Chelmsford gained a very hard fought victory over a well drilled hard running side. The Steelers forwards were large and needed to be put down around the fringes of ruck and maul and in the main the Chelmsford defence was resolute with many big tackles going in.

Chelmsford playing against a strong wind, in the first half, were under pressure for much of the time, but in the lineouts and set scrums they more than held their own. It was somewhat disappointing, when after twenty minutes they forced their way into their opponents twenty two only for the ball to be dropped and the Steelers to take advantage to storm forward to run it in when the ball reached their winger for an unconverted try. Within minutes Chelmsford were further behind, when they were penalised for handling in the ruck and the resulting penalty was kicked.

Chelmsford gradually came back into the game, winning more ball, but it was often slow from the base of the scrum or ruck and the opposition had time to cover the attack. Nevertheless Jordan Ayling reduced arrears with a well taken penalty only for The Steelers to do the same at the other end.

Half time Steelers led 11- 3.

The Steelers increased their lead with another penalty almost immediately, but now with the wind the ball was being kicked deep by Chelmsford and from a resulting five yard scrum the bloodied Paul Redford from the base of the scrum, picked up and charged over for a well taken try which Ayling did well to convert. With twenty minutes to go Chelmsford took the lead, when Tom Taylor scored a very well taken try down the blindside following quick ball from Warren Woodward. Taylor’s arrival on the pitch saw a better choice of attacking options and consequently Chelmsford spend more time in the oppositions half. From such pressure, Jordan Ayling scored another penalty. For the last ten minutes Chelmsford’s defence stood firm to gain the win. This was an ‘ugly’ win for Chelmsford against stern opposition who never gave up.

Next week will see the visit of Fakenham to Chelmsford in the Senior Vase.