Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Podcast

The season is over, the kit has been packed away, the balls deflated, and bodies given the chance for a rest...so here we are looking back on a remarkable season for all three men's 1871 teams. We catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, club captain Toby Holt and first XV skipper Lewis Steadman to reflect on the past campaign. There are lots of highlights to look back on with pride, promotions, cup finals, new faces and some spectacular rugby. For now, we'll all take a break until it all kicks off again in September. Enjoy your summer and above all, #bleedgreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For club servant Danny Ford, a trophy has been a long time coming. A veteran of two final defeats and three semi-final losses, he finally got his mitts on some silverware when he led the thirds to victory in the MMT Vase by beating Old Actionians 26-24 thanks to some last-minute heroics. Danny tells us all about the match, who did what and when, and who came up with the big moments. We also discuss the second team's progression to the NW Middlesex Cup final, and look forward to a day of celebration at the club on Saturday when the thirds play their Merit Table semi-final, and the firsts get given the red carpet treatment at half-time on the pro team's Championship fixture. #BleedGreenSaturday 18 AprilEaling Trailfinders 3rd XV v Chiswick - 12.30 (H) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring has sprung, the clocks have changed, the evenings are lengthening, and Easter will soon be here. With this natural break, we hear from head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, who brings us up to date with the activities of the three teams and an exciting challenge on Good Friday. We find out how plans are going for next season, our first in level six, and who we can see coming in to help us adjust to the next level up. Phil also reveals what his Easter egg of choice is. Happy Easter and #bleedgreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a huge week for Ealing 1871. On Friday, under the Vallis Way lights, the first XV secured promotion to Regional 2 Thames after a 48-5 win over Hampstead gave the team the Counties 1 Middlesex title. To look back on that momentous night and the club's rise up the leagues, we bring in the man at the top, the man who lifted the trophy in quite an excitable fashion, Lewis Steadman. He tells us all about the match, what it means, who to thank, what the plan is now, and how important it is to buy your club dinner (Friday 15 May) ticket as soon as possible. There is still one more match, so all eyes are on this weekend's encounter. #BleedGreenSaturday 28 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v UCS (A) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long-time friend of the podcast, Pat Nash, joins us to talk through how a concussion has ruled him out for the rest of the season. He tells us what caused his concussion, how quickly the club's staff took care of him, where he is on the return to play protocol, and how concussion recovery has changed since he started playing. We also look ahead to a huge match for Ealing 1871 1st, the club dinner, tour, golf day and plenty of other things to sign up for. #BleedGreenFriday 20 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Hampstead (H) - 19.45Saturday 21 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v West London (A) - 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Uxbridge and Ickenham (H) - 12.30Sunday 22 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women 1st XV v Kilburn Cosmos (H) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Holt and Jacob Pepper join us for a catch-up after the weekend's club day, a day with all three teams in action.Toby fills us in on each team's progress, which includes promotion, cup runs, and title races, while Jacob brings us up to date on how the 1871 Women's team got on in their latest match.We also hear about plans for the end-of-season dinner, and why Friday 15 May should be inked in your diary now.#BleedGreenSaturday 14 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Old Actionans (A) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been too long between visits, so this Wednesday we headed to Vallis Way on a Wednesday night to catch up with the Ealing 1871 Women's team.The side has been growing exponentially, is running two teams, has welcomed players who thought their playing days were over, and those who wanted to try the sport for the first time.We find out all about their progress from club stalwart Eden Comins. We also meet one of their coaches from the professional ranks, Rachel Malcolm, Scotland's most capped captain, to find out how she became involved.#BleedGreenSunday 8 MarchEaling 1871 Women v Wimbledon (A) - 15.00Saturday 7 MarchEaling 1871 Men 1st XV v Wasps (H) - 14.00Ealing 1871 Men 2nd XV v Twickenham (H) - 14.00Ealing 1871 Men 3rd XV v Hanwell (H) - 13.