Chelmsford v TRFC

Chelmsford RFC U16 v Thurrock RFC U16 (League 1, R1) 23.10.16

Ts travelled, again, up to Chelmsford for their first League game of the season, albeit without 6 – 7 ‘regular’ players, however the remainder of the squad stepped up and Ts travelled with the remaining 22 available players.

Chelmsford started strong playing ‘up the hill’, but Ts held firm and after 6mins of relentless attacks, Ts took possession of the ball and some direct running from Mark hey were through the first line of defence and although Mark was caught, Jake was on hand to finish under the posts, with Harry gratefully adding the extras.
Ts then found themselves under a barrage of attacks from Chelmsford, and unfortunately, did concede to a converted try. Ts were undeterred by this and straight from the restart were pounding Chelmsford, and from a quickly taken penalty, Chaz tapped and passed to Mark who waltzed in under the posts again for a grateful H to convert. Ts now had their tails up, and an alert Chaz saw an opportunity with Chelmsford up flat, a well-placed kick over the top and fortuitous bounce and superb pace from Jake saw him sprint under the posts, again for H to convert.
Ts again found themselves subject to repeated attacks by Chelmsford, and just before half time conceded again for a converted try, but led at half time 21 – 14.

After the break Chelmsford were still on a high, and playing down the hill were on the score sheet again for an unconverted try to take them within 2 of Ts.
Ts fought hard in the middle of the park, and seemed to be tired at times, slow to and from breakdowns and somewhat careless. One such incident saw a Chelmsford player lifted above the horizontal, and a case of mistaken identity saw Jake receive a yellow card…Chaz you owe him/team big time…say no more!!
Unfortunately in the 7mins Ts were down to 14, Chelmsford scored 2 tries, exploiting the gap in the backline – 1 of the tries was converted, which pushed Chelmsford 10pts clear.
With Ts restored to 15 it was full throttle for the next 8mins…and the pressure paid off. From an attacking 5m scrum Asa was unable to pass the ball to 10, so what the hell…go for a run, and the line opened up welcoming over the line, which H quickly converted to get Ts back within 3.
5mins left…Ts gave it their all, but alas, were not able to claw back the 3 point deficit, and despite their courageous effort were on the losing end of the score-line.

Fantastic display of rugby, respected by all and I received fantastic comments from Chelmsford’s coaches and the referee about Ts display…Well done the whole 22 man squad that travelled.
I shouldn’t name names, but their particular praise was pointed at Alfie, Elonas & B…well done.

Result;
Chelmsford RFC U16s 31 - 28 Thurrock RFC U16s
CRFC U16s:-
5 tries + 3 Cons

TRFC U16s:-
Jake Martin x 2
Mark Ikhifa
Asa Gregory
Cons:
Harry Edmunds x 4

Next week, Ts have their second round Essex Cup game at HOME, (address to follow!), against Westcliff