Chelmsford’s first XV faced Romford & Gidea Park away this weekend, in a clash which started poorly for the Blue Boys, writes Annie Coulson.

As has been the case throughout this season, Chelmsford started the game looking vulnerable. Tackles were missed and sloppy play meant Chelmsford gave away penalties.

The first 15 minutes saw Chelmsford three tries down to a strong Romford. Whilst the Chelmsford forward pack showed improvement towards the end of the first half and a good drive from a lineout allowed Marcus Pottinger to get over the try line, the second half started badly with Chelmsford 29 points down.

But for the first time this season, this team showed serious promise and scored 26 points in under 20 minutes with Romford finally on the back foot.

Chelmsford began dominating scrums and lineouts and creating holes in the Romford defence. Miles Pitcher started the comeback, scoring in his first game this season. Miles Tett came off the bench to score the next try and Phil Stockton, in his second match this season, scored Chelmsford’s fourth try. Cam Arnott converted three tries and as Chelmsford continued to find space, Will Cooper scored a fifth try.

The score was 34-31 Romford for the last 15 minutes with both teams competing fiercely. For the final five minutes, Chelmsford camped on a desperately defended Romford line.

In the last two minutes Chelmsford crossed the try line and thought their fortunes had changed at last but unfortunately, the referee ruled that the try was held up and Romford held on to win.

Director of rugby, Eddie Gooby said: “I am disappointed with the result but I am so proud of how far the boys have come this season.

“Romford are a good side and we have had a turbulent season but this result shows that when we play as a team and play simple rugby, it works.”

Not all results were disappointing though and once again the veterans, the Undertakers, showed their experience with a 36-14 victory at home against Basildon and remain top of their league.