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is club day this Saturday, and we chat to two of the players aiming to show their wares to Ealing 1871's fans - Jack Feeney and Will Day.Jack joins us fresh from helping the seconds earn promotion to Middlesex Premier with a 62-5 victory over Old Streetonians. He also tells us about life in New Zealand, and how spending three years there helped his game immensely.Then, Will Day joins us to look forward to the first XV's upcoming match against local rivals Wasps, and what it means to their season.#BleedGreenSaturday 7 MarchEaling 1871 1st XV v Wasps (H) - 14.00Ealing 1871 2nd XV v Twickenham (H) - 14.00Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Hanwell (H) - 13.30Sunday 8 MarchEaling 1871 Women v Wimbledon (A) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KavanFitzpatrick, a long-time member of the Ealing Trailfinders 1871 squad, second team vice-captain, and now a promotion chaser.The second XV are on the verge of winning promotion to Middlesex Premier, but need to overcome Old Streetonians at home to do so.The sides meet in a Friday Night's Light clash at Vallis Way with promotion as the prize.Kav tells us all about the season so far, the players to look out for, and why he wasn't playing last weekend.#BleedGreenFriday 27 FebruaryEaling 1871 2nd XV v Old Streetonians (H) - 19.45Saturday 28 FebruaryEaling 1871 1st XV v Old Streetonians (A) - 14.00Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Whitton Lions (A) - 14.00Sunday 1 MarchEaling 1871 Women 2nd XV v Battersea Ironside 3rd XV (A) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the Ealing 1871 podcast. It was a quiet couple of weeks, but we return with another new face to the club, Cillian Corkery, who made his debut earlier this year against Finchley. We find out about this Wexford lad, who is settling into life in west London and bringing the skills he honed at the renowned Limerick side, Shannon RFC. We also look back on what's happened at the club over the past few weeks, what it was like to train with two figures from the professional side, and wonder if the rain will ever stop.#bleedgreenSaturday 14 FebruaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Old Haberdashers (A) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Old Priorians (H) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Northolt (A) - 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We headed to Vallis Way on a Saturday for a day where all three teams were in action, and while that didn't pan out as expected, with only the second team's match going ahead, it was still a memorable day for 1871.We hear from third team captain Danny Ford on what they got up to, and grab head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith for a few words on how he enjoyed the day, his lunch, and what is coming up this weekend.Now he's a wise old head, Danny is guiding a team made up of young hopefuls and old faces who can't say no to a run, and what a job he is doing. Here he tells us all about it.#BleedGreenBREAKING - Women's 2nd XV will play their first match, at home to Battersea Ironsides, Sunday 25 January at 15.00. Get down and give them a shout!ResultsSaturday 17 JanuaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Ruislip (H) Home Walk OverEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v London Cornish (H) 53-7Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Old Isleworthians (H) 25-20Sunday 18 JanuaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women 43-5 v BarnesFixturesSaturday 24 January Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Saracens Amateurs (H) 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v London Japanese (H) 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Finsbury Park 2nds (H) 14.00Sunday 25 January Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women 2nd XV v Battersea Ironsides (H) 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Steadman is our twinkle-toed outside back, who is a danger no matter where he is on the pitch. He is also as elusive off the pitch, so with a mixture of charm and determination, we've got him on the pod.We look back on the weekend's victory over Finchley, which pushed the first XV into top spot, and reflect on the growing depth at the club and its effect on our teams' results.There is also the chance to look forward to this weekend's action, with all three teams in action at Vallis Way on Saturday, preceded by a club lunch (book here)#BleedGreenSaturday 17 JanuaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Ruislip (H) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v London Cornish (H) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Old Isleworthians (H) - 14.00Sunday 18 JanuaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women v Barnes (H) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harrison Slater is first up in 2026, and he tells us all about his Christmas and New Year break, resisting the temptations on hand, and hitting the ground running with plenty of challenges ahead.This season, he has taken on the captaincy of the second team, and they are going great guns under his leadership. Fifteen points clear at the top of Middlesex Merit Table 1, can they keep that form going in 2026?