Saturday saw Chelmsford’s A XV travel to East London RFC for a huge game against last year’s big contenders. Last season, Chelmsford lost to East London in 3 consecutive games in both the league and the cup competitions. East London’s Director of Rugby, Eddie Gooby, enjoyed success in his first season at the club last season, narrowly missing out on promotion after leaving Chelmsford RFC at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Naturally, this history between the teams meant that both squads were determined to bring home a win and this was evident in the low scores and the narrow margin of victory taken by East London in the last moments of play.
This was a game that Chelmsford dominated for long periods but, although it seemed that they had scored with the last move of the game, the try was disallowed as the referee deemed that the ball had been ‘held up’ and not grounded.
The conditions were hot and dry and the ground hard and both sides were set for a physical game. Chelmsford started the game playing with the wind and they pinned East London into their half, when a penalty was awarded for an East London player being off side. Matt Jefferson, in only his second season of senior rugby, kicked to give a well-deserved three-point lead.
Chelmsford at this stage started to give away too many penalties and East London were opportunistic in their attack. The London side split the Chelmsford defence with a long pass which allowed their centre to step inside to score a well converted try.
Chelmsford regained the lead following a kick for touch by Scott James; consistent and influential in the back line last season, James has started this season particularly well. From the subsequent lineout the ball was relayed to top try scorer, Jack Acorn, on the wing to score a try in the corner, which was converted by Jefferson from the touch line
Chelmsford, at this stage, should have gone on to score more points. They dominated the lineout - where new second row signing Jack Pearce had an outstanding game – and the scrum was generally in their control, but they did not make good use of the wind and too often their ball was held up or was turned over, so quick ball was a rarity. At half time Chelmsford led by 10 points to 7.
The second half was more difficult for Chelmsford with East London kicking for position and exerting pressure close to their line. The Chelmsford defence was sound and East London could not guarantee their own ball in either scrum or lineout. Close to the Chelmsford line a penalty and yellow card were given and East London levelled the game.
With ten minutes to go Chelmsford gave away a further penalty which took East London three points ahead and left the spectators on the edge of their seats. The last minutes were more frantic still, with East London defending soundly, denying Chelmsford the option of a quick ball. The last move of the game involved the disputed non grounding of the ball but it was a closely fought game throughout. Both these teams will be in the promotion mix at the end of the season. Next week will see Chelmsford’s first home league game of the season when they take on Harlow, in front of a huge crowd at Chelmsford RFC’s annual Beer & Gin Festival.