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GOOD START TO THE NEW YEAR

GOOD START TO THE NEW YEAR

Eddie Gooby13 Jan 2015 - 11:52
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Big win against local rivals Braintree 56-0

Chelmsford 56 Braintree 0
(London 2 North East League)

Chelmsford resumed league duties after a 3 week break for the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with a 10 try demolition of near neighbours, Braintree. Whilst the visitors never gave up and tackled manfully, they were outgunned by a Chelmsford side who were totally dominant in the scrum, line out and loose. Chelmsford remain at the top of the table, 2 points ahead of Campion.

The win, however, did come at a price, as influential backrow/second row, Simon Quinn dislocated his knee with minutes to go on the clock and his loss will be a blow for the home side, particularly in these wet and muddy conditions throughout the winter period. On the plus side, Chelmsford welcomed back flanker Josh Cavey, who has been missing since October through suspension and injury and he made some penetrative runs.

The wet, muddy and windy conditions, plus some constant disruptions through injuries in the visitors ranks, particularly in the front row, meant that the game was a stop start affair, however, Chelmsford adapted to the conditions better than their opponents and with the pack being dominant, they were able to play the game on the front foot. Even though the Chelmsford three quarters tended to over elaborate at times with the ball in hand, they had the elusiveness and speed to threaten the visitor’s defence.

Chelmsford kicked off up the slope and facing a strong wind they went ahead after 5 minutes, when following a good break by the three quarters from their own half, fly half Simon Hoult was on hand to touch down near the posts. Chelmsford increased their lead through full back Jamie Ash after an initial break from wing, Jamie Morrish, both of these tries went unconverted and Chelmsford were leading 10 – 0. Braintree then had their only real clear cut chance of a score, when they chased a loose ball, only for the bounce to beat them on the line. Chelmsford were now applying the squeeze on the visitors scrummage and a series of penalties near to the Braintree line meant it was only a matter of time before there was a another score. Chelmsford chose the options of scrums and from one of these, scrum half Ben Bailey darted over the line to score an opportunist try and with Simon Hoult converting, Chelmsford now lead by 17 – 0. Several minutes before half time, Chelmsford scored their 4th try and in so doing they secured a bonus point. Some good driving play from the forwards resulted in a break from hooker Dave Hyett and he managed to get the ball away for tight head prop, Miles Pitcher to dive over the line for a score to take Chelmsford into a 22 – 0 lead at half time.

With the wind and slope in their favour, Chelmsford dominated the second half, scoring 6 tries. The first try was scored by skipper, Paul Redford when he was on hand to score, following a catch and drive from a line out, taking the score line to 27 – 0. Chelmsford then brought on 3 substitutes, Dean Lester at loose head prop, Rhys Whitelock at fly half and Alex Ellis in the 2nd row. With Chelmsford getting their fair share of turnover ball they took full control of proceedings by going on to score 5 further tries in the space of 16 minutes, firstly through Josh Cavey, from another catch and drive, centre Harry Simpson, who burst through the cover defence to score under the posts, full back Jamie Ash, recorded his 2nd try and then from a kick ahead, centre, Adam Cunnah won the chase to the line. Finally 2nd row Simon Quinn touched down for a try from another catch and drive at the lineout. With Rhys Whitelock converting 2 of the tries, Chelmsford ran out worthy winners by 56 points to nil.

Director of Coaching, Eddie Gooby was delighted after the game, he said; “This was a great team performance with a high skill set, but unfortunately it was marred by the injury to Simon Quinn, so it took the gloss off a good start to the new year. The game itself in testing conditions was great to watch, as a team we played some great running rugby and in scoring ten tries with forwards and backs combining well, we produced a lot off the training field and put this into today's game. We have a massive test next week against Norwich, one of which I know the boys are looking forward to. The mood after the game was subdued and I am sure next week’s game will be played hard for Simon who we all wish a speedy recovery.”

The next 3 games are against tough opposition, namely Norwich (away) Campion (home) and Saffron Walden (away) The results from these games could do a long way to determine whether Chelmsford remain strong promotion contenders.

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