With the introduction of ‘relegation playoffs’ being introduced by the RFU, this game was the equivalent of a football six pointer with Norwich in 11th place and Chelmsford in 9th place of Regional 2 Anglia. Having played Brentwood two weeks previously there were a few changes from that side. Watkinson, Jefferson, Wood and Lavin were all unavailable and the squad needed to dig deep. In came Campion, Hitchcock, Browne and Ale.

With sponsors Woodlands on the coach, the team arrived two hours before kick-off with plenty of time to prepare. The early pressure was from Norwich however as the Chelmsford pack were penalised within their own 22 metre line that saw the home fly half kick two penalties – Norwich 6 Chelmsford 0.

Chelmsford looked dangerous in attack, but the final pass wouldn't go to hand and with pressure mounting an interception try saw the Norwich centre run 60 metres to dot down under the posts – Norwich 13 Chelmsford 0. Under the posts captain Cooper rallied the side and instructed the group to stay calm and continue to play their style of rugby.

These words were well received and suddenly, the visitors sprung into life. With some good interplay between forwards and back Eden found a gap on the Norwich back division and run under the posts to score. Conversion from Moseley – Norwich 13 Chelmsford 7.

With Norwich seemingly willing to kick possession away with a high aerial ball, the back three of Hankin, Gadd and Pyne came even more into the game and Chelmsford scored just before the break. Linnell made a great break down the left and found Pyne on the wing to score. Moseley again converted and the Blueboys ran in at half time ahead for the first time in the half – Norwich 13 Chelmsford 14.

The second half was repeated played in the Norwich half with Brown now on when a solid scrum was needed. This gave the base for more attacking rugby, and the ever-dependable Baya scored the third try and an extension of the lead to eight points – Norwich 13 Chelmsford 21.

The squad could now sense victory, and they went in search of the bonus point fourth try. Cooper took an advantage of a quick tap and go and drove to the line to make the score Norwich 13 Chelmsford 28. With the scoreboard clock having counted down the referee still indicated that there was five minutes to go. A Norwich infringement saw Moseley achieve a hundred percent kicking record and from the restart Eden caught the ball and kicked into touch for the final score of Norwich 13 Chelmsford 31.

Five points on the road is always a good five points whoever the opposition. Well done all who was involved.

Squad – Sturge, Barker, Calver, Baya, Hughes, Eden, Campion, Cooper, Styrin, Moseley, Gadd, Ale, Linnell, Pyne, Hankin, Browne, Hitchcock, Thompson