Ealing Trailfinders beat local rivals Saracens 29-19 kicking off their Premiership Cup campaign with a bang on Saturday (2 November 2024).
A brace from Reuben Bird-Tulloch along with scores from Rob Farrar, Angus Kernohan and a penalty try gave Trailfinders a famous victory over their Premiership counterparts.
The hosts took the maximum five points from the fixture, heading into next Friday’s clash against Harlequins at The Stoop.
The game started perfectly for Trailfinders. Farrar flew over the white wash in the left corner after Trailfinders pounced on turnover ball from kick-off.
The fast start continued as Tobi Wilson threw a wonder ball over the top to Bird-Tulloch out wide, allowing the centre to cross, making the score 12-0 inside the first five minutes.
Saracens then woke up from their apparent slumber and scoring slowed, as the visitors held most of the possession.
The hosts were throwing bodies around forcing handling errors from Saracens. Bird-Tulloch then scored again, this time beating three Sarries players and crossing over on the right wing.
It was disaster after disaster for the visitors. Phil Brantingham and Toby Knight were sent to the bin after consecutive maul penalties and Trailfinders were awarded a penalty try.
Saracens closed off the half with a try on the buzzer. Brandon Jackson broke through and raced away from Trailfinders in a rare defensive lapse.
Halftime: Ealing Trailfinders 24-5 Saracens
The second half started identically to the first. Kernohan flew over in the corner after Trailfinders strung some brutally efficient phases together.
Saracens then managed to drag themselves back into the contest. Holding onto the ball for the majority of the second term they were able to cross 11 minutes after the break through Harry Wilson.
Pressure off the ball from the hosts continued to repel their rivals attacking efforts. Trailfinders then came close as a beautiful, flowing attacking move meant they went coast to coast but Lefty Zigiriadis was held up over the line attempting to crash over.
Saracens then scored a consolation try as Jackson scored again going the length via the intercept.
As a result it finished 29-19 giving Ealing Trailfinders the perfect start to their cup run.
Fulltime: Ealing Trailfinders 29-19 Saracens
Tries:
Ealing Trailfinders
Farrar (2), Bird-Tulloch (4, 25), Penalty (30), Kernohan (43)
Saracens
Jackson (39, 77), Wilson (51)
Conversions:
Ealing Trailfinders
Jones (2)
Saracens
Swiel (51, 78)
Yellow Cards:
Saracens
Brantingham (31) Knight (32)
