Chelmsford finished the game well beaten by one of the top sides in the league despite having a good share of possession. Southend made good use of their ball, kicking intelligently, handling cleanly and getting the ball away quickly from the base of the scrum
As has happened on numerous occasions this season, Chelmsford made a slow start and went behind after three minutes. Playing down the slope in the first half, Southend got possession in the centre of field drove forward and after three rucks, found room to score wide for an unconverted try. Chelmsford went back on the attack but gave a number of penalties away which Southend kicked to gain territory, from one lineout close to Chelmsford line, Southend caught and drove to increase their lead with a converted try.
As the half progressed, Chelmsford came back into the game, when a charge down gave space for Jack Acorn to squeeze in at the corner for a try excellently converted by Matt Jefferson. Chelmsford continued to press and went close but Southend on the counter punch burst through the centre to score a converted try. Again, Chelmsford continued to attack, a chip forward was gathered by Jamie Morrish, who fed Matt Hughes to crash over for a well converted try. Chelmsford had other opportunities in the final minutes of the half but the half time score: Chelmsford 14 Southend 19
The second half was much like the first half, Chelmsford getting plenty of possession without making many dangerous in roads through the Southend defence, Southend used the boot to get into threatening positions and then launched into attacks scoring two further tries and a penalty to conclude the game.
Chelmsford have two further games for the season, and will hope they can improve on this performance. They get the opportunity next week when they face Norwich at Coronation Park Kick Off 3.00pm