Bluebirds fall just short in closely fought match

Bluebirds vs Chesham Ladies 22/10/23 - Coronation Park

On what was a beautiful day for rugby, both sides and supporters began with a minutes silence to pay their respects following the tragic news last weekend from Wisbech Rugby Club and the passing of one of their young players. Our thoughts are with family and friends.

With the Bluebirds playing downhill in the first half, they looked to take advantage of the slope, and straight from kick off spent the first 10 minutes in and around the Chesham 22, and a good competitive spell from both teams keeping the scoreboard clear. As Chesham started to drive the Bluebirds back to halfway, Ellie Lawther spotted a gap and took full advantage to score the first try of the match under the posts, with Jess Mathews adding the extras to put Chelmsford 7-0 up. The game continued in the Chesham half and following a good attacking set by the by the Bluebirds pack, excellent work the the hands in the back line put Anna Gray in at the corner for the home sides second try of the match, leaving Jess Mathews a tricky angle which she was unable to convert, moving the score to 12-0 to the home side.

Momentum then swung to the away side as they responded with a strong break by the Chesham number 14, and despite a strong chase by the Bluebirds was able to touch down for Chesham's first score of the day, which was also converted. Score 12-7. Shortly after, Chesham crossed again as a number of missed tackles by the home side saw a second try (unconverted) for the away team to level the scores going into half time 12-12.

The second half start in much the same fashion with possession swapping between both sides, but now playing down the hill Chesham struck first, again through a number of missed tackles to score their 3rd try (unconverted) for a 12-17 lead. In typical Bluebirds fashion, the home side struck back, Brenda Barroso taking a lovely pop pass and sharp running line from full back to score Chelmsfords 3rd try, with the conversion added by Jess Mathews to give the home side a 19-17 lead.

Once more Chesham responded as they looked for a fourth try, breaking the Chelmsford defence only to be stopped by an excellent tackle by Brenda Barroso to hold them at bay. After continued pressure by Chesham and numerous warnings from the referee on an increasing penalty count, the Bluebirds were reduced to 14 players and were made to pay as Chesham crossed for the bonus point 4th try of the game, this time converted to give them a 19-24 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

With the Bluebirds back to a full 15, they applied the pressure looking for their own bonus point try to level the game but as time ticked on couldn't find a way past a resolute Chesham defence, and fell just short as the whistle blew, picking up a losing bonus point which will be little consolation in a game they felt they should have won. Final score Bluebirds 19-24 Chesham Ladies.

Bluebirds are next in action on the 5th November as they travel to London Welsh Ladies and look to bounce back from todays tough defeat.

Tries: Ellie Lawther, Anna Gray, Brenda Barroso
Conv: Jess Mathews (2)

Photo Credit: Amanda Arnold