Romford & Gidea Park U16’s v Chelmsford U16’s Youth League fixture

This week Chelmsford U16’s travelled to Romford for our very first League game of the season. For the first time, we were able to take a full complement of 22 players, giving our squad strength and options off the bench. Kick off was at 11am and the wind was against us. R&GP missed a penalty kick through the post at 3 minutes in, however they went on to score the first try of the game just a minute later. The try was unconverted, but CRFC found themselves 5 – 0 down at this early stage in the game.
CRFC defended well and their efforts paid off, when a great passage of play from Chelmsford, saw 3 players passing the ball in quick succession, back and forth and touching down over the R&GP try line. The opposition pulled one back but were unable to convert, with the wind being a key factor in the kicking game today. A difference of opinion over a high tackle, that resulted in a head-on-head collision, saw Chelmsford players penalised, however not to be deterred, CRFC scored two further tries (and one conversion) in the dying minutes of the 1st half. Half time score R&GP 10 / CRFC 17.
CRFC made some changes at half time, ensuring all the lads got equal game time, and they restarted with the same level of intensity and determination. Some more brilliant rugby skills on display, passing the ball out wide, catching the opposition off guard and CRFC scored the first try of the 2nd half. A short time later, the ref reached for his yellow card for a CRFC player coming in the ruck from the side (close to the R&GP try line), so CRFC were now down to 14 players. The opposition took advantage and scored their third try, right between the posts, guaranteeing a conversion. Neither side was ready to give up, and up the other end of the pitch, CRFC opted for a penalty kick which sailed through the posts. Whilst still playing with 14, R&GP charged down the field and once again scored under the H, converting the try with just 6 minutes to go – score line R&GP 24 / CRFC 25
Confident in their abilities and determined to keep building on the scoreline, the lads dug deep, defended at every single opportunity to win possession and then, they showed what you can achieve when you play as a team, and scored 2 brilliant tries in close succession, both converted. The final whistle blew – R&GP 24 / CRFC 39
The win was important, but what was so impressive was the good discipline, positive attitude and teamwork that was on display today for the entire 70 minutes from all 22 players. The lads clearly enjoyed themselves out there, doing what they do best. We couldn’t have been prouder of them today. Well done Chelmsford U16’s