Blue Boys secure place in the final of the Senior Vase after convincing defeat of West Norfolk

Chelmsford, after three consecutive losses, bounced back to winning form on Saturday against a rugged and hardworking West Norfolk side. Playing down the slope, Chelmsford started the game at a high tempo, and after five minutes the ball was won by the forwards and released at speed along the backs to Ross Toomey on the wing, he had several defenders in front of him who were brushed aside but barged through for a fine try. The game was then fought in the middle of the pitch, the West Norfolk No8 gaining considerably on many carries of the ball. But throughout the game, the Chelmsford set scrum was in the ascendancy and they were generally in control in the lineouts. Chelmsford went further ahead following a penalty try being awarded, when West Norfolk were deemed to have collapsed the scrum after a five metre scrum was awarded. West Norfolk were now under siege and were having a problem getting out of their half, a kick was charged down by Jordan Ayling and Toomey gathered the ball for his second try, which was converted. West Norfolk were not finished and, after a period of concerted pressure, their centre found a gap in the Chelmsford back line to score a converted try. Half time Chelmsford 19 West Norfolk 7.
West Norfolk came back at Chelmsford from the kick off but the Chelmsford defence was well ordered and several dangerous attacks were repelled. Bayley at scrum half was having a fine game, in his first full game post injury, releasing the ball quickly and harassing the West Norfolk scrum half into making mistakes. After a number of barging runs by the forwards, the ball was passed to Ayling who found a large gap to speed through and score under the posts for a try, which he converted.
Both sides were reduced to fourteen men at times during the half as yellow cards were given, West Norfolk carried on battling and deservedly scored a try to reduce the deficit. Chelmsford eventually made sure of the result when with five minutes to go Ayling kicked a penalty.
This result will see Chelmsford play in the final of this competition against Portsmouth on the 16th of March, venue still to be confirmed. Next week Chelmsford will play Kings Cross Steelers at home kick off 3pm.