Chelmsford U16’s v Romford & Gidea Park – Essex Cup Round 1

This week Chelmsford U16’s played their first home game of the season and were to face Romford & Gidea Park in Round 1 of the Waterfall Cup. It was an emotional occasion for the squad, as this was the first time we had played at home since our friend and Coach, Paul McManus sadly passed away in September. We held a minute’s silence at 1230hrs to remember him, and we were joined by his family and Son Dan, who was in the CRFC starting 15. Thanks to R&GP for joining us, and to all the other age groups and supporters that joined the line to pay their respects. This meant so much to his wife Jo, his family and his friends.
Having lost against us just last week in the League, our opponents arrived with an increased level of intensity and determination. History, however repeated itself from last Sunday, with R&GP scoring the first try of the game after just 7 minutes but they were unable to convert. Undeterred, Chelmsford stuck to the plan, and just a few minutes later, equalled the scoreboard with a try out wide, touched down by the winger. Score 5-5 after 12 minutes.
Unfortunately, 19 minutes in, Chelmsford had a setback, with the full back sustaining an injury after a powerful tackle and having to come off. A quick shuffle of playing positions, and CRFC went back on the attack. An offside call from the referee against Romford, gave CRFC an opportunity to kick through the posts for a penalty, which we took advantage of. Some good passages of play resulted in another converted try for Chelmsford and just before half time, we witnessed the try of the game, scored by our number 8, Dan McManus, running though his opponents, spinning on the spot and touching down right between the posts, giving the number 10 a nice easy kick to convert. Today of all day’s – that try was special and Dan’s teammates, and supporters made sure he knew just how special it was. Half time score 22-5
With the slope in our favour for the second half, and having made some half time substitutions, we hoped to build on the score board. CRFC made use of the kick-chase to gain ground, but our winger found himself out on a limb, without support, which is something we need to work on as a team. A yellow card for a Romford player saw them down to 14, but they continued to put in a strong performance and were awarded a penalty just a few yards short of their try line. Possibly the wrong call, but their player opted to kick through the post, gaining just 3 points instead of chancing their luck with a tap and go, for the full 7. There was one more converted try a piece before the full time whistle blew. The final score today was CRFC 27 R&GP 15, but the real winner was the rugby family. How we pull together and support each other, both on and off the pitch. RIP Paul – your Son did you proud today, as he always does xx