1st Xv Men - Chelmsford RFC 24 Dagenham RFC 13

The conditions at Coronation Park on Saturday were dismal, the pitch was virtually waterlogged, but credit must be given to both teams and the referee for providing a noteworthy spectacle in front of a large group of spectators. Sadly, neither the 3rd XV game vs Southend RFC, nor the Ladies 1st XV Sunday fixture against Sudbury survived the weather so this was the only match to be played at Coronation Park this weekend.

This was an extremely important win for Chelmsford as it moved them to seventh place in the league and one more win this season should see them stay in this highly competitive league. Playing up the slope in the first half Chelmsford were pinned in their own territory for the first twenty minutes, giving away a penalty but defending soundly, Gradually Chelmsford started to gain ground through some good handling and determined running. The Chelmsford lineouts and scrums were secure throughout the game. When the ball was fed to Scott James, fifteen yards out from the Dagenham try line, it looked too far in the conditions to swerve, get momentum or bulldoze his way over through the thick mud, but he made the line for a converted try. Minutes later a well struck penalty by Jamie Morrish increased the lead only for Dagenham get their own penalty just before half time.

Half Time Chelmsford 10 Dagenham 6

Chelmsford played the conditions well in the second half, often putting the opposition under pressure in the scrum and ruck, gaining penalties and kicking well into the corners. Using these positions to set up forwards drives. Firstly Kene Eze showed his strength to score from a five metre lineout and then the reliable Will Cooper showed his strength by doing the same.

Dagenham to their credit continued to battle as the pitch cut up even further and they secured a hard fought converted try ten minutes before the end. Jamie Morrish an ever present in the side throughout the season passed the one hundred points mark for this year. Final Score Chelmsford RFC 24 Dagenham RFC 13.

There is no game next week.

Next game 16th March Saffren Walden at home kick off 3.00pm

Match Report by Andy Green
Picture Credit - Brian Purdy