Chelmsford

Chelmsford

5th November 2005

Powergen Junior Vase 3rd Round Vs Chelmsford

Result = O.A's 20 - 15 Chelmsford

Ashmole have become something of cup specialists over the last few years and with their impressive record against bigger opposition seeing no signs of faltering you would have been a brave man to bet against the home side in this tie. Chelmsford were sure to be O.A's toughest test of the season so far but despite being massively depleted, confidence was high in the O.A's camp following seven straight wins.

Coach Emile, back from his honeymoon was called into immediate action following a late illness to winger Damian, leaving his coaching assistant Ian Dodd in charge from the touch line as he had been for the week before against Royston.

Despite the drastic reshuffling, especially in the backs Ashmole started brightly, the first twenty minutes was all about them but they failed to really capitalise on their early dominance. The game soon carved out an even pattern with both sides having a fair amount of possession although arguably Ashmole always looked a little stronger. Each side soon found their oppositions weakness, for O.A's it was their inability to defend the rolling maul whilst Chelmsford struggled to contain the Ashmole forwards running rugby. It was not the best of games to watch but it was a real roller coaster of emotions and the last ten minutes of the match was frantic and fast paced as Ashmole scored a break away try and Chelmsford fought back with a late try of their own.

Overall Ashmole will be delighted with the result but their performance contained a lot of negatives that they will hope to work on before the next round and more importantly their next league game against H.A.C. Without getting too carried away, I have to ask the question; `if Old Ashmoleans can play at 60% capability with a massively under strength side, what the hell can they achieve at 100% with all their players fit?'

Few players really stood out, the referee saw fit to that, being far to whistle happy and intent on pursuing unfathomable laws. However, despite this the newly formed centre partnership worked to good effect even without injured skipper Neil Granger and not for the first time scrum half Phil had a good solid performance.

On current form you would have to say that Ashmole are one of the best teams in the county and they will be hoping to keep their unbeaten record going up to the Christmas break.

Scorers: Phil, Johan

Cons/Pens: Andy consx2 pensx2


	Hendon \| Mill Hill \| Hemel Hempstead \| Chess Valley \| Grammarians \| Old Haberdashers \| Royston \| Chelmsford \| Old Haberdashers \| Chess Valley Semi Final \| HERTS TROPHY CUP FINAL \| Mersea Island Chelmsford 5th November 2005 Powergen Junior Vase 3rd Round Vs Chelmsford Result = O.A's 20 - 15 Chelmsford Ashmole have become something of cup specialists over the last few years and with their impressive record against bigger opposition seeing no signs of faltering you would have been a brave man to bet against the home side in this tie. Chelmsford were sure to be O.A's toughest test of the season so far but despite being massively depleted, confidence was high in the O.A's camp following seven straight wins. Coach Emile, back from his honeymoon was called into immediate action following a late illness to winger Damian, leaving his coaching assistant Ian Dodd in charge from the touch line as he had been for the week before against Royston. Despite the drastic reshuffling, especially in the backs Ashmole started brightly, the first twenty minutes was all about them but they failed to really capitalise on their early dominance. The game soon carved out an even pattern with both sides having a fair amount of possession although arguably Ashmole always looked a little stronger. Each side soon found their oppositions weakness, for O.A's it was their inability to defend the rolling maul whilst Chelmsford struggled to contain the Ashmole forwards running rugby. It was not the best of games to watch but it was a real roller coaster of emotions and the last ten minutes of the match was frantic and fast paced as Ashmole scored a break away try and Chelmsford fought back with a late try of their own. Overall Ashmole will be delighted with the result but their performance contained a lot of negatives that they will hope to work on before the next round and more importantly their next league game against H.A.C. Without getting too carried away, I have to ask the question; `if Old Ashmoleans can play at 60% capability with a massively under strength side, what the hell can they achieve at 100% with all their players fit?' Few players really stood out, the referee saw fit to that, being far to whistle happy and intent on pursuing unfathomable laws. However, despite this the newly formed centre partnership worked to good effect even without injured skipper Neil Granger and not for the first time scrum half Phil had a good solid performance. On current form you would have to say that Ashmole are one of the best teams in the county and they will be hoping to keep their unbeaten record going up to the Christmas break. Scorers: Phil, Johan Cons/Pens: Andy consx2 pensx2