Chelmsford deservedly won this re-arranged league encounter with local rivals Braintree by five tries to three, and in the process registered a winning bonus point.

The game was supposed to be played at Chelmsford’s home pitch at Coronation Park, but the ground was still unfit due to the wet weather. Despite valiant efforts, no replacement pitches could be found in Chelmsford, and with Braintree’s pitch not playable either, the game was played at Tabor Academy, in Braintree.

Surprisingly the pitch was firm with a good surface and not as muddy as one would have expected.

Chelmsford had several players returning, but conversely lost two from the previous week, and were still well under strength. Chelmsford registered the first points when Ed Williams went over for an unconverted try. Five minutes later the scores were level when Chris Ford scored. Shortly before the half hour mark, Chelmsford went ahead when Rhys Whitelock touched down to take Chelmsford into a 10-5 lead.

Chelmsford went further ahead when Simon Quinn broke from a set scrum near the Braintree line and dived over for a try, which was converted by Rhys Mason to increase the lead to 17-5. Three minutes before half time, Chelmsford scored their fourth try when flanker Matt Lincoln scored and Rhys Mason converted to take the score to 24-5. On the stroke of the half time whistle, Braintree reduced the arrears, when Dane Crush scored and Kingsley Johnson converted to reduce the arrears to 24-12 at half time.

After the break, James Moore was on hand for Braintree to break through and score a well taken try near the corner, which was converted by Kingsley Joslin. Braintree suddenly found themselves back in the game at 24-19, but Chelmsford’s Simon Quinn broke from the scrum to score his second try underneath the posts, which was duly converted by Rhys Mason to round off a successful 31- 19 victory.