Match Report for Chelmsford friendly

After the cancellation of last week’s match due to the weather, the friendly was re-arranged at Chelmsford ground with a later start time. We arrived on a cold windy morning at Timsons Lane with a squad of 19 players, which included 5 of our recent recruits.

We agreed to play 3 period of 20 minutes to give all the boys a good run out; Rochford won the toss and kicked off downhill with the wind and were soon into the lead with a strong run from Christian setting up Johnny O’Brien to score. However, Chelmsford responded strongly and only some resolute defending on our own try line prevented the score being levelled up.

Thomas made some great runs to probe the line and Rochford soon extended their lead through Christian, after good work from Harri. Scott was starting to impose himself with some great drives down the middle, though Chelmsford were proving to be very strong in the ruck and scrum. Luke P then picked the ball up from deep to score and Christian intercepted a pass to score taking the score to 20-0 at the end of the first period.

Rochford rolled on the subs and continued to play expansive rugby, stretching Chelmsford and after a good period Max was able to pick up a loose ball and accelerate through to score. Rochford were still struggling to compete at the breakdowns, but were proving to be effective when getting the ball into space. Kyle then scored his first try with a powerful drive through the heart of the opposition defence. Chelmsford soon responded in what was to be their only try of the day. Ethan was finding some good positions on the wing and very nearly scored in the corner, but was held up short, before Kieran caught the ball in a deep position and was able to break through to score in the corner. Before the end of the period, Kyle added another rumbustious try to make the score 40-5 at the end of the second period.

The third period continued in a similar vein, Chelmsford being tenacious at the rucks and scrums, but Rochford being more effective in the wide positions soon increased their lead courtesy of Johnny Douglas, with a great solo run through the defence and then another of our new players, Daniel intercepted a pass and scored. The scoring was concluded by a well worked try which was converted by Max. Rochford continued to probe, with all players contributing but special mention must go to the forwards who played virtually the whole game and still managed to set up mauls to gain good possession.

The game was played in excellent spirit and the final scoreline of 55-5 did not reflect the competitiveness of the game which was skilfully refereed by our excellent hosts.

Man of the Match voted by Chelmsford was Scott, which was wholeheartedly supported by the coaches.

Score Chelmsford 5 – Rochford 55

Tries
Christian , Kyle and Max (2 each), Luke P, Johnny O’Brien, Johnny Douglas, Kieran and Daniel ( 1 each)