Thurrock Colts 34 - Chelmsford Colts (Chiefs) 20

Essex Colts Cup Rd 2
Thurrock RFC U18 Colts – 34
(5 tries, 3 con, 1 pen)

CRFC Chiefs U18s – 20
(3 tries, 1 con, 1 pen)

Playing on the first team pitch in front a large home crowd the CRFC Chiefs played Thurrock in the second round of the Essex Cup.

With the Chiefs squad depleted by injuries and unavailable players it would be a big task to leave with the win, however the Chiefs played some good rugby and missed 3 to 4 chances of scoring that would of seen them home and dry however it was Thurrock who took the match and will progress further into the Essex Cup.

Unfortunatly the Chiefs side allowed the home team and boisterous crowd get into their heads and although the game started at a frantic pace neither side was dominant during the first quarter of the match.

Thurrock opened their account earlier with a penalty through the boot of their new ex Old Brentwood fly half playmaker.

Both sides were very evenly matched it was just that the Chiefs let the home team dictate much of the pace and play in the first half as well as their vocal support.

Chelmsford did post their first points of the game.
Thurrock scored three first half tries to lead at the break 20 points to 3.
At the break, some changes were made and some repositioning.

The second half was much more improved. This Squad have a tendency for a slow start but now the lads started hitting their bootstraps.
Good interplay and support running allowed Ben B to jinx his way over the try line.
Next on the scoreboard from close range who barrelled and battered his way to the line for a fine solo effort.
Thurrock did score again against the run of play with Chelmsford attacking and now dictating the game and forcing Thurrock a turnover and run in game them another 7 points.
After the restart and good play through the forwards and backs it was Even who scored in the corner making the score 27 – 20 to the home side and the game was in the balance for the last 5 mins.
Thurrock were now getting frustrated and giving away penalties but as Chelmsford attacked once more the ball was spilled and kick ahead into the Thurrock winger’s arms who cruised in under the posts.

The conversion was successful and the game on this day wasn’t to be for a battling Chelmsford Chiefs side who didn’t give up.

Had the game been 40 minutes each way rather than 35 minutes then who knows what might have been the end result.
This game wasn’t out of this Chelmsford’s side reach and the lads will feel they need to put in some hard work so this isn’t repeated.
Credit to the lads that showed up and played today in front of the passionate home supporters and thanks you to everyone who made the short journey down the A130/A13 to support lads.
Thanks to our first aiders who had a few customers today and were busy for both sides.
To the lads that picked up injuries please look after yourself this week and we hope to see you all back training.
To Thurrock, thank you for hosting an entertaining game for everyone and good luck in the next round.

Next Sunday we will be training and preparing for our visit to Sudbury RFC on Sunday 19 Nov.