CHELMSFORD suffered a 24-10 home defeat to promotion-pushing Tring at Coronation Park.
The visitors headed into the match second in the London One table keen to make a quick return to National League Three London and South East following relegation last season.
Chelmsford had effort and commitment but the quality came from Tring in a game the hosts knew would be tough.
Simon Hoult’s early penalty put Chelmsford ahead but Tring replied with three tries and a conversion for a 17-3 half-time lead.
Tring increased their lead to 24-10 with a converted try before Chelmsford were awarded a penalty try when the visitors’ scrummage crumbled, with Hoult converting for a final 24-10 scoreline.
Chelmsford’s coach Eddie Gooby said: “This game left me very frustrated with the boys, as I am not sure they fully believed they could win.
“We have improved every week in the league and I feel this is a missed opportunity to make a statement of intent against one of the best teams in the league.”
The result left Chelmsford 10th in the table ahead of away trips to fifth-placed North Walsham on February 13 and league leaders Amersham & Chiltern on February 20
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