With torrential rain and sports fixtures cancelled all across Essex, this semifinal was played in remarkably benign conditions at Campion’s ground in the middle of Romford. Both teams went into the match as two of only four teams remaining unbeaten in the 3 previous rounds of the cup. Campion were a bit of an unknown entity given they haven't been a regular club team in previous seasons. However, as they'd reached this far we knew they would be a tough group.

This proved to be the case in a cagey first half where our boys dominated possession but found it hard to break through, and after taking a 5 point lead we quickly found ourselves pegged back to 5-5. A crucial converted try at the very end of the half meant we went into the break with our tails up at 12-5, knowing that we'd have the downhill slope in the second half. Coming out with the hill in our favour, our boys managed to keep putting pressure and big hits on the strong Campion forwards who were becoming rattled, and the couple of successive tries that followed pushed the scoreline to 24-5.

Despite a bit of a fightback from Campion, scoring another 5 pts after a string of penalties for offside and lapse of discipline on our part, our boys were still controlling much of the play. Chelmsford finished with another pair of well-worked, team tries and ended the match with a slightly flattering but well-earned 34-10 scoreline.

It was great to see the power game and blitz defence which we have added this season working successfully. However, we made mistakes due to the pressure Campion put on us and our back three were more active in defence than attack so we have plenty to work on before the final, against either Eton Manor or Woodford, in conditions likely to be more conducive to our traditional wide game.

Well done to all the boys and thanks also to those who came out to support, including a few of the squad who had their home match cancelled due to the weather.

The Lightning team move onto the main finals day, which will be at a neutral venue with society refs, and also accompanied by our U13s and U15s who have also progressed to their respective number 1 finals.

Match report by Coach Andy.