This was another barn storming performance by the Chelmsford team against a formidable Stowmarket team, who are flying high in the league. At half time with Chelmsford having played down the slope and finding themselves two points behind it looked a win for Chelmsford was unlikely. Chelmsford had other ideas and scored three tries in the second to run out comfortable winners and secure the extra bonus point.

During the first half the Chelmsford team spent much of the time attacking from within their opponent’s half of the pitch but Stowmarket’s defence was secure and kicks from penalties were missed. Eventually, following concerted pressure from Chelmsford, Scott James in the centre, bulldozed over from ten metres which Harry Moseley converted.

From the kick off Chelmsford were penalised and the resultant line out led to a penalty which was duly converted. Chelmsford, throughout the game, had problems in the set scrum, and they fell behind shortly before half time when they were pushed off the ball at a scrum which allowed Stowmarket to score a converted try.

Half Time Chelmsford 7 Stowmarket 8

During the second half Chelmsford took their chances and tackled their way out of difficult situations. Scott James got on the end of another handling movement and showed his strength to score Chelmsford’s second try. Stowmarket were still very much in the game, they were held up over the line twice and their handling sometimes let them down. Chelmsford made them pay for lost opportunities, half way through the half, Jimmy Allway gathered the ball at pace and sliced through the oppositions defence leaving all in his wake to score between the posts. Minutes later a kick charged by James was fed to Jack Acorn. In the smallest of gaps, he showed great speed and guile to beat the covering defence. Joel Young converted. Stowmarket deservedly managed a last gasp try following a forward drive but they had encountered a Chelmsford team, who had shown they could absorb pressure before making incisive strikes from any area of the pitch. Chelmsford have climbed to third place n the league.

Kev Blackmore had this to say after the final whistle "The boys have proven over the course of the last 11 games that there is huge potential in this squad. To be 1 game from Christmas and in 3rd position is way above where had targeted back in the summer, so I couldn't be prouder of what this group has achieved so far. I would also add that I don't think we have seen a complete performance from us just yet. The coaches set a high bar for the boys in terms of the rugby we wanted to play before the season started and at times today and in previous games we've put some excellent Rugby together. We have a strong, athletic, footballing squad and the goal is to play a brand of rugby that is generally out of reach for most teams. However, this is a special group of players and I know there is more to come as we seek out that elusive, complete performance!"

Next week Chelmsford meet South Woodham Ferrers at home. KO 2.00pm