Chelmsford U14s Thunder team took the small trip down the A12 to face Old Brentwoods in the semi-final round of the Essex U14s Waterfall Cup. Straight from the kick-off, Chelmsford applied the pressure, with good hands and great defending. It took 5 minutes for Chelmsford to finally break down Old Brentwoods' defence with a good try from our flanker dropping back to return a kick. From the restart, Chelmsford carried on breaking down the defensive line. On 10 minutes, they had their 2nd try from the outside centre with a strong run through the middle of the park. Old Brentwoods then started to find their feet but Chelmsford held their own line well along with great rucking and strong scrums. On the 22nd minute, Chelmsford's hard work paid off and they got their 3rd try of the game, this time scored by our hooker after an attacking 5m lineout and subsequent loose ball near the tryline. Chelmsford were quick to add a 4th score just before halftime with a 2nd try for our flanker who went on an opportunistic, lung-busting run from our own half.

The second half carried on pretty much the same with Chelmsford applying all the pressure and it wasn't long till a 5th try was scored from our full back following a desperate clearance kick after another well-contested ruck. Straight from the restart, Chelmsford added a 6th try which was scored from our prop. Chelmsford then took their foot off the peddle a bit but continued to play some good rugby, going through the motions, and added their final 7th try coming from a 5m tap penalty duly bulldozed over by our No.8. With the game pretty much over, Chelmsford fell asleep and conceded a late consolation try. Final score 41-7.

In addition to the try scorers, special mention to our two second rowers for some strong tackling, and also to our prop who was the captain for the day and led from the front. Plus well done to our two new joiners who were making their first cup appearances.

Match report by: Coach Danny