Played under sunny skies with a near-midday kick-off, conditions were testing, with both teams managing the heat through constant hydration, energy gels, and full use of rolling substitutions. The intensity never dipped, however, as two evenly matched sides delivered a final worthy of the occasion.

Chelmsford started brightly and dominated much of the early territory and possession, but were initially frustrated by Westcliff’s determined defence. The breakthrough finally came after 15 minutes with a well-executed scrum move in midfield. Number 8 Bobby picked from the base, following a dummy run from most of the backs line creating space, and with a superb offload to Charlie, who powered through several desperate tackles to score. Fly-half Jack added the extras for a 7–0 lead.

Momentum stayed with Chelmsford, and just two minutes later they struck again. Pressure from a midfield lineout disrupted the Westcliff backs, allowing Charlie to intercept and quickly release Seb on the wing, who sprinted clear to finish in the corner. At 12–0, Chelmsford looked poised to take control.

However, Westcliff responded with determination. A series of penalties deep in Chelmsford territory forced the Crusaders onto the back foot. What followed was an immense defensive effort, as Chelmsford repelled three successive 5-metre tap penalties with outstanding goal-line work, driving Westcliff backwards and eventually clearing their lines.

Discipline soon became a challenge, with penalties mounting and territory conceded. Westcliff repeatedly kicked to the corner, and the pressure eventually told. A deliberate knock-on in defence resulted in a yellow card, and shortly after, a second yellow—this time for holding on—reduced Chelmsford to 13 players for the final five minutes of the half.

Despite being two men down, Chelmsford showed tremendous resolve. Two excellent exit kicks relieved pressure and moved play back into the Westcliff half. But with the clock ticking down and Chelmsford pushing for another score, Westcliff turned defence into attack—ripping the ball free and running in a stunning try from their own 22 to narrow the gap to 12–5 at half-time.

Westcliff began the second half with renewed confidence, but Chelmsford struck almost immediately. An opportunistic interception from Charlie led to a brilliant near full-length try, restoring a two-score cushion at 17–5.

Yet again, Westcliff refused to back down. Chelmsford improved their discipline but continued to be penalised at the breakdown, often on their own ball, which handed momentum back to their opponents. After 15 minutes of sustained pressure, Westcliff finally broke through with slick handling out wide to make it 17–10.

The closing stages became a true test of nerve. Chelmsford came close to extending their lead with a clever chip through and later had a try held up over the line. Westcliff responded in kind, mounting a multi-phase attack that was also held up, before eventually finding their breakthrough.

With just five minutes remaining, Westcliff capitalised on a deep restart, combining quick offloads to score under the posts and level the match at 17–17.

Chelmsford immediately looked for a response, driving from the restart and setting up a drop-goal attempt that drifted narrowly wide. From the resulting 22-metre dropout, Westcliff kicked deep, but Jacob did brilliantly to keep the ball in play. Strong carries from James Y and a sharp pick-up from Leighton drove Chelmsford back into the Westcliff half, earning a crucial penalty with under two minutes to play.

From the resulting lineout inside the Westcliff 22, Chelmsford’s pack delivered under pressure. A clean take and powerful driving maul advanced deep into the 5-metre zone. With seconds remaining, a series of controlled phases set the platform for Jez, who crashed over under the posts. Captain Jack calmly slotted the conversion to give Chelmsford a decisive 24–17 lead.

There was still time for one final restart, but Seb safely gathered the ball before Owen kicked to touch to spark celebrations and confirm Chelmsford as champions.

After the match, Head Coach Mike praised both teams and reflected on the achievement:

⁠“To reach four Essex Youth Cup finals and win three of them has been beyond expectations. With last season’s and this season’s finals going to the wire against a well-matched Westcliff team, it’s been a brilliant spectacle and a fantastic showcase of Essex rugby.

⁠The boys showed true resilience and guts today, along with great sportsmanship and team spirit. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud.”

This was a final that had everything—skill, drama, and heart—and one that will live long in the memory for players, coaches, and supporters alike. Many of these boys have been together through minis, several since U6s (some since Little Scrummers before that) and so this has been a culmination of ten years development and friendship under the core rugby values. The club is very proud of their achievements.