The Joe Simpson Invitational XV took home the Ray Codd Memorial Cup for 2023 after a 29-26 win against an Ealing Trailfinders Academy XV in sodden conditions at Perivale.

Despite the weather, Team Joe got off to a perfect start - awarded a put-in in the Ealing 22, the ball was then spun out into the backs with Michael Simpson cutting a nice line to cross within the first minute of play. Full back James Booth couldn't convert but an early 5-0 lead was established.

Both sides were equal in their enterprise for running rugby and the quick, well organized Trailfinders gained momentum, slick hands seeing them and go over for their first points twelve minutes in, the ensuing kick successful to judge them 7-5 ahead.

With a clear order of Joue (when good territory was established, at least), Simpson's outfit hit straight back as Jack Dever made it try number two for the hosts following some excellent passing phases. Booth - unlucky not to slot first time round - put a sublime conversion through the posts for 12-7 after 15 minutes.

It wasn't long before Simpson made it a brace from a similarly well worked move to make it 17-7 (18', unconverted), the supremely experienced and skilful backline showcasing their credentials in front of a large crowd numbering in the hundreds.

With the weather turning increasingly abject, it did nothing to dull the attacking spirit, as ventures from deep became increasingly commonplace ; finding themselves in the Ealing 22 once more, second row David Haston found himself perfectly positioned to receive a pass that led to another Simpson XV score in the corner. Another good kick from Booth made it 24-7 with 26' played.

The scoreline didn't entirely reflect the balance of play and as such, a Trailfinders score on 29 minutes - fast paced and well worked - was deserved. Two more points were added for 24-14, which was how it remained as the teams headed in for the break.

Neither side were able to replicate their first half exploits, mostly due to lashing rain and a pitch that was rapidly cutting up. Even so, there was action at both ends.

Ari Goualin making a splash to get a fifth try for the Invitational XV (unable to convert his own kick) with 49' gone, becoming 29-14 - then a late salvo from Trailfinders, who arguably had more stamina in the last quarter. A penalty try for a somewhat cynical off the ball tackle - that may have warranted a yellow in different circumstances - ended the game, the final score 29-26 to Team Joe who lifted the trophy shortly after.

On balance, this was the correct result and was played in the right spirit, the up tempo nature of the game providing plenty of entertainment and a total of nine tries. More than this, it represents a marker in the career of Joe Simpson, one of the finest players in English rugby within the last two decades, coming full circle to take to the Perivale pitches once more.

The match was the last home game of the season, with only the Vets still competing for OPRFC.

JOE SIMPSON INVITATIONAL XV SCORERS

T : M Simpson 2, Dever, Haston, A Goualin

C : Booth 2