Woodford 34 Chelmsford 1st XV Men 19

Playing second in the table Woodford, away from home was always going to be difficult. Chelmsford due to Christmas and the bad weather had not trained together outside for over three weeks. This was evident from the kick off when they looked heavy legged and unprepared for the game. Chelmsford were nineteen points down within the first fifteen minutes. For the rest of the game Chelmsford outscored their opposition, but it was too late, the damage was done.

From the kick off the Woodford forwards ran hard and straight at their opponents; they gained good ground as the tackling from Chelmsford’s defence was not as resolute as it is normally. This and the number of penalties given away allowed three tries to be conceded in quick time, the first following a penalty to the corner and a forward drive from the subsequent lineout, the second following a chip kick and the last by the Woodford flyhalf when he dummied and found a large hole in the Chelmsford defence. As the half continued, Chelmsford got more into the game and dominated the set scrum. Just before half time a smart scissors move with Jack Lavin put Lloyd Ellis in for a fine try under the post converted by Jamie Morrish.

Half Time Woodford 19 Chelmsford 7

Woodford increased their lead with a well worked try, when the ball was spread wide, although the initial ball carrier made considerable ground bursting through a number of tackles which set the try up. Chelmsford still tried play expansive rugby and exerted considerable pressure on the opposition, this lead to the forwards encamping in the Woodland 22metre area. Ben Cresswell drove over for a try and the forwards gained a deserved penalty try when Woodford illegally denied Chelmsford possession close to the line.

In between the tries Woodford hacked a dropped Chelmsford pass sixty metres for their speedy winger to drop on to and score. With Chelmsford straining to get the fourth try Woodford completed their scoring with a penalty in the last minute.

Next week Chelmsford play Holt at Coronation Park kick off 2.00pm

Kind thanks to Andy Green for the Match Report and Rob Evans for use of the match day photo (more photos are available via the Club Facebook page)