Chelmsford’s 1st XV faced Cantabrigians, another side facing the drop, for the second time this season having lost to them at home in 2017, writes Annie Coulson.

But the last two games of 2017 showed the Blue Boys on much better form and it was with high hopes that the team travelled to Cantabrigians on Saturday.

The match was hard-fought and the teams seemed well matched, with good defence from both teams keeping the scores low all round. From the off, the Blue Boys showed strength in their forward pack and good decision making, keeping the ball in hand and retaining possession for the majority of the game.

Unfortunately, the team lost focus around the Cantabs try line and gave away several penalties in scrums and mauls at the 5m line. Eventually, Sid Hoult scored three points with a penalty kick and half time saw a score of 3-0 Chelmsford.

The second half began much like the first, the Chelmsford front row dominating their opposition but the ball was slow in being passed out to the back meaning that the centres and wings saw very little ball and when they did get it they had no space to make progress.

Much of the game was spent in the Cantabs half and it was no surprise when Hoult converted another penalty. During the last 20 minutes Chelmsford started to kick more effectively.

Will Woodward managed to break through the defensive line with a deft kick and the follow through from Hoult saw a grubber kick, which allowed Will Ferrier to gather and score a stylish try, which Hoult also converted.

The remainder of the game was spent in the Cantabs half and play looked to be slow moving but a Cantabs winger managed to turn over the ball and run round the vast majority of Chelmsford players before a brilliant supporting line from his inside centre saw a converted Cantabs try in the final few minutes of the game.

Fortunately for Chelmsford, they had done enough to secure a 13-7 win, which moved them up the league table and out of the relegation zone.

The veteran Undertakers saw a return to form with a 47-7 victory at home against Ongar 2s, whilst the Chelmsford 2s unfortunately suffered a 17-26 loss at home to East London.