by James Dodd
STEVEN Shingler knows his Ealing Trailfinders side can do better despite beating former English and European champions Saracens in their Trailfinders Challenge Cup opener.
The former Scarlets and Cardiff Blues back signed for the London side for the start of the 2019/20 season after a short spell in France with Mont-de-Marsan.
Shingler put an emphasis on how his team will want to improve when the sides meet again.
“We actually came off the field thinking we could have done better. We think that’s the groups sort of feeling, always wanting to improve and get better,” said the former Wales u20.
“With covid, you go into the changing rooms, have a shower, and go home. The emotions of winning were it was just another day at the office really.
“But, a brilliant start for us in the cup. There are areas that we want to work on like every team.
After the uncertainty of the season for teams in the Greene King IPA Championship, the Swansea born player is grateful that the Trailfinders Challenge Cup was set up.
“Obviously it’s a privilege to be able to play rugby under the current climate we’re in at the moment,” said Shingler.
“With the news of this lockdown at least sport can continue. We’re fortunate enough that the owner could organise this cup competition – the Trailfinders Cup.”
In total, this competition sees Ealing Trailfinders, Saracens and Doncaster Knights all competing against eachother twice. The team with the most points after the six matches will be the winner.
Shingler, who is also the Assistant Coach at London Welsh, believed his team prepared well for the weakened Saracens team.
“We’ve had four preseason fixtures, won three out of four. A good win over Newcastle who’ve done well in the league (Gallagher Premiership).
“That gave us a little bit of internal confidence that we’re at a level which is competing in the Prem. That was one factor.
“We can’t really control what team they (Saracens) pick.
“They certainly had several internationals in their team. They will probably go with that team for the majority of the season.
“We had players, seven or 10 boys, out with injury. You can kind of say both teams are understrength. You can only play who’s in front of you. “
Alexa:
Show me a perfect kick 🎯
Outstanding from Shings 😍 pic.twitter.com/2Tq23iO4DP
— Ealing Trailfinders (@ealingtfrugby) January 25, 2021
On a personal note, Shingler was frustrated not to be involved in the famous win but enjoys the healthy competition between him and fellow fly half Craig Willis.
“We only used two subs. It was a game that was a little bit stop start, there wasn’t too many running metres.
“When the game is so tight – it was kind of one point in it the whole game – in them games you expect not to be used.
“Tactically it’s not like you need to chase a game or defend a lead. If you’re asked to go on and you haven’t touched the ball for 70 minutes since the warmup it can be hit or miss.
“You can either be rusty or completely fresh and game ready. The coach decided not to chuck me on.
“(I was) disappointed not to get on, you want to be involved, but tactically you understand it probably wasn’t a game for many subs.
“Craig Willis and I have played two games on, two games off for a while. If someone plays really well, they’ll keep their shirt and if they don’t, there’ll be a change.
“At the moment Craig is playing well and I’ve got to bide my time to get back into a winning team.”
Ealing Trailfinders next play this weekend at Castle Park when they travel to play Doncaster Knights.