Chelmsford did everything necessary to maintain their push towards promotion, securing the maximum five points against a spirited Mavericks team at Brentwood on Saturday. This was another game in which the strong wind effected game. Playing up the slope and against the wind in the first half, Chelmsford showed excellent defensive tackling and took their chances when they arose. Jamie Ash playing at fullback proved to be a real handful to Mavericks defence, running the ball back from deep from their clearance kicks. The two tries scored by Chelmsford in the first half both came after Ash had made over forty meters returning kicks before popping the ball up, firstly to Lachlan Wright and secondly to Jack Acorn to score very good tries. In between these tries, Chelmsford conceded a try following a grubber kick by Mavericks and some indecision by the Chelmsford defence.

Half Time Mavericks 7 Chelmsford 12

The second half conditions allowed Chelmsford to play with more fluidity and their first try of the half scored by Tom Acorn came after a good drive by the forwards and slick hands by the backs. Throughout the second half Chelmsford gave far too many penalties away, which allowed Mavericks to relieve pressure and a kick a penalty of their own.

The last twenty minutes of the game was all Chelmsford on the attack with four tries being scored. Firstly, following good work from the forwards, Ben Bayley threw an excellent long pass for Wright to score. Nick Crouch then popped up on the wing to drive over. Jamie Ash then scored his deserved try, running in from five yards. Finally, Tom Acorn got his second try following another forward drive. Callum McDonald converted three of the seven tries in the gale force conditions. The league table has Chelmsford and Harlow neck and neck on equal points, fourteen points above the third placed team.

Kev Blackmore said this of the win "5 points was a must today and the lads had to be patient before they secured the try bonus point early in the 2nd half" "I was impressed with the opposition, they caused us a fair bit of trouble and it's hard to understand why they're only 4th from bottom on that evidence" "Our discipline was poor at times, but 7 well taken trys, off the back of some good passages of play was very satisfying"

Next week Chelmsford take on Campion at home kick off 2.30.