Match Round-up: Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders ended 2025 on a high with a 14-41 victory over Cornish Pirates at The Mennaye Field.

A brace from Kyle Hatherell and tries from Geordie Gwynn, Michael Dykes, David Bridge, Scott Buckley and Craig Hampson helped secure the bonus-point victory.

After 12 wins from a possible 12 this campaign, Trailfinders sit nine points clear at the top of the Champ Rugby table.

On a fairly still day for Cornwall in December, Dan Jones got the game underway, and it didn’t take long for the league leaders to look dangerous.

Trailfinders built phases inside the opposition in their first entry inside the opening 6 minutes. They drew the defence in and picked their moment to spread the ball wide into the hands of Gwynn who had a straight forward run to the line.

Ten minutes later, they were on the front foot again. Francis Moore created a two-on-one on the edge and released Dykes down the left wing. Jones’ conversion extended the away side’s lead.

After a commanding start, chances in the second quarter of the game were few and far between, and Trailfinders led by 14 at the break.

Half-time: Cornish Pirates 0-14 Ealing Trailfinders

Ben Ward’s men came out of the blocks firing in the second half. Hampson took a quick tap penalty and passed to David Bridge who crashed through the defence.

The away side had another opportunity five minutes later. A five-metre line-out allowed them to set up maul and Buckley benefited as it rolled across the line.

Trailfinders continued to run riot at the start of the second riot. This time it was Hampson who received an inside ball from Gwynn who broke down the right wing. Matt Pritchard hit back for the hosts shortly after.

A brace for Hatherell within five minutes well and truly put the game out of reach for the hosts. He muscled his way over from close range for first, and used the power of the rolling maul to score his second.

With the clock in red, Pirates picked up the last point of the match, as Alessandro Heaney crossed for a consolation score.

Full-time: Cornish Pirates 14-41 Ealing Trailfinders

Cornish Pirates:

Tries – Matt Pritchard 57, Alessandro Heaney 80

Conversions – Louie Sinclair 58 80

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Geordie Gwynn 6, Michael Dykes 16, David Bridge 42, Scott Buckley 49, Craig Hampson 53, Kyle Hatherell 63 67

Conversions – Dan Jones 7 17, Rory Scannell 86