This game was played in temperatures above 30C and each half had a break half way through for water. Chelmsford played down the slope in the first half and for the first 15 minutes Brentwood hardly had a touch of the ball. The Chelmsford backs ran the ball well and Brentwood gave away many penalties which allowed Chelmsford to kick for position. From one such penalty Chelmsford camped close to Brentwood for several minutes before concerted forward pressure allowed Kene Eze to crash over for a try, well converted by Max Williams. As the half continued, Brentwood began to get more ball and put Chelmsford under pressure especially in the set scrums, the number of penalties being awarded against them also increased. It was no surprise when after 30 minutes play Brentwood scored, following a scrum under the Chelmsford posts
At his stage Chelmsford were giving away too many penalties and received two yellow cards. Brentwood were now playing well and stretching the Chelmsford defence and following excellent handling scored to take the lead with an unconverted try. Nevertheless, Chelmsford came back with a try for Kieran Reeve. Kieran had a particularly good game showing excellent pace and always made valuable ground with the ball in his hands.

Half Time. Chelmsford 12 Brentwood 12

The second half was always going to be difficult for Chelmsford up the slope. The Brentwood fly half kicked long whenever required pinning Chelmsford in their own 22 area. Chelmsford had difficulty defending lineouts close to their own line and two early tries by Brentwood came from this position.
Chelmsford took the choice to run the ball from any position, which can be a dangerous option and it proved to be on two occasions when they lost the ball close to their line and the Brentwood pack gathered and drove over. The Chelmsford’s heads, however, never went down and some outstanding handling and backing up allowed Jimmy Always and Ben Cranwell, playing his first game for the Chelmsford, to score the last two tries of the game. This provided Chelmsford with a welcome bonus point for scoring four tries.

Final Score Chelmsford 24 Brentwood 36

Next week will see Chelmsford travel to Stowmarket as they search for their first win of the 2023/24 season. Kick off 3.00pm.

Match Report by Andy Green (Club President)