Yorkshire Carnegie: Carnegie make ideal start to campaign

Bryan Redpath was keen for his side to immediately make their mark in the competition and they did just that with a solid performance.

Full-back Stevie McColl scored a try on his second ‘debut’ for the club after he re-joined from Gloucester and there was also efforts from Dean Schofield and Pete Lucock.

Redpath, who gave debuts to seven of the club’s new signings, said: ““I was delighted with the performance, particularly in the second half.

“I thought in the first we left two or three opportunities out there and had some issues around the set-piece to create more pressure.

“But to come away with a bonus point win in the wet conditions away from home I think was a good start.

“The second half was a stronger performance, too, and more controlled than we were previously.”

McColl crossed early on in response to Luke Daniels’ first penalty on three minute.

Carnegie were reduced to 14 men after 20 minutes when Joe Munroe broke and rounded McColl.

Jonah Holmes got back to drag him down but referee Darren Gamage ruled he then made a professional foul.

Luke Daniels slotted the three points but Carnegie dealt with the disadvantage well.

Alex Davies responded with a penalty and, when Holmes returned, soon after veteran lock Schofield dived over for their second try.

Davies converted before Ealing scored with a try from Harris Davies in the 39th minute, Daniels converting.

Lucock immediately got his effort but Davies was unable to convert so they led 20-13 at the break.

As rainy conditions got worse in the second period, McColl saw a drop goal effort fall short.

Indeed, there was no scoring until Joe Ford, having signed for the club a third time, slotted a 70th minute penalty.

After sustained pressure, his side were then awarded a penalty try in the 79th minute when hooker Phil Nilsen was stopped illegally stretching for the line.

Ford improved and Carnegie now move on to Sunday’s home game with Nottingham.

Ealing Trailfinders: Daniels; Crane, Cordy-Redden, Munro, Wilson; Bentley, Walker; Lancuba, Lawrence, Thiede, C Jones, Casson, Ryan, Grieve, Bright. Replacement: Ellis, Davis, Penny, Lleweyn Jones, Lewis Jones, Carter, Ward.

Yorkshire Carnegie: McColl; Stegmann, Forsyth, Lucock, Holmes; Ford, Davies; Beech, Nilsen, Parker, Schofield, Sanderson, Stedman, Mayhew, Burrows. Replacements: Poole, Imiolek, Smith, Beck, Saull, Green, Gray

Referee: Darren Gamage (RFU)