#BleedGreenSaturday 10 JanuaryEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Finchley (H) - 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v London Welsh (A) - 13.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Chiswick (A) - 12.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is the time of year we take a breather, take stock and celebrate the festivities. Christmas and New Year mean no rugby for the next few weeks, and a chance for the lads to show their discipline by not overdoing the food and drink. To round up a fantastic 2025, we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to look back on a year which ended with all four 1871 teams winning before heading off for the Twelve Pubs of Ealing.We talk players, matches, what he wants in his stocking (Ealing Trailfinders 1871 pyjamas), and what we can look forward to when it starts in the new year. Merry Christmas and Bleed Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan Jones is slowly making his way back to full fitness, but at the same time, he's learning a new role, having been shoved out of the second row engine room, into the back row. He is someone who can't stay away from the club after his rugby-playing father dragged him down when he was about 11. While he disappeared down the M4 to Bristol for university, he soon made it his destination of choice on a Saturday once he graduated. We catch up as Aidan tells us all about the recent success on the field, his journey with the club, and how much planning went into the 12 pubs of Christmas.#BleedGreenSaturday 13 DecemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 Men's 1st XV v Chiswick (A) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Men's 2nd XV v Grasshoppers (A) 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Men's 3rd XV v Belsize Park (H) 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women v Kilburn Cosmos (A) 12.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Mulvihill may not have been the first person in his household to attend training at Vallis Way, but he is certainly glad that he followed his girlfriend, who had signed up with Ealing 1871 Women's 'Learn to Play' course and told him to get his boots back on. After a year out of the game, he came down to training and hasn't looked back since. The Dubliner quickly found his stride, and he is now a firm fixture in the second team, with a cameo or two in the first team as well. We discuss the differences between Irish and English club rugby, West London's rivalries, and how he's adjusting to life in London. #BleedGreenSaturday 29 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Wasps (A) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Ruislip (A) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Hanwell (A) - 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes you have to scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find gold, and that is what happened in this week's episode with third team stalwart Callum Neal. We cover a range of topics, from what representing Ealing Trailfinders 1871 means to him, to growing up across La Manche, to handling pieces of rock and roll history, to finding a new flatmate on the field of play, to captaining the side under the Friday night lights. What brought him to the club, and what keeps him here. Find out in this enthralling episode. #BleedGreenSaturday 22 November Ealing 1871 1st XV v Old Streetonians (H) - 15.00Ealing 1871 2nd XV v Rosslyn Park Bs (H) - 14.00Ealing 1871 3rd XV v HAC (H) - 14.00Sunday 23 NovemberEaling 1871 Women v Wimbledon (H) - 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marquis Daly-Vidal is a young man who is making his mark with Ealing Trailfinders 1871, and it has taken his game to new heights.He recently made his Jamaica under-23 debut from the bench against Gibraltar, an experience he loved, especially after helping set up a try. Marquis tells us all about the experience, when he's next in action for Jamaica, and the possibility of matches in warmer climes. #BleedGreenFriday 14 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v UCS (H) 19.45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerint Price is back on the field and loving life, but we're talking to him about his work off it, specifically in the realm of mental health.G is one of Ealing 1871's looseheadz, an ambassador for the charity Looseheadz, who train people to be the mental health lead at every club.He talks through how he became involved, what the role entails, how he's smiling now that he's over his rib injury, and what his quiz specialist subject is.#BleedGreenCLUB QUIZ - Trailfinders Sports Club, Saturday 8 November, 19.00Friday 7 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Northold (H) - 19.45Saturday 8 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Old Haberdasher (H) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Old Priorian (A) - 14.15Sunday 9 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women v Teddington Antlers (A) - 14.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has taken a while, but finally Dave Vater has reached his half-century, and he's holding his bat in the air and saluting the crowd.Chiswick RFC was the venue for such a major achievement, and he marked it in style, with a true second-row try.We find out where it all started, why he joined Ealing 1871, and how he hopes his next 50 appearances don't take as long to arrive.