This week saw Chelmsford Colts’s face Westcliff in a friendly game to test the waters ahead of our Div 2 league fixture early in 2025.

17 x CRFC lads headed to the coast to face a team that had dominated the U16 leagues last season, with huge numbers on their books, largely due to their excellent facilities. We knew they would put out a strong side regardless.

The boys were definitely up for it and were keen to make a positive start after last weekend’s defeat. As usual at Westcliff, there was a strong wind, which was working against us in the first half, but after 14 minutes of hard defending pretty much in our own half, CRFC broke free and touched down between the posts. With the clock ticking away, and the kicking tee no where to be found, our #10 successfully drop kicked through the posts for CRFC’s first 7 points on the board, and unfortunately our only conversion for the whole game due to the wind. CRFC lacked structure but they dug deep and prevented Westcliff from crossing the line. Just before half time, CRFC again broke away from a loose tackle and touched down for a further 5 points. Half time score Westcliff 0 / CRFC 12

Some positive words from the coaches at half time, reminding the players about their pod work, driving through tackles, gaining ground, and also supporting the breakaway player. The team were eager to get going again and with two substitutions made, the second half began.

The wind was in our favour and the lads stayed focussed, playing out of their skin and with serious passion. Unfortunately, the ref found our “passion” a bit too much and some of our boys received a stern talking too! Westcliff managed to break through what was, for the most part, a solid defensive team, to touch down over the line just 5 minutes into the second half, which was successfully converted. Westcliff 7 / CRFC 12.

With 20 minutes to go, CRFC continued to move the ball well, making use of the wings and enabling our new players to get truly stuck in. CRFC scored three more awesome “team” tries within relative quick succession and ended the game with an impressive win and prevented Westcliff from adding any further points on the board. Final Score Westcliff 7 / CRFC 27

Lots to work on in training but some real positives to take away and a great confidence boost for the boys. Even better result given that we had 3 forwards playing in the backline, doing a brilliant job for the team, plus a special nod to our #8 in the first half, who was required to switch to #13 in the second half, and played both positions brilliantly, earning him a man of the match performance.

Excellent support once again from the side lines from family and friends so thank you to those who were able to make the journey.
Well done lads!