CHELMSFORD’S London One North match against visitors Saffron Walden went down to the wire before they lost 23-22.

Saffron Walden converted a penalty in the fourth minute of injury time to take a 23-22 lead.

The visitors then conceded a penalty two minutes later to give Simon Hoult the chance to win the game for Chelmsford with the last kick of the match.

But his kick from 30 metres out wide sailed narrowly past the right-hand post to give Saffron Walden the win.

Director of Coaching, Eddie Gooby, said: “Today’s result sums up the start to our pre-season and season proper.

“I can’t fault any of my players, they gave me everything today, but we had 11 first team squad players missing and we have now lost another three players with long-term injuries.

“Some players need to look at themselves, because today they would have made a massive difference to the squad and the result.

“This was the same scenario that we had last season, two games into the season and 23 players used. We need consistency in selection and then I have no doubt we will be ok, but players need to be committed to the cause.

“The game was there to be won today, but it was not to be. We have always said that we will win or lose as a team and this is a collective thing and we will get stronger.

“We have to rebuild a team this week at training, as we have more players unavailable for the long trip to North Walsham.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge, but one that the boys will embrace and give everything to the club.”

The defeat was a major disappointment for Chelmsford, as they targeted the game as one which they were more than capable of winning in order to kick start their season.

They also played 60 minutes with 14 men, as two Chelmsford players were yellow-carded, while Luke Williams, Alex Ellis and Charly Inwood suffered injuries.

Inwood scored two tries and Alex Ellis one, with Simon Hoult converting two of the tries and adding a penalty to complete the Chelmsford scoring.