Last minute upset for Blue Boys sees try disallowed and a 17-17 draw at full time

This was a disappointing result for Chelmsford in a game they largely dominated. The team were penalised throughout the game, sustaining three yellow cards and had a huge penalty count against them for various offences. They thought they had won the game in the final minutes, when a try scored by Jamie Ash, was awarded and the ball was on the kicking tee for the conversion, only for the referee to change his decision. Chelmsford were unfortunate to lose their fly half Harry Moseley after only five minutes of play through injury.

To their detriment, and making the game much harder for themselves, Chelmsford gave away two tries to Old Cooperians in the first half. For the first try of the game, poor handling allowed the opposition to pounce on a dropped ball and run over from thirty metres for a converted try. The second of their tries, after Chelmsford had secured a 17-5 lead when a simple pass from a penalty was not covered.

Nonetheless Chelmsford scored three good tries in the first half. The first saw the ball relayed along the backs to Jack Acorn; always incredibly strong on the wing, he found a way to score in the corner. Then, scrum half Warren Woodward glided between the posts, following some good scrummaging, for a converted try. Throughout the game, the Chelmsford pack dominated in the set scrum and at the front of the lineout, as has been the case throughout this season and much of last season too. The last try of the half saw number 8 Paul Redford pick up from an excellent scrum and charge up field thirty metres where the ball was released quickly to fullback Jamie Ash, who went over to score. Half time Chelmsford 17 Old Cooperians 12

The second half saw Chelmsford camped in the Cooperian half for long periods, but penalties were constantly awarded against them which Cooperians made good use of, kicking for position. Cooperians tied the game from a rolling maul, following several penalties being given away close to the Chelmsford line. From that time onwards Chelmsford put an onslaught on to their opposition and as already mentioned Jamie Ash had a try disallowed. The second half saw relentless defence from the Blue Boys, despite 3 yellow cards and near countless penalties against them; they conceded only one try and their incredible work rate saw them create the opportunity for Ash to cross the line. Whilst the score line did not reflect Chelmsford’s performance, the team can take a great number of positives away from this game and will keep their heads up as they go into the next game.

Next week Chelmsford take on Woodbridge in the Intermediate Cup K.O. 2.30
at Coronation Park.