MATCH REPORT by Gerry Murphy

Saturday 25 September 2021

Trinity were in good spirits following their fine win on the opening day of the League season against Effingham and Leatherhead.  They knew, however, that Kingston would pose a tough challenge and so it transpired.  The visitors started in scintillating fashion creating three quick phases of flowing running in the first minute and just failing to score in the corner. Kingston were called back for offside and Trinity made a significant mark by opting for a scrum which they dominated and and set up a  platform for scrum half Tom Sullivan to score after two minutes. Fly half Dan Crouch kicked a fine conversion from the touchline.  Straight from the kick off  Trinity ran the ball back and some fine play from skipper Temi Okenla in the centre and powerful winger Ben Edmondson delivered the ball to Tom Sullivan who scored under the posts.  Only 7 minutes had elapsed and, with the conversion a formality, Trinity were 14-0 up.

Kingston now woke up and dominated the proceedings with good retention and a number of strong sallies.  Trinity’s defence was strong and they held out until a penalty to the corner gave lock Sam Rushmer the chance to win the line out and force his way over for a converted try.    On 29 minutes it really was game on when another Kingston line out led to their second try scored by flanker Aidan Hamilton.  Back came Trinity and only a wild pass stopped them scoring.  Then they were over the line but hooker Tim Jupp was deemed to be held up. Crouch now pulled a muscle and was replaced by Liam Sullivan.  The drop out from under the posts was fielded by Trinity full back Ben Telfer who tried an ambitious drop goal but when this missed Kingston did not clear well and the ball came to Edmondson who showed pace, strength and determination to make it all the way to the line.  A missed conversion left Trinity 19-12 to the good after 33 minutes.  They dominated from now to half time with an excellent turnover from No.8 Farooq Agbalaya and flanker Ben Vaillant soaring in the line out.  Kingston had to dig their deepest to keep the visitors out, but the pressure told when they conceded several penalties.  Trinity turned the screw by opting for scrums and, after an extended period of injury time, Tom Sullivan showed incredible strength to force his way over for his third try and a bonus point.  Centre Marc McEvilly converted from far out and Trinity had a comfortable lead of 26-12 at half time.

From the kick off Trinity were pressing in their opponents’ half but then lost control of the ball and a home counter attack found some gaps in the defence to send winger Charlie Kelly speeding to the line. The conversion was missed.  Back came Trinity who forced a penalty, won the inevitable scrum and gave the chance to Tom Sullivan to  send winger James Jenkins away into the right corner.  It was now 31-17 but Kingston refused to lie down.  On 51 minutes Rushmore got his second try, again unconverted, and the gap was 9 points.  On the hour Agbalaya picked up from the base of the scrum and passed to Tom Sullivan who timed his pass to perfection to Telfer who came in at pace for a sparkling try.  Hamilton got his second try for Kingston to make it 36-27 after 67 minutes.  Kingston were ruing the kicks they had missed but  could see prospects of an unlikely win and strove mightily.  Mids tried a few silly speculative kicks when consolidation was what was needed and their discipline was not as it had been.  However, they took all that the hosts could throw at them and saw out the game well.

A well contested match from two teams who should feature in the top part of the League this season.