This game was played in cold, wet and windy conditions and it was a tribute to both sides that an entertaining match ensued. This was a game that Chelmsford should have won, having done all the hard work in the first half against the wind and rain, Braintree had other ideas and finally came out deserved winners.

Throughout the game Chelmsford, fielding a different front five, had a difficult time in the set scrums but the Chelmsford back row of Harry Thompson, Paul Redford and Henry Payne always took the ball forward. Chelmsford took the lead from a quick penalty following a drive by the forwards, the ball was fed to Paul Redford who bulldozed through for a converted try. With the strong wind against them, Chelmsford had problems getting out of their own half and under pressure a number of penalties were given away, one of which resulted in a converted penalty to Braintree. Braintree continued using the wind effectively and gained good possession, finally resulting in their centre crashing through for a converted try. There were a number of missed tackles by Chelmsford throughout and this try could have been prevented by a more solid defence. Chelmsford were still venturing into their oppositions half and good ball was fed to Jowl Young who put an astute cross field kick to the winger Jack Acorn to score in the corner. During the last ten minutes of the half, with the cold win howling in their faces, Braintree scored a converted try following a number of scrums.

Half time Braintree 17 Chelmsford 12

Before half time Chelmsford, had a man yellow carded, so started the half with fourteen men, it was an ideal time to use the conditions and play the game in the Braintree half, Chelmsford however decided to run the ball in their own half and paid the consequences of dropping the ball in dangerous positions and giving away penalties. This gave Braintree the ball and they scored a good try when a player burst through the centre and fed the winger.

Things got worse for Chelmsford when a number of injuries ensued and Braintree scored another try following concerted pressure. Chelmsford never gave up, Jowl Young struck a penalty and Henry Payne went in for hard earned try, minutes before the end, to secure a losing bonus point.

Chelmsford remain in second position in the league, the coaching staff will be glad to have the Christmas break so that injuries can be healed and the needs for possible promotion can be assessed.