spare time. school notices a decline in the behaviour of those involved EALING TRAILFINDERS FOUNDATION: London having such a diverse population lots of children After my first year of coaching I was hooked, I knew that are new to English or have English as a second language. with the programme HERITAGE FUND FROM THE NATIONAL LOTTERY not only did I want to pursue a carrier in playing rugby, but I Also, having both parents as non-English speakers means If you would like more information on how you can help the also wanted to coach rugby in order to try and give back and Ealing Trailfinders community team are delighted to their only English interactions are at school. This makes our Ealing Trailfinders Foundation, please contact Danny in the share some of my experiences with others. In 2017 I set out announce we have a charity arm of the department. This reading booster clubs even more necessary to support their community department: to England to pursue a career in rugby and coaching, since is an exciting progression which now means we can apply learning. Some schools we have had two coaches there then I have been able to coach and share my experiences You can keep up to date with all community departments for funding to facilitate our work in the local community. for the whole day, teaching rugby and delivering English with varies places including King Edwards XV, Ibstock Place, activities through the following social media platforms: Recently, we have received funding from the National lessons on behalf of the school. Unfortunately, this couldn’t Richmond and London Scottish. Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling us to work with a group of continue this term due to lack of funding. It would be great FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Ealing-Trailfinders-Community- This year I have been extremely privileged to be able to 12-14 year olds from a local school. This exciting projects’ to get some corporate partners to help us continue this Department aim is to tell the story of Ealing Trailfinders, explore its work. represent Zimbabwe for rugby and been able to come on TWITTER: @ETCommunity_ board with Ealing Trailfinders as one of our community heritage and the role it has played in the community. LIFE SKILLS: They will then get the opportunity to find out more about coaches where I hope to be able to coach and inspire the INSTAGRAM: Ealing_Trailfinders_Community the history of rugby, by taking a trip to the Alec Reed Academy was the first life skills project we next generation of players. Museum, at HQ and learn how the club fits into the wider delivered, backed by the Princess Trust. We would work COACH PROFILE: JORDAN COOMBES MATCH DAY EXPERIENCE: history of the sport. A video production company will work with secondary school students with challenging behaviour, My name is Jordan Coombes, I’m 23 years old and I was with the group to produce a short film showing the findings some of which have been removed from the classroom and On Saturday 1st February, on a very windy afternoon (it born and bred in Zimbabwe. I was brought up in a very of the research. Head of community, Danny Harlow is placed in isolation. Our 1st hour focused on providing these seems all too common this winter!) we held a match day sporting family with my Dad playing rugby for Zimbabwe thrilled about this projects’ approval saying, “It’s going to students with the necessary tools and decision-making experience for several primary schools throughout the and my Mom being a Zimbabwean and Olympic qualifying be an interesting journey, exploring the history of the club, capabilities to make sensible choices that would affect their borough. Around 30 children from years 3-6 came out to Gymnast. I knew very early on in life, I wanted sport to be from the very first games on Ealing Common through to the life in positive ways. This could be something as simple as enjoy the day, which included a pre-match coaching session, my profession. I started playing Rugby at the age of 8 and modern-day successes.” Watch this space over the next few health eating, correct sleeping habits or identifying when forming the guard of honour for the game against Hartpury competed in every sport my schools had to offer. During my months as the story unfolds. they are about to get angry and how to remove themselves followed by a game on the pitch at half-time! Some children time at high school I managed to represent my province in from the situation. We had great success with this class already play in the mini’s section of the club whilst others READING AND RUGBY: Rugby, Cricket and squash and captain my school’s cricket over several years but unfortunately, we couldn’t secure have only just started playing. Several children from Our and rugby teams respectively. Usually a two-hour session, reading and rugby provides funding to continue the work. Lady of the Visitation Catholic Primary School, in Greenford primary school students with the opportunity to explore During my last year at high school I knew I wanted to take enjoyed their first ever professional rugby game and being Burlington Danes Academy has had continued success rugby in a fun environment. Our coaches use different my rugby higher so I managed to secure a spot at the Sharks coached by our community coaching team and special guest using rugby’s core values as a behavioural management games and rules to help students discover different Academy in South Africa where I spent 3 years trying to coach, Dave Johnston! Keep an eye out on social media for tool. Teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and techniques to the problems they face. Afterwards, we work perfect my trade. During this time I managed to captain the more match day experiences, masterclasses and other game sportsmanship are at the forefront of our lessons with them, day activities.

EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 21 SEASON SO FAR THREE ACADEMY players STATISTICS To Watch: CAM TERRY

The former Gloucester U18s back rower has been very impressive of late for Brunel and he has stepped up admirably in the absence of several prominent ball-carriers who have been struggling with injury. 121TRIES SCORED He has given the side plenty of front-foot ball to operate with, whilst maintaining his work rate on and off the ball. 1680 Terry was posed with a physical challenge by the RAF and Cardiff Met MINUTES PLAYED sides that recently made the trip to Trailfinders Sports Club and he passed both tests with flying colours. His physicality in the tackle and at the contact area are also noticeable and his development so far as part of the Trailfinders Academy has been very positive.

324DEFENDERS BEATEN ELLIOT CHILVERS 2,688 Never an easy transition, Chilvers has coped remarkably well with the extra physical demands of playing loosehead prop in the senior TOTAL PASSES ranks. He has regularly been scrummaging against players two or even three years his senior and that is no easy feat at this age. Chilvers and the rest of the young front row in the Academy faced 101 LINE BREAKS their fair share of growing pains earlier in the season, although thanks to their hard work and the input of scrum coach Steve Neville, the group has begun exerting their dominance on units far more experienced than them. 2,237 177 TOTAL CARRIES OFFLOADS COMPLETED

HARRISON OBATOYINBO Whilst his older brother begins to make his mark with Saracens, PLAYERS USED Harrison is having his own impact on the rugby world at Ealing 37 Trailfinders and Brunel. The elusive full-back has the quickness in his footwork and innate feel for wrong-footing defenders that simply HIGHEST WINNING cannot be coached. MARGIN His game is beginning to round out nicely as he matures physically and works on catching his defensive game up to his undeniable attacking ability. Obatoyinbo’s incision and decision-making in the midfield and on the counter-attack have created plenty of tries for the Brunel 1st XV this season. 80-17 V BEDFORD BLUES 819TOTAL POINTS SCORED

22 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 23 IT’S A REALLY GOOD EXPERIENCE BEING ABLE TO TRAIN ALONG SIDE THE FIRST TEAM THE interview Dan Hiscocks THE SCRUM HALF HAS MADE A FANTASTIC START TO LIFE IN THE TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY AND HAS SEEN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AFTER BEING CALLED UP TO THE WALES UNDER 19S SQUAD, SHOWING THE BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD OF HIM.

