U15s Essex Cup Semi-final - Thurrock 8 Chelmsford 10

This game was a repeat of last year’s final which saw Chelmsford retain the Essex Cup for a second successive year. The game started very badly for the Chelmsford u15s with Thurrock scoring within 20 seconds of the start - the Chelmsford defence watching on as the ball was first run around the defence and then finished with a well-placed grubber. Thurrock 5 Chelmsford 0.

Chelmsford regrouped and replied with a well worked try 5 minutes later to take a 5-7 lead. Chelmsford’s continued to press but a number of frustrating errors with ball in hand while in the Thurrock 22 saw the boys waste 4 or 5 chances to extend the lead. Half time Thurrock 5 Chelmsford 7.

Chelmsford spent the next 30 minutes frantically defending their narrow lead. The boys were penalised no fewer than 17 times in the second half and as a result, simply holding on to the ball for more than a couple of phases proved a challenge. However, resilient defensive work from all the Chelmsford boys meant Thurrock never looked likely to cross the line. The hosts did take eventually the lead with a penalty to go 8-7 up but Chelmsford quickly countered with a rare penalty of their own to regain an 8-10 lead and see the game out.

The Chelmsford u15s now progress to a 3rd straight Essex Cup final where they will face a very strong Eton Manor side. After limping home in this game, the Chelmsford boys will know they very much have to raise their game if they are going to lift that trophy for a third straight time!