Ealing 36 - Shelford 15 

Shelford were taught a lesson in playing expansive rugby at pace, as they visited the Trailfinders Rugby Ground, home of Ealing rugby club. Ultimately, Shelford were unable to remain competitive with a side who play enterprising rugby, contain strike runners throughout the side and who many fancy to finish towards the top of the table at the business end of the season.  

Shelford were slow out of the blocks and conceded two early penalties through the boot of homeside marksman, Ben Ward. Shelford responded positively and mounted several powerful attacks down the left flank with Birkby crossing for a converted try, giving the Peacock's an early lead. Ealing seized back the lead immediately, as homeside bolter Richards gathered the restart and outsprinted the Shelford defence for a fine individual score. Further defensive frailties by the Shelford outfit allowed Essien to cross the whitewash from a close tap penalty.

Gough and Ward traded further penalties and the hosts took a slender 16 - 10 lead into half time. With the slope and wind in their favour, Ealing were a different animal in the second half and, allowed space and time by a tiring Shelford outfit, they crossed the line for three further tries. Chesters, Hodgkinson and Young all crossed for the home side, with the pick being a length of the field move that culminated with Hodgkinson dotting down under the posts. Shelford bulldozer, Lea, grabbed a consolation score for the visitors, but the day belonged to the polished and well-drilled Ealing side, who continued their strong start to the season.