#BleedGreenSaturday 1 NovemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nds v London Japanese (A) 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds v Finsbury Park (A - at Enfield Ignatians) 14.00Quiz Night - 19.00, Saturday 8 November, Trailfinders Sports Ground Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is a sad day at Ealing Trailfinders 1871 as we say a 'see you later' to a long-time servant of the club, Alex Kritikos, who will soon be moving to Portugal. Alex has been at the club as a man and boy, and while opposition flyhalves can rest easy that their ribs may stay intact a little longer, we'll miss him. But, didn't he sign off in style, with a hat-trick of tries in the win over London Cornish? We talk about the match, the farewell drinks that followed, and what life will look like for him on the Portuguese coast. We'll miss you Al, but see you around. #BleedGreenSaturday 25 OctoberEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nds v Rosslyn Park 4th (H) 12.15Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds v HAC (A) 12.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Emerson, one of the new boys, who juggles his degree with running out every weekend. It has been a case of so far, so good for the former Leicester Tigers academy player, who has shown his class in the number 12 jersey. He tells us why it's second time lucky at Vallis Way, the secrets of East Midlands rugby, and why he won't be turned into a flanker. #BleedGreenSaturday 18 OctoberEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Saracens (A) - Hybrid match - 13.30Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v London Cornish (A) - 14.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Old Isleworthians (A) - 14.00Sunday 19 OctoberEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women v Belsize Park (H) - 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Dawes has made a big impression in his short time at Vallis Way. This September, he was fresh off the plane from Australia and straight onto the pitch, but he had already made an impression with an exclusive unveiling with Pat Nash during the Lions tour. We talk over where he's played, how he's enjoying life in W13, why he left Australia for rainy England, and how much he knows about the club's rivalries. #BleedGreenSaturday 11 OctoberEaling Trailfinders 871 ist XV v Ruislip (A) 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Holt. He arrived as a boy and is now the man leading the squad as club captain, but where is he on the teamsheet? We get to the bottom of his absence, find out about his dalliance with the Black Ferns, and when he will be back on the pitch. #BleedGreenFriday 3 OctoberEaling 1871 3rd XV v Chiswick (H) 19.30Saturday 4 OctoberEaling 1871 1st XV v Finchley (A) 15.00Sunday 5 OctoberEaling 1871 Women v Barnes (A) 14.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Smith and Christina Williams are two of the stars of Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women. Jess is a long-time member of the club, while Christina is new to the sport, having joined and come through the Learn to Play programme over pre-season. Christina made her debut in the opening match of the season against Grasshoppers, a match Jess started on the flank. Despite the loss, they are now looking ahead to their next fixture, away to Barnes on 5 October. We find out about what Christina learned on the Learn to Play programme, how she's enjoying her new sport, and how the club has grown since Jess joined in the first wave. We also hear about the new Learn to Play programme starting in October. Oh, they also tell us about their two famous coaches who will be joining them once the Women's Rugby World Cup is done and dusted. #BleedGreenSaturday 27 SeptemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Grasshoppers (H) 13.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Actonians (H) 13.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas came early for Reggie Elliot-Jones after he was pushed backwards from the second row into the back row.It worked wonders as he put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 36-19 win over Chiswck, one of three wins from three for the 1871 teams.Reggie talks us through the likelihood of him running out in the back row again, how he's now part of the furniture, and the weekend matches to come.#BleedGreenSaturday 20 SeptemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV - Match v Hemel Hempstead - OFFEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v HAC 2nds (H) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Ickenham and Uxbridge (H) 15.00Sunday 21 SeptemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women v Grasshoppers (H) 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Francis has made quite the impact since he returned to the club at the end of last season, and he has started this season with a bang. He helped the 1st XV to a 110-0 win over UCS on opening day, scored a try, and even enjoyed a cameo in the centres. The big number eight first ran out at Vallis Way aged seven, but after enjoying the delights of the other clubs, he made the emotional return to his spiritual home. We look back on the opening match, forward to a full three-match weekend at Trailfinders on Saturday, and reminisce about his early days in green. #BleedGreenSaturday 13 SeptemberEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Chiswick, Vallis Way, 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v West London, Vallis Way, 13.