On a COVID stricken Saturday where most of the rugby in the country seemed to be cancelled, a little slice of virus free action took place between Chelmsford 3rd XV and Campion 2nd XV at Coronation Park. The pitch was muddy but spirits were high as the Colts side of the 2019/20 season took the field with some Chelmsford Vets.

The visitors started well with some strong running and tactical kicking playing down the slope. The Chelmsford team looked a little rusty as some boys had not been playing university rugby but the scrummage looked solid. The whole of the pack were colts of the 2019/20 season except Sam Farrow, brother of Ben. All looked taller, stronger and fitter than two years ago!

A new half back partnership of Angus Fraser White and Toby Warren were starting to find their range and Max Findley was looking particularly dangerous in the centre. The ball seemed to be drawn towards Aidan Turner Wallace on the wing but good Campion defence stopped many yards being made.

After building some pressure in the 'red zone' Campion took a deserved lead with their full back scoring a well worked try. Unconverted Campion took a 5-0 lead and despite near efforts from both sides this remained the half time score. Chelmsford 3rd XV 0 Campion 2nd XV 5.

The second half kicked off with Chelmsford needing to reduce the handling errors and play in the last third of the pitch. The scores were levelled after 20 minutes with the best try of the game being scored. The Chelmsford backs carried on throwing the ball around and from within their own 22, Findley found Rice who quickly passed to Whipps who then gave Kelly a 20 yard gallop to the line. Chelmsford 3rd XV 5 Campion 2nd XV 5.

The home side were starting to turn the screw as Warren found touch in the corner on the 'car park' side of the pitch. A catch and drive saw pressure on the Campion line and eventually Findley crashed over in the centre. Moss converted with 10 minutes to play.

The result was certainly in the balance at this as both sides started to tire on the heavy pitch. The referee kept good authority and as the clock wound down the final play saw a scrum with a Chelmsford put in. Moss frantically kicked the ball dead and the game was won.

Kev Blackmore, the clubs Director of Rugby had this to say “Firstly, to get this game on when so many games were called off today was a superb achievement. Thank you to Campion for fronting up so both clubs could finish the year with a great game of Rugby played in excellent spirit! Secondly, the plan to field a blend of students and a few vets has been worked on for several weeks now. Andy Barker has done a first-class job bringing this squad together and it was also great to see Simon Browne on the touchline, both back involved with a large number of the colts side from 2 seasons ago. Along with several other younger players this was a group that could well underpin the clubs push for league success in the years to come. There was so much talent on show and with some of our vintage vets also involved it was a great advert for club rugby at its best!”

Chelmsford 3rd XV 12 Campion 2nd XV 5.

It's great when a plan comes together!. #theboysarebackintown

Squad:

Max Lynn (Loughborough University)
Joel Barker (University of Nottingham)
Charlie Rice (University of Surrey)
Sam Farrow (University of Warwick)
Leo Belloy (University of East Anglia)
Ben Farrow (University of Bath)
Ronan Kelly (University of Exeter)
Ray Kanyasa (Moulton College, Northampton)
Angus Fraser-White (Chelmsford RFC)
Toby Warren (University of Nottingham)
Lucas Whipps (University of Exeter)
Max Findley (University of Nottingham) - MOTM
Owen Richardson (Chelmsford Vet)
Aidan Turner-Wallace (University of Exeter)
Ollie George (Anglia Ruskin University/Chelmsford RFC)
Mike Moss (Chelmsford RFC)
Rhys Salmon (Loughborough University)
Rick Wild (Chelmsford Vet)
Steve Saffie (Chelmsford Vet)
Chris Seeley (Chelmsford Vet)