Clean sweep for Yorkshire’s Championship rivals

The marauding No8 - back as captain yesterday after Chris Jones failed a late fitness test - was largely unplayable as he continually tore through winless Ealing Trailfinders, the home side easing to a 40-28 victory.

With elusive full-back Jonah Holmes in the mood, too, and 19-year-old scrum-half Max Green making an assured try-scoring debut, the hosts eventually sealed a third successive win to become the competition’s early leaders.

However, Bryan Redpath’s side - the only unbeaten club after just three rounds - did not have it all their own way against bottom-placed visitors who refused to capitulate in the second half.

Carnegie struggled in the set-piece for large periods and were twice down to 14 men with Burrows and Charlie Beech both sin-binned for professional fouls as they tried to ease mounting pressure.

They were grateful promoted Ealing’s kickers had such a poor afternoon with the boot as well, missing a potential 12 points.

Nevertheless, Carnegie - who host London Scottish on Saturday evening - had just too much class, illustrated by a succession of fine tries that secured a bonus point inside just 34 minutes.

Elsewhere, Rotherham Titans ensured their long trip south was worthwhile after coming away from Cornish Pirates with a 26-24 victory.

Tries from Jordan Davies and Joe Barker, combined with 10 points from the boot of Will Goodwin were enough to secure second win of the season for Mark Jones.

On Saturday, Doncaster Knights enjoyed a 31-27 win at home to Jersey to move up to third in the table.

Dougie Flockart contributed 16 points with the boot, including conversions for two tries from Latu Makaafi. Sam Edgerley also went over the line for the home side.

See The Yorkshire Post on Monday for full reports and reaction.