Chelmsford went top of the league on Saturday, in a rousing performance, when they came back from a fifteen point deficit to overcome the league leaders Upminster. Upminster who were promoted last year and who have not been beaten for a year, started the game at a fast and furious pace and they made good use of the slope with some telling kicks.

The first score followed a deft kick by the Upminster scrumhalf which was caught on the full by the winger who went in for a converted try. Upminster stretched their lead after twenty minutes, when following some good inter passing, their centre burst through for an unconverted try. Although, Upminster went further ahead with a penalty, the Chelmsford’s heads never went down. As the half went on they spent more and more time in their opponents half, Matt Jefferson went close with a penalty, before a period of continual pressure by the Chelmsford forwards allowed Nick Crouch to go over for a converted try.

Half Time; Chelmsford 7 Upminster 15

Chelmsford started the half in an aggressive style with the forwards gaining continuous ground off the base of the ruck. The scrummaging of the Chelmsford pack was now becoming a key factor and by the end of the game it had Upminster in total disarray. Chelmsford second try came from such a scrum close to the line, when the ball was fed to Scott James at pace who was impossible to stop for a converted try. Chelmsford then began spreading the ball wide and Jamie Ash was pulled down illegally after a forty metre run, the subsequent scrum saw a repeat of the previous try with Scott James blasting over from close range. Upminster reduced the lead with a penalty before Chelmsford scored their bonus point try.

Following excellent forward driving the ball was released quickly to scrum half Ben Bayley who darted away from the scrum before giving an inside pass to winger Tom Acorn who sprinted untouched under the posts for a converted try. Matt Jefferson stuck another penalty making his tally for the afternoon eleven points. Chelmsford ran out comfortable winners, against formidable opponents, who were gradually over powered by the Chelmsford pack.

Director if Rugby, Kev Blackmore said this if the performance:

"It was a brilliant performance today. From 1-15, every player fronted up and gave their all. Our pack ground Upminster down and in the end I dont think anyone could argue that a 5 pointer was well deserved. The lads were awesome and I'm super proud of everyone of them"

"We're in to Essex cup action next week, and with our strength in depth a few lads will get an opportunity versus Wanstead, whilst some will get a week off. Competition for places is unbelievably fierce as we're blessed with a squad of phenomenally talented players"

Next week Chelmsford travel to Wanstead in the Essex Cup K.O. 2.00pm.