Chelmsford 7 Ipswich 25

This was a game played in extreme conditions, there was a gale blowing across the pitch with constant rain contained within the wind, The pitch became saturated leaving a layer of water sitting on the top of the playing surface. From a spectator point of view, it was often impossible to distinguish the sides as the teams were covered with so much mud.

Chelmsford’s strength throughout the season has been free flowing back play but the conditions made this very difficult. Chelmsford playing down the slope in the first half the game developed into a midfield slog, with both teams having difficulty controlling the slippery ball. Ipswich did gain the lead through a well taken penalty goal. The game was in stalemate with both sides putting in stern defence round the rucks and mauls.

Half time Chelmsford 0 Ipswich3

After an hours play Chelmsford did take the lead with a well worked move begun in the Chelmsford half, Scott James broke away and fed Jamie Ash who made good ground before passing as he was tackled to Joel Young. Joel converted his own try.

Throughout the game Ipswich kicked better than Chelmsford, consequently they gained considerable territory and often forced Chelmsford to touch the ball down in the ‘in goal area’ which caused them to kick the ball out from behind their try line. Once Ipswich gained scrums close to the Chelmsford line, they pushed the Chelmsford pack back. This happened twice within five minutes on the first instance, when Ipswich drove the Chelmsford pack over their own line for the Ipswich No 8 to drop on the ball and then again when the Ipswich scrumhalf darted over following an excellent drive from the Ipswich pack. Ipswich went further ahead from a penalty and they also continued their astute kicking game forcing Chelmsford to defend deep in their own half. It was not surprising when they scored a third try in the same manner as their previous two tries. Chelmsford continued to battle and never gave up but towards the end of the game, it was virtually impossible to make headway with the ball in hand.

Ipswich fully deserved their win, which keeps them second in the league, with Chelmsford in third position.

There is no game next week, but in two weeks time Chelmsford travel to Wymondham