This was a comprehensive win for Chelmsford against a hard-working opposition in wet and windy conditions. Throughout the game, Chelmsford dominated Braintree in the scrum with their powerful pack. This has been a continuing feature throughout the season, with the Chelmsford front five providing controlled ball to their scrum half and often pushing their opposition off the ball, as indeed they did in this game several times.

Playing up the slope and against a strong wind in the first half, Chelmsford found the conditions difficult and, despite making decisive runs in thick mud and passing well in the windy conditions, often made mistakes. Braintree’s defensive tackling also proved difficult to break down. Braintree attempted two or three long range penalties but much of the game was played in forward battle either side of the half way line. Nevertheless, as half time got nearer, the Chelmsford forwards started to encamp near the Braintree line and, after several forward drives, Nick Crouch plummeted over the line for the only score of the half. Half Time: Chelmsford 5 Braintree 0.

Playing with the slope and the wind in the second half, Chelmsford were able to kick for position and make more ground running the ball. However, handling proved difficult in the conditions and it was often left to the forwards to pin Braintree back in their 22 metre area. Chelmsford scored after ten minutes following several rucks near the Braintree line when scrum half Warren Woodward saw a gap and darted over for a converted try. Then it was the turn of prop Phil Dechamps to use his weight and power to score the next try. Tom Acorn then scored an opportunistic try when he charged down a Braintree kick, gathered the ball and scored under the posts. Finally, centre Scott James scored in the corner, again following continued forward pressure. Braintree, to their credit, never let their heads drop and on at least one occasion came close to scoring, but never quite managed to cross the line. A particular highlight of the half was Matt Jefferson’s kicking conversions, which were of the highest standard. He is a young player who has improved with every game this season.

Following the win, Director of Rugby Kevin Blackmore said, “Make no bones about it, this was a superb result for us. It wasn’t pretty, but to finish the game without conceding a point and securing the try bonus against a team who finished above us last season was testament to the efforts the whole squad put into the game. Defence has been a major focus for us in training since the start of the season, so it is extremely satisfying to get to the halfway point of the season with the strongest defence in the league. We’re under no illusions about what is ahead of us, we start 2020 with a block of 3 very tough games and the effort and application the players, coaches and medical staff put in will need to match, if not better, what we’ve put in so far.”

At the half way stage of the season, Chelmsford are perched three points clear at the top of the table. A great position to be in in their push for promotion. There is now a break for Xmas and the next league game will be on the 11th January, when Chelmsford take on their ‘old rivals’ East London at home. K.O. 2.00pm.