Saturday saw Chelmsford RFC host a huge day for their final home game of the season. 130 guests attended the final Vice President’s lunch and even more turned out to watch the Blue Boys take on Maldon. Chelmsford achieved a resounding win in their last game of the season, scoring thirteen tries with golden-booted Jordan Ayling converting twelve. Chelmsford started the game playing up the slope and soon went in the lead, when Ayling dipped inside his opposite number to go in under the posts. Scott James then made a break and fed Paul Redford for the second try. Always an influential player in the backs and often undersold, James has had an excellent season. Tries from Jack Acorn, Paul Redford, Scott James and Mike Dawson wrapped up the game before half time. Maldon, who were really up against it, never let their heads to drop but they had no counter to the speed and handling of the Chelmsford backs or the power of the Chelmsford forwards
The first try of the second half was somewhat unusual, as Jamie Ash was fed the ball some fifty metres from the try line, he had outstripped the opposition but with twenty metres to go he pulled his hamstring –an injury he also suffered mere weeks ago - and hopped the remaining ground to score!! Thankfully he has the off season to get back to fitness, as his recent return to the game has proved to be monumental, scoring 4 tries in his first full game back. Further tries from powerhouse Paul Redford and, this season’s top try scorer, Jack Acorn were scored before Maldon got on the board for a consolatory try. The Maldon centre intercepted a pass and sprinted over the line to score a try, which was well deserved after the sheer effort and commitment Maldon put in.
The tenth try, scored by Craig Wooldridge for Chelmsford, was also significant in that it broke the club record for the number of tries scored in one season. Three further tries were scored before the end of the game by Acorn, and Matt Jefferson and Jimmy Allway, both in their first season of senior rugby proper, they will have been delighted to end their first season this way.
This was an excellent finish to the season for Chelmsford, a large crowd watching the game enjoyed the entertainment and there is a great expectation that they can improve on the league position they have registered this year. Chelmsford finished fourth in the league, a single point behind local rivals Braintree RFC, and will be even more driven to perform next season.