This was a game where Chelmsford had to dig deep and where they showed a great deal of character. With fifteen minutes to go Chelmsford were 10-nil down but a never say die attitude pulled them through.
The game at never stage flowed mainly due to the succession of minor injuries, and as a consequence both halves were extended by ten minutes. With Chelmsford playing up the slope in the first half, they were under pressure for long periods. Their defence was excellent, many times in difficult positions Chelmsford, turned over the ball, with ‘man of the match’ Redford having an immense game both in attack and defence. Braintree will probably look back at the game, and think they should have scored more points in the first half, especially as they dominated possession, but they were allowed only one chance with a penalty which gave them a 3-0 lead at half time
It looked that with the slope that Chelmsford would soon be able to take the lead. With ten minutes gone and Chelmsford on the attack, the ball was being transferred along the line only for it to be intercepted by the Braintree centre to run in from 60 metres for a converted try. At this stage Chelmsford were looking at their most disjointed, they started to be under pressure in the scrums and their defensive kicking was not effective.
As the game wore on the Chelmsford forwards started to dominate, the front row came into their own and the scrum were making excellent progress with the rolling maul. Chelmsford were still having problems making ground in their backs, but a couple of penalties allowed for a five metre lineout, captain Myles Reagan caught well and the forwards drove forwards for the ever present Redford to plunge over close to the corner flag. The conversion was consequently not easy but Ed Wild kicked straight through to put Chelmsford into the lead. With seconds left Braintree had a long range effort at a penalty which was well short.
Head Coach, Kevin Blackmore, was delighted with the attitude of the team "The players showed a huge amount of character to win that game today. It was't pretty at times, but local derbies tend to be tense affairs and this was no different!" "Braintree were a very physical side and put us under a fair bit of pressure, particularly first half, but our lads stood firm. I think Braintree made 1 line break in the first half and considering the amount of possession they had that is extremely pleasing from a defensive perspective" "To win the game in the manner we did will do this team the world of good and bodes well for the rest of the season"

There were a number of changes in the side from the previous week but all stuck to their task. Chelmsford, second in the league travel to Millwall next week