In difficult squally conditions at Ewell, Trinity had the advantages of wind and slope in the first half and soon made chances. Max Farrell made a promising break and, shortly after, Harry Wilson put in a clever kick over the defence which he chased in the clear. 

However, a cruel bounce took the chance away. Then a strong carry by Chris Reid took play into the 22 and Ali Hall made further yards. Trinity were on the line and Fuad Agbalaya and Reid charged for the score but were held up and Haileybury escaped. Trinity then had a penalty close in which they ran but this did not work out.  Much of their play was frantic and patience was lacking, but credit must be given to the hosts who had defended very well. The Trinity scrum was doing well and Fuad made a powerful charge which was repelled but at the expense of an injury to the tackler who got the full force of the hit. Mids won a penalty right in front and declined points in favour of a scrum.  Strong runs by Aidan Sisk and MarcMcEvilly promised a try on the right, but Trinity were again held up.  Haileybury, having weathered the storm, put together some nice handling moves, and Trinity conceded several penalties in succession.  Tom Wilcox was carded for a high tackle. Trinity now had to defend and two huge tackles by Sisk led to turnovers and there was another turnover from Farooq Agbalaya. Haileybury did manage to get over the line but they in turn were held up.

Trinity returned to the attack and Haileybury were forced to defend again. With the time running down, Trinity were now anxious that they had created so many opportunities but had still not registered a score and they knew they would have the elements and slope against them in the second half. However, the swirling nature of the wind meant that it did not confer as much advantage as one felt it should.  Ollie Wilcox made a fine catch of a high kick forward.  Tom Black was winning good ball in the lineout and eventually, with 38 minutes played, Alex Willis made a break and found Quinn Singh.  He powered forward and chipped over the top and claimed the ball again.  Just as he faced a tackle, he shipped it inside to Black who was supporting well and he crashed over for the opening try which was beautifully converted by George Kimmins. The half was extended because of time lost to injuries and Haileybury did well to keep the ball alive and spread play left. Some missed tackles allowed them to tie the scores at very end of the half at 7-7.

Trinity were much more focused in the second half and dominated territory despite the conditions. Khalil Alleyne, returning from injury, put in some storming runs.  The wind made line out throwing very difficult for both teams. Twice Kimmins found touch inside the 22 with penalties but Trinity could not profit. Haileybury did manufacture some attacks, but Mids’ defence was sound with both Agbalayas  showing the way and Tom Fairclough solid.  Sisk made one of his searing runs and passed to Hall who was tackled just short. Trinity kept the Trinity pressure on and, when Farrell fielded a difficult high kick, he took play forward to create a better platform. The ball was smartly moved left and delivered to a flying Ollie Wilcox who was tackled high in the act of scoring. The penalty try meant a yellow card for Haileybury. 14-7 to Mids after 66 minutes.

Farrell’s excellence under the high ball set up a similar attacking position and this time Olllie Wilcox sailed in as Trinity were now proving the stronger and fitter outfit. The bonus point try came shortly afterwards as Haileybury suffered another yellow card. Mids intelligently spread the play to create the gaps. Excellent runs by Alleyne and then Singh set up a ruck on the line and Olly Hubbard was there to get the touchdown. Kimmins converted and Trinity were out of sight.  Haileybury produced a good move to score just before the end.

Match Report – Gerry Murphy