In what can be best described as dismal conditions, Chelmsford RFC’s Men's 1st XV welcomed Wanstead RFC to Coronation Park for Round 10 of the 24/25 Anglia 2 League. On the back of two straight defeats, the Blueboys were keen for a return to the form that saw them win 3 of the their last 4 games at home.

Playing up the hill and into the face of a strong wind in the first half, Chelmsford knew they had to start well if they were compete with a talented Wanstead team that had recently beaten both Eton Manor and Westcliff. Chelmsford duly obliged and looked solid in defence and the more positive side with ball in hand, Josh Cavey once again being the main threat in the early phases of the game. And it was Cavey that scored the 1st points of the game for the home side after 5 mins, smashing through the Wanstead defence to dot the ball down. Morrish neatly slotting the extras.

Depsite looking the better team with the ball in hand, playing with the wind was a massive advantage for the visitors who took every opportunity to torpedo the ball back into the Chelmsford 22 and make the Blueboys do the hard yards. It was only a matter of time before Wanstead took advantage of the conditions and following a good kick into the corner, Wanstead won a good ball at the lineout and used that momentum to score in the corner to reduce Chelmsford’s lead to 2 points.

With conditions worsening, scrums became increasingly difficult and resulting penailties gave Wanstead the opportunity to take the lead in the 33rd minute following a penalty for a collapsed scrum.

Half Time Chelmsford 7 – 8 Wanstead

With the wind now behind them and the advantage of the slope, Chelmsford were confident that if they continued to play as they had in the first half, they could take the points.

Playing into the strong wind, Wanstead struggled to effectively clear their lines and some nice handling saw Kene Eze dive into the corner to put Chelmsford back into the lead with the first score of the 2nd half. The wind pushed the extras just wide to give Chelmsford a narrow 12-8 lead.

With conditions becoming more slippery as the game progressed, the number of infringements started to creep up with Wanstead receiving the only yellow card of the game on the 52nd minute following a high tackle. Shortly after, Chelmsford took advantage of the extra man, with Anup Ale sliding over after a great pass from Jack Lavin. Morrish superbly slotting the extras to give Chelmsford a 19-8 lead.

Chelmsford continued to dominate both possession and territory in the second half with a combination of good kicking and strong drives through the heart of the Wanstead defence. A series of attacking phases on the Wanstead line from the Blueboys forwards, saw Scott Turner pick and go for his first try since his return to the Blueboys after a brief stint at Colchester RFC. Morrish converting for a 26-8 lead.

Chelmsford had the final say with a fifth try at the end from the ever present Ronan Kelly to go under the posts to take the score to 33-8.

This is a much needed return to form the Blueboys who now look forward to welcoming Westcliff to Coronation Park next weekend for the last home game of 2024.

Final Score Chelmsford 33 – 8 Wanstead

Match Report by Matt Burley and Simon Hutchinson