Eton Manor U18s 53 - CRFC U18s (Chiefs) 24

Chelmsford U18s Chiefs visited Eton Manor on a much cooler day than the previous day and weeks of fine weather. Playing on the 4G pitch at Eton Manor is always a tricky affair. Eton Manor play the pitch well and have some good play makers particularly their 9 and 10 combination and their open side flanker who had a good game all round.

This game wasn’t to be for the Chiefs side who travelled with confidence in their opening league campaign in Essex Colts League Division 1. Playing with the light breeze Chelmsford attacked but couldn’t find any real rhythm or cohesion amongst the players. Too many mistakes made play sporadic, and it seemed Etom Manor capitalise on every mistake the lads made by scoring tries through breakout rugby, good footwork and keeping the ball alive. The lads soon found themselves 17 – 0 down in as many minutes.

Key decision making was lacking, and it was a very rushed state of play for much of the half. Chelmsford did manage to cross the try line but it must be said they had many chances but just couldn’t quite finish to job. Credit to Eton Manor who seemed to click and being used to the artificial surface gave them the edge. Had the Chiefs been a bit smarter the game would have been a lot closer. A number of new lads made their return to Chelmsford or their debut in this league and did well. Scrum was dominant as expected and line out was functional. Second half the rain joined in and the game proved to be a messy affair where Chelmsford couldn’t find the gaps fully.

Next up for the Chiefs is their Division 1 game away against Westcliff while the Crusaders play their Division 2 game away to Harlow both on Sunday 1st October. Both matches will prove to be stern tests for our lads. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the lads.

Match Report by Jim Howe