The five-point defeat snapped Jersey’s five-match winning start to the new campaign as Harvey Biljon’s side suffered a close capital defeat.
After two league successes and three pre-season victories, Jersey went into the match in west London in confident mood, but a try from James Cordy-Redden in injury time meant they returned to the Island on the back of their first loss of the new campaign.
Biljon was pleased with his side’s performance and said the Reds can continue their good start to the season if they can beat Nottingham at St Peter on Friday night.
Biljon said: “It is disappointing because we lost but there was no lack of endeavour from the team. I am not disappointed with the players’ performances and their heart and desire.
“We still had opportunities at the end. The game was decided by a couple of decisions that did not go our way. I think we wanted to play, but could not get going. It was very stop-start. Maybe that was the referee.
“The players have got to put this behind them on focus on the next job. This was a very good Ealing team and they know what Championship rugby is all about. They are organised and they are a serious team.
“I think we defended very well. We wanted the game to flow, but it was always very stop-start. I think we have to put this behind us as soon as possible and concentrate on the positives from here. There were a few critical moments and we have to sharpen up. If we are going to improve as a team we have to address that.”
Biljon said his side were not affected by the match being played on an artificial 3D surface.
“There are no excuses. We are just three games into the season and two of those have been away from home. We have won two of them and now were have to look forward to Nottingham on Friday.”
A scrappy first half, often punctuated by the referee’s whistle, ended with the hosts 6-0 up through two Ben Ward penalties.
Jersey hit back after the break as Ross Adair burst through in midfield and Brendan Cope converted. Minutes later Jack Cuthbert scored in the corner but with the conversion missed it meant the scoreline was 6-12.
At that stage it looked as though the Reds would run away with the game and secure a first ever win at Ealing, but the Londoners responded in the 69th minute with a try by Joe Munro which was converted, leaving the Reds trailing by a point.
Cope kicked over another penalty to leave Biljon’s side ahead 13-15, but as their travelling support began to dream of a hat-trick of league wins, James Corey-Redden shrugged off serval attempted tackles to score and former Reds star Aaron Penberthy converted, making it 20-15.
Jersey almost snatched the lead again right at the death, only for Adair to drop the ball in a scoring position.
It was a painful finale for Biljon’s side, who will feel this was one victory that got away.