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Harrow, Vallis Way, 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're counting down the minutes until the 2025-26 season starts, and to get us frothing in excitement for the season to come, we catch up with first XV skipper Lewis Steadman. It is his fourth season wearing the arm band, and he has a lot to build on with new teammates and last season's success fresh in the memory. We catch up with him to reflect on the joys of pre-season training and what sort of form we'll take into the new campaign.#BleedGreenSaturday 6 SeptemberEaling 1871 1st XV v UCS, Vallis Way, 15.00Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Harrow, Vallis Way, 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're on the eve of the 2025-26 season, and the Ealing 1871 squad is ready to explode out for a new campaign.The players have been grafting hard in pre-season, and we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to find out how it has gone, what we can look forward to in the coming season, and how last season's success sets us up for another memorable year.#BleedGreenSaturday 6 SeptemberEaling 1871 1st XV v UCS, Vallis Way, 15.00Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Harrow, Vallis Way, 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 signalled the end of a wildly successful 2024-25 season with their inaugural End of Season Club Awards Gala, a night that was as spectacular as some of their play this season. There was much to celebrate, awards and caps to dish out, and praise galore who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club continues to prosper and grow. We catch up with the men's and women's players, and those who make the club tick, to find out how their seasons have been. #BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother."Last Saturday, Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV stood tall, puffed out their chests, and declared, "This is our day."Indeed, it was, as a 28-24 win over Old Bristolians brought home their first piece of silverware in many a season, and celebrated in the same style in which they had played. We catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith and captain Lewis Steadman to look back on a day that will be etched in the club's history and talked about long after the heroes of the hour have hung up their boots. #BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finals fever is sweeping Ealing Trailfinders 1871 as the 1st XV count down the days before they face Old Bristolians in the Papa John's Cup Final. Phil 'Smudger' Smith has named his team, and coaches full of supporters are ready to sweep down the M4 to roar on their heroes in green and white. It is a team stuffed with experience and sprinkled with talented youth, so we catch up with one of Smudger's Young Guns, Theo Szweda, to preview the match, gauge the levels of excitement, and discuss how many of his family and friends will head west. #BleedGreenSaturday 17 MayEaling Trailfinders 1st XV v Old Bristolians, Dings Crusaders RFC (Bristol) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Semifinal fever has swept Ealing Trailfinders 1871 and Vallis Way, with the 1st XV set for a semifinal showdown against Weybridge Vandals in the Papa John's Trophy. Phil 'Smudger' Smith' will lead the green and white hordes down to Surrey where their opponents await at Cobham Rugby Club. We hear from Kyle Beck, who hopes to be among the called troops, but first, we catch up on what occurred in the quarterfinal on the Suffolk coast.#BleedGreenSaturday 10 MayEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st v Weybridge Vandals (Cobham RFC) - 15.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is a happy camp at Ealing Trailfinders 1871, and why not after the seconds lifted the club's first trophy in a while with a 43-17 victory over London Scottish Lions 2nds. Luke Beasley lifted the trophy, but as he was away recuperating, we hear from Danny O'Sullivan, who gives us a breakdown of what happened. We also hear from head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, who is taking the team to Southwold RFC in Suffolk for the latest round in the Papa John's Trophy. #BleedGreenFriday 02 MayEaling Exiles v UCFB (H) 19.45Saturday 03 MayEaling Trailfinders 1st XV v Southwold (A) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Break out the bunting, dust off the oversized rosette, Ealing 1871 have a cup final to look forward to. That's right, this Saturday, 1871 2nds will take on London Scottish Lions 2nds in the MT Bowl Final at Wasps FC on Twyford Avenue. To mark this