Chelmsford Rugby Club’s weekend’s fixtures got off to a great start with the girls’ team dominating in their game against Clacton at home.

Unfortunately, this theme did not continue as the Blue Boys took to the pitch against Sudbury. An unprecedented number of injuries meant that only 8 players from previous matches were able to play this week but this allowed Chelmsford coaches to play new faces and returning players.

In particular, Chelmsford welcomed back Will Williams, fresh from his army duties, and Paul Redford, who was returning from an injury sustained last season.

Sudbury were a consistently stronger team and it was clear that the Chelmsford side had not been used to playing together as a team, leaving gaps in their defence which saw Sudbury break through the line time and again to score.

Chelmsford, as ever, had short bursts of cohesion and skill, and they showed a solid defence for 20 minutes in the first half as well as a strong attack for 15 minutes of the second half, with Josh Smith scoring Chelmsford’s only try, leaving a final score of 5-53.

Despite their difficult season, Chelmsford saw an excellent turnout of spectators to their home game and the vocal support helped keep the players’ heads up throughout a difficult game.

Director of Rugby, Eddie Gooby, said of the game: “We need to regroup after the injuries we’ve sustained and work out where our fit players will flourish.

“Above all, we need the uninjured players to make themselves available and train as a team. Every individual player on the pitch knows and understands rugby but rugby is not about the individual, it’s about the team and we cannot win without presenting a united front.”

Meanwhile, Chelmsford’s veteran side, the Undertakers, played Southend away and had to work hard to continue their winning streak.

The score at full time was 39-33, the narrowest win the Undertakers have had all season.

Southend played a good game and captain Matt Barnard said they served to remind his squad that a win is not guaranteed.