How are you finding the Trailfinders proud nation Wales is and growing up Rugby Academy so far? watching heroes play on the screen makes it even more special. The feeling you get I’m really enjoying the experience of the singing the anthem is like no other and it’s academy so far. Growing up in the things like that which make me just want GROWING academy, I have been used to intensive to push myself even harder to be able to training for years but none has been as re-live moments like that whether it is for enjoyable as this. The opportunity to move the u20s or hopefully the seniors one day. UP IN THE to England was too good to miss, so far I am having the time of my life and I am You’ve had loan opportunities at OSPREYS loving the family down in Ealing. Blackheath and London Welsh, how good has it been to get regular rugby at that What is the best thing about being in the level? ACADEMY, I academy? The opportunity to play twice a week has I’d say the best thing about being in the really helped me develop my game. I had academy is being able to train full time but HAVE BEEN the time of my life playing for London also get a degree at University. Growing Welsh, a great group of people with up my family always emphasised to me awesome coaches such as Steven Shingler. It’s been an awesome season so far with experience along side the professionals. Head Coach and also as a fellow scrum how important having a back up plan was USED TO Then to get the opportunity to play the uni team, being undefeated makes half he’s been able to sit down with me and so being able to follow my rugby Training alongside the first team at Ealing National One was great and I am really it even better. It has been frustrating at and give me feedback on my games and dream but also study a topic which is very Trailfinders, how much better does that enjoying the weekly challenges playing at times with some opposition not being as my work ons. It’s also been awesome INTENSIVE close to my heart is pretty awesome. make you as a player? that level. challenging as we had hoped but it was having the first team coaches with us, still important to go out and make sure they expect a really high quality standard You got another call up to Wales It’s a really good experience being able to London Welsh to Blackeath was quite a we did a job. It’s nice that the league is and as a result it keeps us focused and TRAINING age grade level, how was that as an train along side the first team. Learning jump in standard, how have you found it? over and we can shift our focus on making working to the best of our abilities experience? from guys who have done it for years is sure we secure another title in the cup and priceless and they’re all very friendly and It was a huge jump. The biggest difference Also how much of a difference does the FOR YEARS It is always a humbling experience being make this a season to remember. helpful during and after sessions making being the physicality of the men and then specific coaching from the likes of Andy able to represent your country and I sure we are up to speed. It’s also been the technical side. London Welsh played What are your aims personally for the Holloway make? have been fortunate enough to get a few great to have mentors like Nathan Fowles BUT NONE a very expansive open game while at rest of the season? opportunities across the years. To be Blackheath’s level it came down to fine who has helped me analyse games and The specific sessions with Hollers have able to be involved with the u20s squad margins with decision making and game My main aim is to just play as much rugby also helped me during training. I can’t wait been so beneficial to me and the rest was great and then to put on the jersey HAS BEEN AS management being huge in breaking as possible and keep getting better every to hopefully work along side guys like that of the scrum halves in the academy. against Scotland and sing the anthem is a down really good defences. Being able to game. Being able to get game experience again next season and really push myself The methods he uses to teach us are so boyhood dream come true and hopefully it play at such a challenging level has really at National One is going to be great and I and my skills alongside them. different and refreshing and as a result we ENJOYABLE AS will not be the last time. look forward to being able to develop this are always keen to have these sessions helped me develop areas of my game that How good is the coaching and how much season and then head into next pre season daily with him. Being able to practice How proud did it make you to represent I probably over looked at lower levels. does that help you improve? with a more mature understanding of the passing and kicking daily just keep us on THIS. your country and did it give you even Results for Team Brunel have been very game. With all of that experience hopefully our toes and doing all the extra work helps more motivation to keep getting better? The coaching has been really good this positive and of course the league tittle it will help me push on into more first year. It’s been good having Paddy Gill as us get better and better every single time I think everyone knows how much of a has been won, how good does that feel? team training and be able to gain great we train.

24 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 25 trailfinders Rugby Academy

THE TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY IS THRIVING WITH THE FIRST YEAR WELL UNDERWAY, AND AFTER TEAM BRUNEL SECURED PROMOTION THERE HAS BEEN PLENTY OF OPTIMISM AROUND THE PROGRAMME.

