Rochford U16’s v Chelmsford U16’s

This week Chelmsford U16’s travelled to Rochford for the first time in a while it seems. After some very close games and some disappointing losses, The U16’s arrived with a new level of intensity and focus. The league game was to be played on the 1st team pitch, directly in front of the clubhouse, to add that little bit of extra excitement. Kick off was at midday and CRFC drew the short straw, playing uphill and into wind, which only got more blustery as the game went on. CRFC started strong, winning possession from their own kick off and gaining significant ground. The first line out, however, didn’t go to plan, and CRFC were penalised for not throwing straight. This became a constant theme throughout the game, with the lineouts hugely impacted by the wind. Just 8 minutes into the game, Rochford broke through the line and scored the first try of the game between the posts. A straightforward conversion for their kicker and CRFC found themselves in a familiar position of being 7:0 down early on the game

CRFC kicked off again, with positive energy, working as a team, and communicating well. Their intensity paid off just 7 minutes later with the CRFC captain scoring the next try in the game. A difficult conversion for the fly-half into wind, but it was confidently put away. The score was now equal 7:7. The rest of the first half saw CRFC defending hard and making things very difficult for the Rochford boys, who were becoming increasingly frustrated. The CRFC full back was put under pressure as that “ last man standing” . He chased down a breakaway Rochford player and put in probably the “tackle of the game, tapping the lads ankle and sending him to the floor, 10 yards short of their try line. No doubt saving a second Rochford try. Numerous whistle blows for “offside” gave Rochford a few more attempts to increase their scores, but the Chelmsford boys dug deep, holding up 2 separate attempts at a try. Another awesome tackle on the try line, caused the Rochford player to spill the ball which was safely secured by Chelmsford, saving yet another potential try. An exciting first half ended 7:7

The half time talk recognised the hard work and commitment of every player and now, with the downhill advantage and the wind behind them, there was everything to play for. CRFC found their stride, and with some imaginative passing and effective use of the kick chase, CRFC put two more tries on the scoreboard. Both confidently converted by the No10. The Rochford lads did not give up and were able to put another 5 points on the board, but the conversion sailed wide of the posts. One last opportunity came from the CRFC kick off, which was allowed to bounce by the Rochford player. CRFC chased it down and with a skilful use of the boot, sent the ball towards the touch line. The kicker, raced after the ball, with a Rochford player on his heels, but he dived on the ball just in time to get Chelmsford their 4th try of the game. CRFC needed to remain focussed and continued to defend and tackle hard. Rochford have some big players, but our lads rose to the challenge. In fact, one particular CRFC player was awarded Man of the Match by the Captain, for his tally of perfectly executed tackles, stopping the player every time in his tracks. Rochford made an interesting choice to kick for goal as a result of a penalty, which secured them another 3 points, but they needed more at this point and perhaps should have at least tried for the 7 points. The final whistle couldn’t come soon enough, Rochford 15 : CRFC 28.

There were so many positives today. The players worked as a team, encouraged each other and brought a whole new level of intensity that was so great to watch. There was a good atmosphere between the teams both on and off the pitch and the away win for CRFC will help improve their position in the League table. The lads from both sides should be proud of themselves today.
Next week sees the U16’s host Dagenham RFC U16’s in another rescheduled league game.