Senior Men 1st XV - Norwich 30 Chelmsford 27

This was a disappointing result considering Chelmsford dominated long periods of the game and scored five tries to the oppositions three. Chelmsford never came to terms with the referee’s interpretation of the laws and gave away far too many penalties away, including five for high tackles which also brought about two yellow cards.

Chelmsford went behind after fifteen minutes following a penalty and a five metre lineout which was caught and driven over by the Norwich forwards for a converted try. Chelmsford then went on a three try scoring run. Excellent handling between both forwards and backs released Jamie Morrish for the first, then Kene Eze crashed over for the second, and Ben Cranwell then went over for a try following a counter attack. At this stage Chelmsford looked fully in control. Unfortunately Chelmsford gave further penalties away one of which was converted and just before half time Norwich broke away and the score was tied 17 to 17 at half time.

Chelmsford made a flying start to the second half, the ball was relayed quickly by scrum half Alex Hutchinson and Kene Eze was on the rampage with the ball in hand and also was making some crushing tackles. After some excellent handling, Rob Williams and James Gadd went over to score unconverted tries.

Norwich to their credit kept battling and a charged down kick was hacked forward and a cruel bounce for the Chelmsford defence allowed the Norwich winger to score a converted try. With five minutes to go, Norwich were awarded two further penalties which they duly converted to get their noses in front. As the season draws to a close, Chelmsford require two more wins in their last four games to guarantee a place in this league next year.

There is no game next week but the next game against Dagenham takes place at home on the 2nd March

Match Report - Andy Green
Photo Credit - Norwich RFC