Chelmsford RFC 45 Norwich 31

This was a totally enthralling game, at half time after playing with the slope and wind Chelmsford were only four points ahead and it looked unlikely a win for Chelmsford was possible. An excellent second half performance with Jack Lavin and Jamie Morrish excelling, allowed for a comfortable win despite Chelmsford finishing the game with twelve men on the pitch, due to yellow cards being awarded against them.
As has been the case on a number of occasions this Chelmsford made a slow start and were 7 nil down within five minutes when a grubber kick beat the defence and a try was scored under the posts. Chelmsford rediscovered their composure and started to dominate the opposition especially in the scrum, pushing them back and disrupting Norwich ball. Ball was plentiful and tries were scored by Lavin, Morrish and Jack Acorn. Morrish converted these three tries, and two more in the second half. Chelmsford let Norwich back into the game with the opposition scoring a try following a forward drive and by kicking a penalty with the last action of the first half.

Half Time Score; Chelmsford 21 Norwich 17

Despite playing against the wind and up the slope Chelmsford largely dominated proceedings in the second half. They tackled fiercely and often overturned possession in the ruck and tackle. They scored three tries without reply. Morrish and Lavin scored further tries and Joel Barker playing his best game for the 1st XV sprinted in from thirty metres to score a well taken try. The game was not over, however, and Norwich came back into the game and gave Chelmsford a scare by scoring two converted tries. Chelmsford were not finished and after some sustained pressure Kene Eze went over to score the last try of the game

Chelmsford travel to newly promoted Dagenham on Saturday k.o.2.30

Match Report by Andy Green
Photos kindly provided by Brian Purdy.