momentous occasion, we chatted with skipper Luke Beasley to preview the match, reflect on the season, and discuss his pre-match preparations. It has been some time since an Ealing 1871 team was in a cup final, so get down to support the team and show the world we bleed green. Saturday 26 April - 14.00London Scottish Lions 2nd XV v Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XVWasps FC, Twyford Avenue, W3 9QA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's back, Phil 'Smudger' Smith joins us to look back over the 1st XVs' final league match of the season and reflect on the league season. Smudger brings us up to date on the goings on of the second and third XVs, and what action we can look forward to as the summer months kick in. There's a special shout out to a new fan, and the chance to stay up to date with the social calendar. Saturday 12 April Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Hampstead 2nds (A) 15.00Sunday 13 AprilEaling Trailfinders 1871 Women v Staines (H) 14.00#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friend of the pod Tim Hitchcock returns by popular demand to look forward to the business end of the season. First comes the final match of the season away to Cheshunt, and then come the summer socials that Tim will take a controlling hand in. We talk play-offs, student union bar prices, friendly cricket matches, and karaoke song choices. Saturday 5 AprilEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Cheshunt (A) - 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women v Ampthill (A) - 13.15Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Quintin (A) - 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Old Actonian (A) - 15.00#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calum Jones can barely remember life away from Ealing Trailfinders, and while work keeps him away more than he likes, when he's available, he's all in. He's been coming to Vallis Way since he was six, and even while away at university, it was his first port of call when home. We hear what major government project is keeping him away, what the club means to him, and enjoy a brief cameo from coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith. Saturday 29 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 2nds v Hackney 2nds (H) 13.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd v Harrow 2nds 13.00#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Akeem Eubank Anderson, an Ealing lad and a product of the club. He's been and gone to see the rugby world but is now back to share his experiences at Vallis Way. A prop forward who loves his role so much that he wears his scrum cap after training, someone who has trained with a World Cup winner, and someone who starred down Welsh Valley rugby and gave as good as he gets. He tells us about his rugby story (so far), what Ealing Trailfinders means to him, and what the next few months could mean for the club. Saturday 23 MarchEaling 1871 1sts v Old StreetoniansEaling 1871 2nds v QuintinEaling 1871 3rds v IckenhamSunday 24 MarchEaling 1871 Women v Staines (A) 14.00#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's back! Tinged golden from the sun of south and south-east Asia, and still flowing in the wind as its owner charges around the paddock. The mullet has returned. Harry Reed touched down two weeks ago after five and a half months exploring the world, and within a fortnight he was back in the 1st XV and helping the team to victory over Hitchin. We talk about his return and performance, wandering the highways and byways of Thailand, and most importantly what he has on his pancakes. Saturday 8 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Fullerians (H) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Grasshoppers (H) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v Thamesians (H) 14.00 Sunday 9 March Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women v Tabard 15.00 (H)#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harrison Slater, joined the club as a boy and now he's a 100-cap man, and didn't he do it in style!Having first worn the green and white at five years of age in the rugby rats section, and passed through the minis, youth and academy, he has now racked up 100 appearances for the men's section and has the tie to prove it. Harrison's 100th (officially) match ended perfectly with him kicking the winning penalty four minutes from time to give the second XV another win as they moved up the table. He tells us about the match, what the club means to him, and what we can expect as the season comes to a close.Saturday 1 MarchEaling Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Hitchin (A) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Twickenham (A) 15.00Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v UCS (A) 15.00#BleedGreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Ford, third team captain and long-time club servant, joins us to look at how the team has been going this season.We talk results, playing in the mud, the new wave of players, and how this season has become very much a family affair. #BleedgreenSaturday 22 FebruaryEaling Trailfinders 2nd XV v