Trinity  32  Eastbourne  22

It was clear in the opening exchanges that Trinity were up against much stronger opposition than they had encountered thus far in their league campaign.

Slick handling and imaginative moves from the visitors, including the kick-pass now seen in the higher echelons, meant that Trinity had to respond well.  This they did with Ben Telfer fielding well in defence, a turnover by Quinn Singh, a strong carry by Alex Willis and a crunching tackle and turnover by Olly Hubbard. Having weathered this early storm Trinity now went on the offensive and won a penalty in front which Telfer slotted confidently after 6 minutes.  Ben Vaillant came on for the injured Willis.  On 12 minutes Eastbourne tied the scores with a penalty.  Telfer’s high kick off was well contested and forced a knock-on. Then a penalty for a deliberate knock-on gave the hosts the opportunity to take a scrum and quick ball had Eastbourne defending their line.  Another penalty was tapped by Farooq Agbalaya and he crossed for the first try, converted by Telfer.  10-3 after 18.

Eastbourne then had a period of dominance but good defence with Hubbard everywhere saw them off.  Trinity attacked again and seemed to have scored through David Williams, but the try was disallowed for an infringement by a supporting player. The contest was fierce with both sides going at it. Eastbourne’s No.8 Jeremy Montez made several threatening runs and showed great versatility, but he was well shepherded by the home defence.  In the line out Williams took good ball and then Farooq spoiled the visitor’s line out and his brother Fuad made a powerful run through the middle.  An injury to an Eastbourne player meant a delay and, on the resumption, Trinity won a good scrum.  Scrum half Rhys Gormley, who had a busy and efficient afternoon made a break, chipped through and was unlucky not to go all the way. Mids kept on the pressure and forced a 5-metre scrum.  From this the ball was moved smartly left and patient quality interplay was finished off with a try by Telfer. Trinity led 15-3 after 32 minutes. Eastbourne came again and won a penalty which they ran.  Hubbard was carded for tackling the runner and the visitors reduced the arrears with a good kick.  15-10. Another excellent high kick-off by Telfer was athletically fielded by Farookh, Eastbourne were penalised, and Telfer coolly kicked the goal.  As half time neared Trinity relaxed and were punished as Eastbourne created space and ran in a try to leave the interval score 18-15 to Trinity,

Trinity dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half and should have wrapped things up with the number of chances they created. There were several passages of excellent handling and support but frantic efforts and a lack of patience on Mids’, part let Eastbourne off the hook. Hubbard was over but called back, several close penalties yielded nothing and breaks by Josh Joubert and Singh looked certain to produce but lacked finish. Luke Joubert produced a mazy run which set up a golden chance, but the ball was knocked on on the line. Eventually Eastbourne broke the siege and sped downfield. A late tackle gave them a penalty which they kicked to the corner and finished well from the line out. A magnificent kick from Jake Howe added the extras and the visitors had gained the lead at 22-18 on 57 minutes against the run of play.

They now built on this with more assaults on the home line, but the Trinity defence was up to it. A turnover by Williams stemmed a dangerous sally and then Telfer fielded a high kick, sidestepped his man and raced down the right wing to set up a good opportunity.  Trinity then went through the phases efficiently and set up for an excellent team try through Josh Joubert. Telfer converted. They were not going to relinquish their grip this time and, though Eastbourne pressed hard, Trinity gave no quarter. Tom Wilcox put in his usual shift, carrying and tackling well.   Adam Sheehy, who had come on for Luke Joubert, hacked a loose ball through, chased well and made sure to secure the ball, and from this position Singh scored.  Telfer converted and there was breathing space in the 10-point lead. Ty Williams put in some good hits and was alert in support.  Coach Matt Higgins will be pleased with the way Trinity kept up their determination to close out the match. Despite a yellow card for Tom Wilcox for a high tackle, strong tackling by Williams, Fuad, and Archie McMillan as well as determined carries from Singh and Gormley ensured that Eastbourne were denied further opportunities.

This was a fine team performance and Trinity were fortunate indeed to have strength on the bench with Ali Hall able to continue the good work of David Hoffmann and Lewis Chin -You in a dominant scrum and the versatile Ben Vaillant giving his usual 100% in the thick of things.

MATCH REPORT BY GERRY MURPHY
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