CHELMSFORD won a crucial relegation battle with Barking 12-5 to help their plight in London League 1.

Four well taken penalty goals from Chelmsford’s influential fly half Simon Hoult, proved to be the difference between the two teams Six minutes into the game, Hoult slotted home a penalty from 35 metres out and it was not until the 32nd minute that Hoult was once again successful with a further penalty to take Chelmsford into a 6–0 lead at the break.

Hoult kicked a third penalty, with both scrum half Ben Bayley and Hoult putting in some good clearances and touch kicks to keep Barking penned in their own half.

But a good 10 minute spell by the visitors saw their bigger forwards drive hard and they were eventually rewarded with an unconverted try from a line out.

But Hoult moved Chelmsford seven points ahead with a kick three minutes from time to secure the result.

And Chelmsford’s Director of Coaching Eddie Gooby was pleased with the overall performance.

“This was a typical bottom of the table game,” he said.

“Both teams were lacking in confidence but the players coped brilliantly with the pressure and deserved the victory. I thought we controlled a lot of the game while looking more confident in attack and defence.

“You could see that we are now growing as a team and the confidence is coming back.

“The whole squad deserved this win on account of all the hard work they are putting in.”

> The Chelmsford Ladies team are currently looking for players of all ages and experience. Anyone interested should contact captain Mini Nowlan at crfcladies@gmail.com.