Chelmsford U16’s v Thurrock U16’s

This week Chelmsford U16’s hosted Thurrock in what was a “must win” battle in the league for both teams. The match had been postponed due to poor weather before Christmas, so both teams were raring to go. Over the years, the two teams have always been competitive, with Thurrock dominating in physical size but Chelmsford matching them with skill and stamina. The game commenced at 1300hrs, and Thurrock kicked off with the initial downhill advantage.

Chelmsford started strong, which is not something you will usually hear from these reports, wining the two early lineouts and the first scrum of the game, however a minor lack of discipline in front of the posts led to Thurrock’s first penalty. Taken from some distance, but with little wind to impact the kick, the ball flew through the posts, giving the first 3 points to Thurrock. Just 6 minutes later, and seemingly from out of nothing, Thurrock broke through the line and scored the first try of the game. An easy conversion for the number 10, right in front of the posts saw another 7 points on the board for the visiting team.

Not deterred, Chelmsford came back with some great passing skills, getting the ball out to the wing and it was soon to be Chelmsford’s turn to touch down over the line. A difficult conversion however, and one which unfortunately just missed target. CRFC 5 : Thurrock 10. Play resumed with both sides continuing to battle for the ball. Thurrock are a physical side and were quick into the rucks, stealing the ball from Chelmsford at every opportunity. Their discipline however let them down at times, and a high tackle saw Chelmsford awarded a penalty in a great position to kick for goal. The kick was spot on from the number 10 and clocked another 3 points for Chelmsford just before the half time whistle was blown. Half time score CRFC 8 : Thurrock 10

The half time talk was full of positivity, there was just 2 points in it and Chelmsford now had the downhill advantage. Previously Thurrock have run out of steam in the second half, so the next 35 minutes was all about retaining possession of the ball, quick passes down the line and utilising the pace of our wingers. An excellent “try-saving” tackle from the Chelmsford full-back put paid to Thurrock’s first attempt at scoring some points this half and then just 6 minutes in, Chelmsford scored their second try of the game, this one nicely converted by the try scorer. Chelmsford were quickly put back under pressure by Thurrock, having to defend two line outs close to the Thurrock try line. Unfortunately the attempted clearance to touch by the Chelmsford No10 was charged down and fortuitously the ball stayed in play for one of the Thurrock players to pounce on it to get awarded a try. Back up the other end of the pitch, another lapse of discipline from Thurrock gave Chelmsford the opportunity for a kick at goal, which we of course grabbed. The score at this point in the game was a nail biting CRFC 18 : Thurrock 17

With 6 minutes to go, the ref, decided that he had had enough of the “competitive banter” between the Chelmsford Scrum Half and the Thurrock No8 so decided to show them both a yellow card and put them in time out. The clock was running down and with 14 players each, the final whistle couldn’t come soon enough. Some scrappy play in the rucks by Chelmsford, just 5 meters out from their try line gave the ref no choice but to award a penalty to the opposition. It was a no brainer – their kicker had been on point all game, and this was going through the posts without a doubt. It was hard to watch, but the ball sailed through, and the final whistle was blown CRFC 18 Thurrock 20

There were lots of positives. CRFC won most of the lineouts in the game, they were strong in the scrums, and had a positive attitude throughout. When they had possession, they were dominant but too often, where Chelmsford did manage to break through, the ball was lost at the first tackle. This is something the Coaching team will be working on over the coming weeks. Either team could have won today, but the loss for the blue boys, was still a bitter pill to swallow.

Thanks to our ref for the game, who was from the CRFC U13 Coaching Team, for giving up his Sunday afternoon, and stepping in at short notice. Next week sees the U16’s travel to Rochford for their next league game. I’m sure they will pick themselves up and dust themselves down and go again next Sunday