Finchley (H) 14.30 Sunday 23 February Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women v Barnes (A) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When skipper Lewis Steadman was injured, Ryan Conyard stepped up and led the team to a 90-point win on a memorable day for the first-time captain. It continued the team's good run in January and ensured that for two straight weeks, the firsts and seconds enjoyed victories. We look back on those wins, talk about captaincy and how much Ryan likes life at inside-centre. #BleedGreenSaturday 8 FebruaryEaling 1871 1sts v Welyn (A) 14.30Ealing 1871 3rds v Finsbury Park (H) 13.00Sunday 9 FebruaryEaling 1871 Women v Aylesbury (H) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Beasley has one of the most important roles at the club. As second XV captain, he is responsible for ensuring his players keep the first XV on their toes, making sure they are ready to step up, and bringing up players who have impressed for the third XV.It is onerous, but he's loving it, especially as the team are beginning to fulfil their potential after a slow start to the season. More recently they had the only win of the past weekend, and Luke looks back on that win, his anointment as second XV captain, his move to hooker, and forward to a weekend when all three teams head east.#BleedGreenSaturday 25 January1st XV v Old Streetonians (A) - 14.002nd XV v Hackney (A) - 14.003rd XV v Old Streetonians (A) - 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Day has been with the club since he was eight years of age, and he is now a huge part of the 1871 men's squad, and aiming to help the team to new heights. Not only is the number 8 chasing folk down on the pitch, but he does all that while juggling his job as a construction manager while gaining his degree. He came through the Academy with a few other familiar names, and while he usually wears eight, find out why he'd prefer to wear seven, where else he's played, and how much his involvement with the Academy continues to help him today. #BleedGreenSaturday 18 January1st XV v Brunel (A) 14.002nd XV v London Japanese (H) 12.003rd XV v OAs (H) 14.00Sunday 19 January Ealing 1871 Women v Oxford Harlequins (H) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Gordon is loving life in London. The Liverpool native is down in London for work, and his short time with Ealing 1871 is going swimmingly. He has settled into life at Vallis Way, and put in some impressive performances at centre and fullback.We look back on the big win before Christmas, the three home matches coming this weekend, and what his specialist subject will be at the club quiz night. #BleedGreenSaturday 11 January1st XV v Hackney (15.00)2nd XV v Finchley (14.00)3rd XV v Belsize Park (14.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's back...Harry Vidler, a friend of the pod and match winner in the latest 1st XV victory, away to Finchley.The fly-half, and sometimes team captain, reflects on what he claims is "the best team performance since I've been at Ealing," and describes how the team fought back in heavy conditions.Harry also looks forward to the final match of the season, which will be played at home to Chiswick under the lights at Vallis Way on Friday.#BleedGreenFriday 20 DecemberEaling 1871 1t XV v Chiswick (H) 19.45 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gereint Price, a first-teamer, local lad, and someone who is hugely refreshed after having a weekend off when Storm Darragh struck. We look back on his time at Vallis Way, well briefly as it covers 20 years, and look forward to the final two matches before Christmas, starting this Saturday when the first XV travel to Finchley. We also look forward to the highlight of the Christmas calendar and the 12 Pubs Of Ealing. Can young Pricey name them all? #BleedGreenSaturday 14 December1st XV v Finchely (A) 14.003rd XV v Ickenham (A) 14.00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Call him the prodigal son, call him the returning hero, or just call him Pat. Whatever you call him, Pat Nash has returned to his spiritual home and he couldn't be happier. His boots have less mud on, his golf clubs are packed away (well, in his boot) and he is smiling to be back among the troops at Vallis Way, after 11 months up the A40, and up a division with Amersham. He's already up to speed with the new calls, the new style, and the new faces, and is now champing at the bit to pull on the green and white shirt again. #BleedGreenSaturday 7 DecemberEaling 1871 1sts v Old Streetonians (A)Ealing 1871 2nds v Quintin (A) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Holt, a boy when he joined the club, is now a man with serious responsibilities. Having been named club captain over pre-season, the one-time enfant terrible explains what the role entails, what he wants to bring as club captain, and how the players' committee are helping him out. We also look back on a dogged win on the road, and the ramifications as we turn our attention to the run-in to Christmas.#BleedGreenSaturday 30 NovemberEaling 1871 2nds v Hanwell (A) - 14.00Ealing 1871 3rds v UCS (H) - 13.30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.