Chelmsford 48 Old Streetonians 6 (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Chelmsford 48 Old Streetonians 6

11:18am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Sport

RUGBY: Chelmsford were looking to get back to winning ways following last week’s defeat against Braintree.

The conditions were difficult under foot despite a great deal of effort from groundsman Alan Haines and his volunteers.

The ball was slippery and it looked that the game was in a stalemate position in the and around the halfway line.

After a quarter of an hour the ball broke loose in a tackle and Nick Hankins took off with 50 yards to go – he outflanked the defence and put the ball under the posts for Hoult to convert.

This signalled the way forward, if the ball could be spread wide the Chelmsford backs had the pace skill and flair to score tries.

Within five minutes Chelmsford showing excellent handling put Seb Hill in for his first try which was converted.

Throughout the game Old Streetonians showed terrific spirit and great grit and determination particularly in their forwards and it was no surprise when they came into the oppositions half and obtained three points by means of a penalty.

The third try scores by Chelmsford was the best team try of the afternoon. Chelmsford worked hard to turn over the ball Josh Clarke made could ground and a delayed pass put Tatenda Gurare scorching through the opposition defence as he was tackled near to the line he flicked the ball to Seb Hill who went in for another converted try.

Before half time both sides score penalties, Sid Hoult finishing on his back, the ground being so slippery. Score at half time 24 to 6.

The second half saw Chelmsford attacking by the Chelmsford backs Hill scored his third try after being fed by Paul Smedley. Hill has now scored eight tries in the last three tries, this a tribute to his try scoring ability and to those inside him who get him the ball.

Hankins showing amazing illusiveness, when surrounded by most of the opposition, he managed to run in for a try from forty yards. Finally Rhys Mason went in for a well deserved try.

Coach Eddie Gooby was delighted with the results. He said: “Credit must go to Old Streets, they never gave up and they did not make it easy for us.

“We played terrific rugby despite the conditions – to score six tries in open play like we did was excellent.

“This puts the possibility of us getting back into the promotion race. “Next week’s game against Woodford will be very important if we are going to force our way into a play off position.

Next week Chelmsford are at home to Woodford, kick-off 2.30pm.