Chelmsford 34 Campion 20
(London 2 North East League)

This game was one of the most important matches in Chelmsford’s recent history, as before this weekend’s game, Chelmsford held a 2 point lead over second placed side, Campion, in the chase for the one automatic promotion spot. In a tremendously exciting and competitive game, played in a good spirit, on a bitterly cold day, and in what can only be described as absolutely atrocious conditions, Chelmsford deservedly beat their counterparts by 34 points to 20 and in scoring 4 tries, they managed to secure a bonus point, whilst Campion came away empty handed.

This win means that Chelmsford now have a 4 point lead over 2nd placed Diss and 7 points over Campion, who now drop to 3rd in the table. In an even first half when both sides turned round at 13 points a piece, Campion grasped the mantle early in the 2nd half when they took a 20 – 16 lead and the signs looked ominous for the home side, however, Chelmsford dug deep and with a display that was full of commitment, intensity, pride, and self belief, they went about their business to completely dominate the 2nd half and turn the tables on their opponents to run out worthy winners.

Credit must be given to both teams for the way they tried to play open football in what was a muddy and waterlogged pitch. Chelmsford played up the slope in the first half, but were quicker out of the blocks, so much so that after 5 minutes Campion were penalised for not releasing the tackler and fly half, Simon Hoult made no mistake from fully 30 metres out. Just minutes later they increased their lead to 10 points when the referee awarded a penalty try for Campion collapsing the scrum near their own line. Campion then reduced the deficit themselves to 7 points when they successfully converted a penalty. Chelmsford then went through a phase of the game when they gave away a succession of penalties and some good line out play saw the visitors work the touch effectively, culminating in a try in the corner from a catch and drive, and with a well taken conversion they drew level at 10 – 10.

The weather had now deteriorated even further, with a heavy snowstorm blowing into Chelmsford’s faces, but they managed to withstand this and their defence was outstanding. TheChelmsford forwards then started to exert pressure on the visitors. If anything, Campion were perhaps guilty of not using the elements to their advantage in the first half, ie. the wind and slope. On the half hour mark Chelmsford were penalised when they were guilty of holding the ball on the ground and a successful kick saw the visitors go into a 13 – 10 lead. On the stroke of half time, Campion were then penalised for standing up in the front row and Simon Hoult slotted over his 3rd successful kick to bring the half time scores level at 13 points each. With the elements now in their favour, the home side were clearly the happier team

Soon after the restart, Simon Hoult was successful with another penalty after Campion were penalised for holding on and Chelmsford regained the lead at 16 – 13. Some good driving play from Campion saw them close nearer to the Chelmsford line and then with 7 minutes gone, they managed to suck in Chelmsford’s cover in the centre of the pitch and score a converted try underneath the posts to take a 20 – 16 lead. This seemed to stir the home side into action and with some good positional kicking from Simon Hoult, coupled with some terrific driving runs from skipper, Paul Redford and flanker, Josh Cavey, they drove the opposition backwards and Chelmsford began to dominate the play and in so doing scored 18 unanswered points. Chelmsford were now in total control in the scrum and took several strikes against the head. 10 minutes into the half, the referee awarded a penalty to Chelmsford, but played advantage and from an astute kick ahead by Simon Hoult, the ball was cleanly gathered by Jamie Morrish and he went over in the corner for a well taken try to take Chelmsford into a 21 – 20 lead. With Campion not being able to get out of their own half, due in the main to the horrendous conditions, plus the tremendous tackling and pressure from the home side, they began to make errors.

A further penalty from Simon Hoult, for Campion not rolling away, saw Chelmsford increase their lead to 24 – 20. Campion were then penalised once again for being off side near to their line, Chelmsford chose the scrum and with pressure being applied by the forwards, they drove their counterparts back and Paul Redford dived over the line for an unconverted try to increase the lead to 29 – 20. Chelmsford’s final try was from an error by Campion when they lost possession in their own 22 metre area. Simon Hoult picked up the loose ball and put substitute wing, Jack Acorn, over in the corner for the bonus point try. Shortly afterwards the referee blew for full time and the players and supporters celebrated in what could prove to be a vital victory for this young Chelmsford side in the second part of the season.

Following the game, Chelmsford’s Director of Coaching, Eddie Gooby was full of praise for his troops, he said: “What a fantastic game in probably the worst conditions both teams have played in. Credit to Campion they pushed us all the way, I thought today we were at a different level in the conditions, as the skill, power and pace we showed was outstanding. The players deserve all the praises from the supporters but this was no fluke performance. Behind the scenes the coaching team have been pushing the boys hard and the preparation has been spot on and they all deserve the plaudits. Our first half performance had everything we have been asking for in defence and attack combined with our fantastic work rate against a very good team, and we produced the best controlled half of rugby this season and I can’t stress too much about the conditions, it was very cold. The second half I thought we were even better in terms of attack and control and no one who braved the conditions would argue against the 34 - 20 win, it was well deserved.”

This coming Saturday sees Chelmsford travel away to another top side, Saffron Walden, so the players will regroup on Tuesday evening and prepare with the usual intensity.