Chinnor know they’ll be up against it taking on League leaders Ealing Trailfinders on Friday evening but as ever will be looking to put on a performance against the outstanding team in the Championship.
Having accumulated 46 points from their first 10 fixtures the visitors are on course to notch a century of points this season, which is a superb feat considering there’s only 22 games. Ealing will be desperately hoping to extend their season later in the spring with a potential play off against the bottom team of the Premiership. Most neutral observers would be supporting them to succeed as a reward for sustained excellence over many years and to break down the cartel of self interest.
Surprisingly Ealing suffered an early reverse against Doncaster and very nearly lost away to Pirates but ever since have been on a devastating run of form as they have forged a very powerful squad, being able to successfully mould new, young signings with existing players of international quality stars, such as star scrum half Lloyd Williams. ( Sorry Hamps I couldn’t resist it!)

Chinnor have benefited significantly over the years with our relationship with Ealing especially with loan players and full time signings, of course our totemic skipper Willie Ryan first appeared for Chinnor when on loan, a game against Rams where he broke his shoulder. Over the years many more Ealing players have represented Chinnor with pride and excellence on the pitch, including the 3 Georges this year alone Shaw, Irvine and Worboys. Cam Terry and Elliot Chilvers will potentially play against their old mates on Friday. Chinnor have benefited immensely from signing ex Ealing players who bring hard nosed professionalism and winning mentality, not to mention real quality in Alun Walker, a real Ealing legend, Bourts and Carts.

We last played Ealing in the 2008/9 season when an unforgettable performance from Chinnor that day ending in a 20-13 win against the high flyers on National League 2. An incredible try from Kiwi full back and Polymath Chris Mahony sealed the victory.

And a word for starting Ealing 9 Craig Hampson who has played such an integral role in our success over the last few seasons. He still performs at the highest level on the field but his dedication and focus on improving standards at Chinnor is superb. It will be fascinating to see him and Carts go head to head tonight, with bragging rights on the line they’ll be focused on the one to one.