Chelmsford secured a valuable win on Saturday against Holt, a win which has moved them further up the league and away from the relegation zone. Holt, who were newly promoted last season, had given Chelmsford their biggest defeat of the season in the away fixture and were stern opposition through out the game. Playing up the slope in the first half Chelmsford were under pressure for the first twenty minutes, with Holt relaying the ball and some desperate tackling required by the Chelmsford defence. Holt took the lead when some very good back play released their winger to score an excellent converted try. As the half progressed the Chelmsford took the ascendancy in the forwards and more ball was released to the backs. From such a move the ball was transferred wide to Jamie Ash who went around the opposition to score an unconverted try. Throughout the game Chelmsford were excellent at containing the high ball kicks, with Holt not gaining the ground and advantage they may have expected, particularly playing down the slope. Ash who has been unavailable for a number of weeks, scored one of the tries of the season when he took a high kick running back to his own line with several defenders bearing down on him. He jinked and left them flat footed, before taking off on fifty yard run to score superb try well converted by Jamie Morrish.

Chelmsford defended well to secure the lead at half time Half Time Chelmsford 12 Holt 10

Chelmsford went further ahead early in the second half when their forwards who were now getting the upper hand released Jack Acorn for a converted try. Holt’s heads never went down and they replied with a try made by their forwards. It was now tit for tat and following powerful forward play, the scrum pushed over the line for Ben Cranwell to score a converted try. Holt reduced the deficit with a well stuck penalty, before Jamie Morrish battled over following excellent driving forward by the forwards. Chelmsford may have thought the game was over but Holt battled on scoring their fourth try securing two bonus points.

This was a fine win but Chelmsford have difficult games coming up with the visit next week to Coronation Park of Eton Manor who are presently second in the league.

Match Report by Andy Green
Photos kindly shared by Brian Purdy