Vanders and Eoin Molloy all played in another and we believe this partnership can support partnership that we are extremely proud to those players who represent us with a variety have made. of exciting opportunities and pathways beyond their U6th year at school.” This summer will see the launch of the Trailfinders Sevens Team in another exciting The Academy will play a huge part at the development. A brand new kit will be revealed upcoming Rosslyn Park Sevens as one of the ahead of the events which will see a number of major partners. The event has evolved into the academy players involved to improve their skills world’s largest rugby tournament with over throughout the off season. 10,000 boys and girls aged 11-18 competing annually. TRAILFINDERS 7S DATES A large number of the club staff will be on site Rosslyn Park Floodlit 7s – 7th May 2020: in the marquee, so we would encourage any Leg 1 17TH May 2020 – Bury St Edmunds RFC visitors to call in and see what we can offer! Leg 2 13TH June 2020 – Newbury RFC, Monks Ty Sterry, Academy Manager is delighted to Lane have secured silverware at the first opportunity after lifting the league trophy. “I’m extremely Leg 3 27th June 2020 – Aldershot Military proud of the team for winning the league. The Stadium focus now turns to the Cup and we would love to go all the way in that. They have won all of their league matches to keep Final Leg 11th July – Nottingham RFC, Lady Bay up their 100% record and ensured that they will be Stadium The improvement that we can see in the players advancing to higher competition next year after winning The partnership with Lambs has proved to be since the start of the season is remarkable the South East One division. a huge success, as they hosted three events and the challenge now is to keep up our performance levels. Some highlights have included wins against University at Trailfinders Sports Club during January of Essex, University of Sussex and University of Surrey and February. Alexander Laybourne, National I’d like to give a huge mention to the coaching where they have scored over 300 points in those fixtures Director at Lambs is pleased to have partnered team. The job that Paddy Gill, Steve Neville and combined home and away. with the Green and Whites. Francesco Minto have done has been brilliant. Also the Strength and Conditioning Coaches Team Brunel are fighting on multiple fronts with the Cup “We are very excited about this partnership have given the players some amazing physical are also deep in to the knockout stages. They reached with Ealing Trailfinders, a club who share many Knight lifted the trophy after captaining his country development and we are extremely excited the semi finals with an emphatic 85-19 win over Cardiff of our views and values on the game. to victory in the final over South Korea. Dan Hiscocks about the future of this group.” Metropolitan University at Trailfinders Sports Club, and played for Wales Under 19s after an outstanding first As a club they not only have a successful they will be looking to go all the way to complete a year in West London. Championship team, they also have an exciting Email [email protected] to enquire about double in their debut season. M&J and Youth section, a superb Academy and the programme and gain information on Open A number of the Scholars have been representing the Day dates. There has been silverware secured on the international county, pulling on the Middlesex Under 20s shirt. The an excellent partnership with Brunel University, circuit, with Will Panday and Joe Knight winning the likes of Alex Turton, Charlie Julian, Devis Acceliam, Will Asian Rugby Championship for Hong Kong Under 19s.

26 27 EPP PLAYERS ELITE to watch player Keep your eyes on: Pathway LEWIS PERKINS FIRST TEAM PLAYERS CRAIG HAMPSON AND DAVID JOHNSTON HAVE BOTH TAKEN ON COACHING ROLES WITH THE ELITE LEWIS PERKINS is a great multi-positional forward with PLAYER PATHWAY DURING THE 2019/20 SEASON. excellent vision of the game. He is a strong ball carrier, dominating the gain line. He also possesses quick decision- making abilities and excellent handling skills to match.

