Rochford U15 vs. Chelmsford, 23rd January 2011, Essex Cup Quarter Final

Rochford kicked off and forced Chelmsford to defend for the first 5 minutes, going close, but not close enough to score. Chelmsford then won possession and broke out of their own half for the first time, with Rochford being forced to defend. Finding one wing too well defended Chelmsford worked the ball wide to the other, scoring in the corner, Rochford 0 – Chelmsford 5. Rochford were keen to hit back, but with both sides playing good rugby it was not until the 18 minute that they managed to even the scores, Kyle Bury scoring Rochford 5 – Chelmsford 5. The next breakthrough came from a Rochford attack, attempting to retrieve the ball from a ruck, the Rochford scrum half ran into a Chelmsford forward leisurely making his way back onside, Josh Lipscombe electing to convert the penalty, meaning Rochford went in at half time with a narrow 8 – 5 lead.

The second half started and both sides were again evenly matched, until after 20 minutes Chelmsford scored another try, Rochford 8 – Chelmsford 10. Rochford eventually hit back, managing to retake the lead from another penalty for not rolling away again, kicked by Josh Rochford 11 – Chelmsford 10. With only about 5 minutes remaining Chelmsford chased a winning score, made more difficult by having to keep the ball in hand, to retain possession. Rochford defended resolutely and made things even harder for Chelmsford by coming close on one or two occasions to increasing the score, the game finally ending Rochford 11- Chelmsford 10.