No surrender

With our average age probably double theirs, it was obvious how the game would be played. While Witham looked to retain possession mainly in the forwards, Chelmsford knew their edge was the pace of their backs. In the first 20 mins, we didn't retain it well enough and struggled to take down their runners. Chelmsford scored a couple of well run tries to get ahead. Then from the restart they ran straight back to score again. Witham were getting frustrated but were still working hard. Then came a totally unacceptable moment from a Chelmsford player. Witham players reacted but captain Alex Beer kept surprisingly cool. The next few minutes were fractious and untidy. A few unpunished infractions led to another Chelmsford try but this seemed to unify Witham. Having got into their 22, the pack won the scrum with Rich Miller making the break from number 8. A couple of rucks later, Alex Beer fought his way to the line for Witham's first points. John Cox converted and the half time score was 36-7.
The second half saw a very different game. Suddenly Witham were making chances. Chelmsford were able to capitalise if we lost the ball but at times they were panicking. Once again, Alex Beer piled through defenders to make the line. Rich Miller converted. Shortly afterwards the ball was dislodged as Joe Seater drove over. From the scrum, Chelmsford tried to clear but Lee Bywater charged down and gathered to score.( I will try to upload the video clip so you can spot the error). Coxy converted but Chelmsford had a commanding lead. In the dying moments, Sam Holloway got the try he deserved. Nathan Frost resisted the white line fever to feed John Cox who's clever pad was gathered by Sam. This second team needs a couple more backs and older opposition but never let it be said that they lack spirit or fight. Wishing Ashley a speedy recovery.
Man of the match was Liam Ridgewell- beware the quiet ones, they can be awesome!