THE PAIR ARE SPENDING THEIR How are you finding the EPP so far? University. TUESDAY AND THURSDAY EVENINGS CH: I’m really enjoying it. It’s a great When you see things you are DEVELOPING MANY FUTURE STARS, platform to learn as a coach and implementing coming to the fore it is very IN WHAT IS ANOTHER FANTASTIC experiment with ideas. We have a great pleasing and we hope that continues over OLI TINDALE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY THE group of players who have come a the next few months. TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY long way and matured a lot. We like to How do you view the Trailfinders Rugby AGED FROM 15 TO 18, PLAYERS ARE challenge them but also have fun at the OLI TINDALE is an electric and exciting scrum half with great Academy as a whole? SELECTED FOR THE ELITE PLAYER same time so we’re loving it. footwork, always looking to snipe round the fringes of the PATHWAY BASED ON THEIR TALENT ON DJ: It’s come such a long way already and Has it always been your long term goal to ruck. He has a strong pass off both hands and tracks the THE FIELD AND ATTITUDE OFF IT.WHILST there is still so much more to come. From get in to coaching? COINCIDING THIS PROGRAMME WITH a playing perspective we really enjoyed it game well, allowing for quick ball from the rucks. As an under A LEVEL STUDIES, AT UNDER 16 LEVEL DJ: This is my first coaching role as I when the Scholars trained with us during 17, he has a great future within the academy. THEY TRAIN ONCE A WEEK. started my Level Two in the summer. It’s pre-season and the quality is definitely a great opportunity to develop, and the there for them to make it as professionals. THIS PARTICULAR PATHWAY IS BASED best thing that I’ve taken away from it AROUND LONG TERM INDIVIDUAL CH: It’s a brilliant pathway. To be able is actually how much it helps you when DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A TEAM to effectively train as professionals but you’re playing. It gives you another ENVIRONMENT. THE FOCUS IS ON SKILLS also get a degree at the same time is BILLY BICKFORD perspective and allows you to understand AND DECISION MAKING ON THE PITCH, invaluable. With three years of coaching so much more. COMBINED WITH TAILORED STRENGTH at this level with the facilities as well puts AND CONDITIONING OFF THE PITCH. CH: I’m finishing my Level Three and doing them in a very good position. BILLY BICKFORD has grown immensely as a player over this THE UNDER 18S TRAIN TWICE A WEEK the EPP helps me massively with that Do you enjoy working together on this season, developing in all aspects of the game. He is very AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY which is ideal. TOWARDS PROFESSIONAL RUGBY ON A project? physical in defence, showing great technique in the contact How much of an improvement have you MORE REGULAR BASIS. CH: For sure. I think it helps with our areas. In attack, he carries the ball well, reads the game seen in the players during this season? HAMPSON AND JOHNSTON BOTH understanding on the pitch and our effectively which allows him to make great decisions under REFLECTED ON WHAT HAS BEEN AN DJ: The skill level is very impressive. We coaching kind of reflects that. We have pressure. OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO STEP IN TO have brilliant resources in terms of the lots of great staff that are all so driven for THE COACHING WORLD. facilities and also analysis provision which the academy to thrive so it’s fun to be a makes a massive difference. part of. We have implemented some of the first How would you summarise what the EPP team structures and calls to show how wants to deliver? ANDRE REUBENHEIMER the vision of the first team can be taught DJ: The aim is to start players on the throughout the club, and the numbers professional journey and link it in with the have grown steadily so the first year will Trailfinders Rugby Academy. A lot of them ANDRE REUBENHEIMER organises his backs efficiently from have to be seen as a success. play a lot of rugby anyway but now with the fly half position and menacingly attacks the line looking How much satisfaction do you get this input it can develop them very quickly. to draw in defenders and set up scoring opportunities for out of the players showing signs of You can see a huge improvement in their development? attitude and commitment which is great. his team-mates. His catch-pass skills, kicking technique and leadership make him a great 10! CH: That’s what coaching is all about. The CH: We want to be a better option than progression is very encouraging and the a lot of Premiership Academies and this pathway that the club offer is so exciting, is the start of that. It’s good enough to from the EPP all the way through to the attract some top quality players and it’s an Scholarship Programme with Brunel exciting step for the club.

28 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 29 BRUNO'S

BRUNO'S BRIGADEWord Search! Name: Date: Find and circle each of the words from the list below. Words may appear V forwards BRIGADE or backwards, horizontally, vertically or diagonally in the grid. GUESS THE CLUB O B A T O Y I N B O H B R U N E L U E P N I P T E M Y Y E V O T B W E T H E R B Y U S R A C A D E M Y H D D U Q T H F P Q L Y K R N N W O H S O F N W O O O V E Y I F A U B L O S M I D E O U N Z I M PLAYER INCLUDED IN THE CLUB: Can you guess the Ealing Trailfinders I E I S H P L E P P E player above? * Membership card WORDSEARCH Only Can you find the 10 words related SPOT THE * Players autograph book ACADEMYto theWETHERBY magazine above?OBATOYINBO MIZNUOSMID | TOVEYBRUNO | EPPLORDS | ACADEMYBRUNEL * Tote bag WETHERBYTOVEY | BRUNOEPP | SMID OBATOYINBO 20 BRUNEL | MIZNUO | LORDS * Mini rugby ball £ Copyright ©2020 WorksheetWorks.com * Birthday card from the whole team * Invitation to a special junior club meet the players NAME event MELLY TOMB ACHENES BULKY * 5% Discount on rugby camps DESCENDED MARJORY DAMION SNICKS * Ballot to be bruno’s buddy at a home match! ETHANOL FAWNS DOPA WRATH HONOR JEEPS DOYLE PRENT DIFFERENCE

