Woodford 2nd XV 27 Chelmsford 2nd XV 34

With no game for a month, Chelmsford 2nd XV travelled to Woodford in the 2nd XV Challenge Cup. Having played the opposition twice in the league, Chelmsford knew they were going to be in for a hard competitive game. This certainly proved to be the case.

With traffic heavy and the underground on a 'go slow', the kick off was delayed for 10 minutes. This didn't seem to worry Chelmsford however as they started like a train. Eze drove over with power and strength for the first try. A second score saw the ball stolen by Allway at the lineout, some great off loading found Fage in midfield and Ross Toomey sped over to make the score - Woodford 0 Chelmsford 12.

Woodford however, with the balcony in full voice, would not lie down and scored a well worked try after keeping the ball for a number of phases. With a contrast in styles now apparent, Woodford were trying to take the game on upfront while Chelmsford were keen to find wingers Gadd and Charlie Sims.

A try a piece before half time saw Eze score his second and Woodford score another unconverted try. Woodford 10 Chelmsford 19. The game was in the balance and the half time discussion was about scoring the next try to quieten the crowd.

Chelmsford did exactly that as Baya pounced on a loose ball to score and Gadd showed his pace and agility to touch down on the left wing. At this stage in the game the balcony dispersed to the bar and Chelmsford looked in full control. Woodford 10 Chelmsford 31.

With the game now in the final quarter Woodford refused to lie down and with the conditions suiting their pack the score was closer than it should have been. A penalty from Jefferson put the touchline at easy making the final score Woodford 27 Chelmsford 34. A home tie versus Thurrock awaits for the Blueboys on 23rd March 2024.

Squad - Forwards - Ugo Eze, George Moorcroft, Dave Ball, Alex Gardner, Liam Fage, Pete Baya, Jack Sims, Harrison Thomas. Backs - Tom Allway, Matt Jefferson, James Gadd, Ash Toomey, Ross Toomey, Charlie Sims, Justin Young. Finishers - Jamie Calver, Dan Trinder Hunt, Alex Ellis, Henry Payne, Saulge Hubert, Ollie George, Jonathan Cubit.