CHELMSFORD suffered a 28-13 London One North defeat to Tring in a match they knew was going to he tough.

The Hertfordshire hosts were relegated last season but have averaged 45 points in their opening five games this term.

Chelmsford had four frontline players out but still put in a committed performance where they matched Tring in most areas but were undone by missed tackles and handling errors.

Will Ferrier’s early try, converted by Simon Hoult, gave Chelmsford a 7-0 lead but Tring made it 7-3 with a penalty.

A converted try put Tring 10-7 ahead but Simon Hoult’s penalty levelled the score before Tring scored a penalty and a converted try for a for a 20-10 half-time lead. Simon Hoult traded penalties with Tring before a good 20-minute Chelmsford spell failed to bring a points reward.

A further try and a penalty completed Tring’s win but Chelmsford’s director of coaching Eddie Gooby said: “I was really pleased with the level of performance today.

“We are growing into this league and starting to understand what’s needed to be competitive.

“Six games in we have played three of the top seven, and apart from CS Rugby we haven’t been far off the mark.”

Dan Idundun and Dominic Dann made their debuts for Chelmsford, who do not have a match this week.