There were a number of changes from the previous week, with the notable absence of skipper Josh Cavey through injury. Chelmsford have recently made slow starts to games and again they were 14 points down within the first ten minutes.
Firstly, with the first Chelmsford attack of the game, the ball was spilled by their backs and a simple pick up and feed gave the Thurrock an easy try under the posts. This was followed a few minutes later when the Thurrock pack caught and drove from a lineout some fifty metres before finding a gap in the Chelmsford back line to score another converted try.
This Chelmsford side, however do not ‘give up’. they continued to play to play their open style of rugby keeping the ball alive at every opportunity. Several times they were halted close to the Thurrock try line. Eventually following a period of excellent handling Kieran Reeve broke through for an unconverted try. Matt Jefferson made some effective touch kicks before the flying winger Jack Acorn was released to score a fine try in the corner. The Chelmsford attack was not all about their running backs, their forwards carried the ball with aggression and pace, with Will Cooper in the fore front. Chelmsford took the lead just before half time when Jimmy Allway broke through for Chelmsford’s third try. Half Time; Thurrock 14 Chelmsford 15.
Chelmsford continued with their expansive game, but it was Thurrock who scored early in the half, a ‘grubber kick, from Thurrock took a ricochet from a Chelmsford defender into the arms of a Thurrock back and three passes later the ball was put down for a Thurrock try which they converted. At this Chelmsford were under pressure, somewhat due to them giving to many penalties away and Thurrock scored their fourth try, again from ground they had gained from a penalty kick to the corner. Another penalty in front of the posts increased their lead to fourteen points.
Chelmsford showed real character and commitment battling back into the game, following a number of forward drives, Wood drove over for Chelmsford’s fourth try converted by Jefferson. Again, Chelmsford went forward and in the last minutes came close to making another break through. Thurrock were relieved to see out the win. Chelmsford gaining two bonus points.

Next week Chelmsford play at home to Brentwood K.O. 2.00pm