Chelmsford 1st XV Men 21 Harlow RFC 55

Chelmsford 21 Harlow 55
Division 2 Anglia

This was last game of the season where ‘the pressure was off’. Chelmsford were comfortably placed mid table and Harlow could not gain promotion at this late stage. By the end of the match, however, Harlow proved to be the better team. Their forwards were always on the front step and their ability to keep the ball alive and support the ball carrier was of a high standard.

Playing up the slope in the first half Chelmsford dominated the opening twenty minutes. They went close to scoring on at least two occasions when the ball was spread wide to the wingers who were pulled down or put out of play less than a metre from the try line.
As the half progressed Harlow asserted their authority, scoring four tries, their back row and second row breaking out close to the ruck and maul to make damaging runs through the Chelmsford defence. Chelmsford’s heads at no stage went down and James Gadd galloped over for a fine try.

Half Time Chelmsford 7 Harlow 26.

For a brief period at the beginning of the second half it seemed that Chelmsford may get into the match, Harry Mosely fed Jimmy Allway, who scored under the posts. Harlow came straight back and maintained their stranglehold of the game by scoring four tries with a great exhibition inter passing and support play. As has been the case throughout the season Chelmsford kept attacking when possible and just before the end Jack Acorn went over to score a try converted as had the previous tries by Jamie Morrish.

This has been a good season for Chelmsford, and they have maintained a comfortable mid table position throughout the season. Chris Green, Head Coach has decided to stand down due work commitments. He should be congratulated on the work he has done and the standards he has set.

Match Report - Andy Green
Photos by Brian Purdy