This was a disappointing result for Chelmsford, Eton Manor are looking for promotion and are a well organised team. They have several players who have played at a higher level and their talent showed throughout the game. Chelmsford had a number of key players unavailable, but this was not an excuse for their loss.

During the first half, Chelmsford had as much possession as their opposition but seldom showed a cutting edge The game. only went away from them in the final fifteen minutes of the second half when Manor scored four converted tries.

As has been the case in several of their defeats this year, Chelmsford started the game poorly, allowing three tries in the first quarter of the game. The first try followed a poor kick from defence, the second following a charge down, and the third a loose ball at the base scrum when the ball had been won. In all three tries the talented Eton Manor No 8 was involved. For the rest of the half Chelmsford were mainly resident in the Eton Manor half, they did score a good try when winger Jamie Gadd went in for a try in the corner, but much of their back play was very lateral and their forwards did not make good use of the ball in hand despite winning a good deal of ball in the set plays. Eton Manor on the other hand looked dangerous every time the forwards got their hands on the ball with their prop and second row making considerable ground, which allowed them to increase their lead with another try just before half time.

Half Time Chelmsford 5 Eton Manor 26

The second half again began with Chelmsford getting more than share of the ball, but there was no cutting edge. When Eton Manor got the ball, they always looked capable of scoring, with their hard running forwards not being brought down in the initial tackle. It was a half; Chelmsford will wish to learn from and plan to deal with this type of direct running forward play in the future.

Next week Chelmsford travel to Thurrock Kick Off 2pm

Match Report by Andy Green
Match Photos by Brian Purdy