ENRIKA YUMPHR Answers

Craig Willis Craig | Murphy Kieran | Lydon Peter | Joseph

| Reon Reon | Howard Pat | Fowles Nathan | Dickinson Sam | Redden

| James Cordy Cordy James | Buckley Shane | Bell Tommy

BOOK BY PHONE: 07792 852695 CIGAR SILLIW Scramble: Ealing

blemish on players face players on blemish

jumper, Mizuno logo on jumper, Trailfinders Academy on player, player, on Academy Trailfinders jumper, on logo Mizuno jumper,

Soane’s Kitchen Logo, Ealing logo on on logo Ealing Logo, Kitchen Soane’s Difference: the Spot

Jordan Burns Jordan

BOOK BY EMAIL: [email protected] SCRAMBLE Player: the Guess ANSWERS ANSWERS

30 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 31 MY CAREER in pictures Kieran Murphy

FROM THERE I GOT THE CHANCE TO PLAY IN FRANCE WITH BRIVE FROM 2013 TO 2015, INCLUDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO FEATURE IN THE HEINEKEN CUP.

I’VE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO WIN BOTH THE BRITISH & IRISH CUP AND CHAMPIONSHIP CUP WINNING THE BRITISH & IRISH CUP WITH SINCE JOINING EALING TRAILFINDERS, AND I LONDON WELSH IN 2016 IS ONE OF MY FIRMLY BELIEVE THERE IS MORE SILVERWARE TO FONDEST MEMORIES. COME!

I STARTED MY CAREER WITH THE SCARLETS IN WALES AND MADE MY DEBUT ABOVE IN 2011.

32 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 33 MEET THE BALL BOYS & Girls GRACE MCPARTLIN SAMUEL HOWIE HUNT POSITION POSITION Fly Half Lock AGE AGE Under 16s Under 16s FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER Jordan Els Reon Joseph WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? I really enjoy the atmosphere from the crowd and the feel around the ground. Being pitch side so close to the players on game day is so exciting! SAM PEAK ROSIE MELLY POSITION POSITION Scrum Half Winger/Centre AGE AGE Under 13s Under 16s FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER Peter Lydon Matt Cornish WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? Being so close to the game and having a purpose of supporting the team throughout the season. Seeing the same fans come out every week no matter the weather!

LUKE BALMER POSITION Centre AGE Under 16s FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER Reon Joseph WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? Ealing Trailfinders has a great atmosphere and being involved on match day means that I get a great view of the action.

KIMANI GOPPY HARRY CUNNINGHAM POSITION POSITION Prop Centre AGE AGE Under 16s Under 16s FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER FAVOURITE EALING TRAILFINDERS PLAYER Alun Walker Harry Sloan WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? INVOLVED ON A MATCH DAY? Just the experience and being close enough to analyse what I enjoy being part of the Trailfinders community and being so they are doing in the scrums and lineouts so I can improve my close to the action as it happens. technique to become a better player.

34 EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM 35 KEEP UP TO DATE WITH

EALINGTWITTER: EALINGTFRUGBY | FACEBOOK: TRAILFINDERS /EALINGTRAILFINDERS | INSTAGRAM: EALINGTRAILFINDERS

DON'T MISS THE ACTION! BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO GET THE LATEST NEWS & VIEWS SIGN UP TO OUR OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER KEEP UP TO DATE ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM