This was the first time in a decade that Chelmsford have faced Thurrock in a league match. Chelmsford having been promoted twice in the last two years. At half time many observers felt that with Chelmsford having played up the slope and trailing by only be five points they would go on to win. The Thurrock team, however, had other plans and largely dominated the second half.
It soon became apparent that Thurrock dominated the lineouts but Chelmsford were in charge in the set scrums. Both teams demonstrated solid defences with seldom a tackle missed but in general Thurrock’s support play was better with the ball being kept alive for several courses of play. On the other hand, on to many occasions, the ball was dropped by Chelmsford to lose possession.
Thurrock took the lead after twenty-five minutes when a concerted period of pressure created a gap for the Thurrock scrum half to glide through for a converted try. Chelmsford came back almost immediately when an excellent scrum created some space on the blind side, the ball arrived at Jack Acorn’s feet which he gathered at pace and then out ran the Thurrock defence to score an opportunist try converted by Harry Moseley. Thurrock regained the lead when excellent support play allowed their centre to score an unconverted try. Half time Chelmsford 7 Thurrock 12
In the second half playing up the slope Thurrock continued their game of hard running at the Chelmsford defence. Chelmsford started to give too many penalties away which, often, relieved any pressure Thurrock were under. Chelmsford did not make full use of the boot to gain ground, which would have given them better positions to launch attacking moves. As it was, Thurrock scored two further tries by hard running and timing a pass at the tackle, creating gaps in the Chelmsford defence. Thurrock eventually ran out worthy winners.
Next week Chelmsford travel to play Brentwood kick off 3.00pm