Sat 21 Oct 2023
It was top against bottom as the Saxons returned to Warners Bridge to take on Chelmsford, who were in search of their first win of the season under the guidance of ex Southend player, Chris Green.
The hosts came into this one having travelled to East London the week before, where they successfully registered 50 points against Dagenham, whilst the visitors had suffered a heavy home defeat to Thurrock.
The Saxons line up had a number of changes to it, several injuries popping up forcing the senior coaches' hand to utilise the quality in depth that has been created in the squad.
The game kicked off with the Saxons playing into the breeze from right to left, and it didn't take long for the hosts to start making positive inroads into Chelmsford territory. Having lost flanker, Lewis Holmes, to what looked like an ankle injury after just two minutes, the hosts managed to deliver a number of heavy carries from the men up front, slick hands saw young Kenan Browne cross over, finishing well, to register his and the Saxons first points of the afternoon. The conversion was successful from Ben Lloyd. From there the visitors grew in confidence, carrying well themselves and looking to kick a lot to get good field position. Having made their way into the hosts half they were then rewarded with a penalty and had no hesitation at pointing towards the sticks. 7-3. From here the game struggled to get going, a lot of lapses in concentration, basic handling errors from both sides and a real stop-start vibe to proceedings. Despite the Saxons uncharacteristic lapses, they continued to knock at the Chelmsford door and by the twenty five minute mark, they had raced into a 19-3 lead, as Kenan Browne secured a hattrick on his Saxons debut. Frustratingly, the foot was taken well and truly off the accelerator as Chelmsford began to take more of a foothold on the game, registering their first try of the game and securing another three points as a result of poor discipline by the Saxons. The half time whistle blew as a raised eye brow was shared amongst the supporters, winning but not in full control, 19-13.
As we have got used to seeing both home and away so far this season, the Saxons have often accelerated into the second half, but it was in actual fact Chelmsford that registered the first points of the second half, a determined and spirited opening couple of minutes saw the visitors dot down for a five pointer. 19-18. This acted as a real wake up call for everyone, Chelmsford full of belief that an upset could happen and for the Saxons that they were currently performing at an uncharacteristic low level. The crowd rose and became more vocal, getting behind the players as the rain made an appearance and getting the hosts back on the front foot. From here things began to click, there was more physicality and purpose in what the Saxons were doing and soon after the visitors score, the hosts efforts were rewarded with a penalty try. You felt the next score would be important, could the Saxons pull away or were Chelmsford really on for a potential upset?! Fortunately for the men in brown and white good field position was secured and pressure was being enforced on the visitors goal line, the ball came out and fly half Ben Lloyd slid in unopposed under the posts. Some excellent work up front from Stuart Whatling and Matt Wagstaff was giving the Saxons front foot ball and scoring opportunities as a result. Nick Horton later sliced through the Chelmsford back line and added to the home tally. A good job done.
A number of changes made by Josh Ward and his staff, who no doubt will be delighted with the win, but a big month ahead looms as the Saxons travel to both Eton Manor and Brentwood with a home game against Harlow in between. The Saxons currently sit top of Regional Anglia 2, but the next two games against 2nd and 3rd will be tough, They will appreciate any support we as members and supporters can offer both on the road and here at Warners Bridge.
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