I've been a bit lapse with my match reports over the last few weeks but today's display of rugby is deserving of the effort.

After a couple of unfortunate defeats on the bounce, CRFC drew a home fixture in Division 2 this weekend against Epping & Upper Clapton. The sun was shining and the boys arrived on time and raring to go.

The whistle blew at 1302hrs and the boys were off. Playing uphill to start with, they could not afford for Epping to get a head start. The opposition started strong and were clearly up for this game. With some big heavy lads in the forwards, it was obvious they wanted to play their game down the middle and CRFC had to defend hard in the first ten minutes. They soon turned the tables and 12 minutes in, CRFC scored the first 5 points of the game, which were successfully converted. With a yellow card for Epping, this should have been an opportunity for CRFC to create more distance on the scoreboard, but the rest of the first half was hard going. Despite being one man up, Chelmsford were still trying to play down the middle, absorbing some big tackles, and defending hard, making little progress but somehow managing to keep Epping from adding points to the scoreboard - Half time score CRFC 7 : Epping 0

The lads used this break to refocus and reset, ready for the second half. They now had the hill and the wind in their favour, and they needed to start playing their own game. We had some fresh legs off the bench and the second half was underway.

The lads moved the ball quickly, making use of the wingers and being creative. They were rewarded after just 5 minutes with a try straight out the back of the scrum, which was brilliantly converted for another 7 points on the score board. 5 minutes later saw the try of the game, if not the try of the season thus far. An in-field kick from the touchline, into the opposite far corner, which was expertly chased and touched down by the winger to sounds of applause from both camps, for a try that wouldn't look out of place in the Premiership. Again the conversion sailed through the posts CRFC 21 : Epping 0

With less than 15 minutes left in the game, CRFC might have been looking forward to their post-match food, but Epping were not finished yet. They scored two tries in quick succession with one conversion, and all of a sudden they were back in the game CRFC 21 : Epping 12.

CRFC kept their focus and finished the job with some great rugby, some quick off loads and with some moments of creativity that were awesome to watch and put another 3 tries over the line. With two out of the three conversions missing the target and with Epping snatching a 3rd try just before the final whistle, CRFC walked away with their heads held high and a performance they should be proud of. Final Score - CRFC 38 : Epping 17

Such a great effort from all the boys today. Their discipline was spot on, as was the conduct of the 10 or 12 CRFC Colts who were not selected to play, but who came down to the Club to watch and support their team.