Chelmsford III 38 - 10 Braintree III
Sat 15th March 2014

On Saturday 15th March at Chelmsford , a very bright and slightly breezy day, Braintree Tigers visited to confront their neighbouring counterparts . It was spring like and , surprisingly after a February of unprecedented inundation , the ground was firm . It resembled the crust of an over done Shepherd’s Pie . Because it was the only game in town , and on such a fine day , it was well supported .

The first quarter of an hour the two sides sized each other up .
Packs, in the loose and the set competed with commitment and physicality . Braintree had more of the ball , but the hosts , playing up the slope and against a light wind , achieved territorial advantage . About 15 minutes in Chelmsford scored a try and kicked the conversion. The Braintree scrum appeared to have the edge but sometimes surging runs , particularly from the back row , foundered when careless one – handed offloads bobbled along the ground .
The voice of experience – coincidentally ,the voice of Allan Drew, cautioned his teammates , “Don`t throw it away . Take it into contact and we`ll be there . We`ll support you .” The visitors made some concerted forays down the field . Typical elusive breaks from Sam Drew and the mercurial “Dolley”; but from breakdowns or sometimes lineouts , Chelmsford mounted swift counter attacks which were only halted by firm tackling . Chelmsford scored a second try , this time to the right ( North – if you know your Geography ) of the posts and failed with the conversion attempt . Shortly after play resumed Jack Lee and Lloyd Hardin combined to make ground down the left. Further Braintree pressure resulted in a five - metre lineout at the bottom of the slope adjacent to the clubhouse . A maul following the lineout and two frantic rucks resulted in Kevin Terry powering through and over to score near the corner .The conversion attempt failed but the taste of success further invigorated Braintree and their backs began to feature more prominently .
A Garryowen was fielded comfortably by TJ Delaney who then carried for twenty –five metres and evaded two or three defenders. From the ruck where he was halted, Dan Olley fed Jack Lee who unleashed George Anthony bursting down the right until Chelmsford , mob –handed , bundled him into touch .

Before the half-time interval a slick midfield move by Chelmsford , and a sidestep, allowed a Chelmsford back to race through and touch down under the posts . It was an eminently kickable opportunity so the first half ended 17 – 5 .

The skipper provided encouragement and advice and then took himself to the bench relinquishing his role at scrum half , thus bringing Sam Drew in at no. 9 , bringing Tom Harrod in at no.13, sliding Jack Lee across to inside centre .
When the whistle announced the conclusion of the first half a Chelmsford player announced audibly , “ We`ve got it easy now with the slope the sun and the wind behind us .” Such prophesies are often said more in hope than anticipation - and usually just uttered for effect . Mourinho –like machinations of this sort rarely bear fruit on a rugby field but Chelmsford opted for a more expansive approach moving the ball wide and exploiting space , and it suited them . However , owing to the well –established understanding between Sam Drew and stand – off half “Dolley” , promising Braintree movements were initiated . Sam , possessing an old head on young shoulders, directed Elsdon , Wheeler , Thomas and his Dad to stifle Chelmsford attacks and secure possession .Not long after the resumption of play a fine kick to the right wing corner –flag ,by Dolley resulted in a line out . Almost “mirror -image” of Braintree`s first try ; hesitation in the Chelmsford defence and coordinated action by the visitors` pack again saw Kevin Terry ploughing over , with some additional assistance to score a second try . The conversion attempt from a difficult angle , and into the wind and the setting sun failed .
So , at 17 – 10 , could the visitors claw back the lost ground ? ( Time for a rhetorical question . GCSE students *) .
Well . It was downhill from there . Two tries were scored by the hosts wide on the right . It was basic rugby , well executed . Gunner Daniels shuffled the pack , Jack Painter came on for the industrious Ben Pace and five minutes later Leigh Adams came on at no.3 for Adam Hone . Tom Harrod and Lloyd Hardin made ground up the slope on the left and then the Chelmsford line was besieged for a couple of minutes but a Braintree handling error let the hosts off the hook .
Then a prodigious Garryowen out of the Chelmsford half bounced wildly to elude the Braintree backs and a Chelmsford player hurtled through to collect and place it under the posts .

Thus the first half finished 17 - 5 , and the second half concluded 38 – 10 . The statistical summary ( or score ) does not really tell the whole story , and could be viewed as slightly flattering to Chelmsford .

The better side won and most of the opponents were unaccountably
united briefly , in desiring a French victory ! Whatever that was about remains a mystery wrapped in an enigma! The wonderfully prepared cottage pie was noticeably better than the pitch.