Ignatians forwards put the second-half squeeze on Chelmsford. However, the irony won't be lost on the blue and golds, as lack of forward platform, saw them squeezed out on the result. In view as Ignatians roll towards the Chelmsford line, are Rob Wyer (far left), Richard Laurence (centre) and Wes Warren (right). {photo by Emma Hall}

The brains trust had certainly done their homework, but the blueprint designed to bring victory was quickly rendered redundant - enabling Chelmsford to end a four year barren spell at Donkey Lane with something to spare and earn top place in the league, writes Jonathan Landi.

Putting on a brave face, coach Emile Hertz said: "Despite the scoreline, I thought we played some very good rugby and the backs had their best game of the season. However, we lost control of the ball at crucial stages and were made to pay."

He has a point as the result, from an Ignatians' perspective, underlined the dislocation of the two communities. For, the forwards, so often the architects of victory, had an off-day, whereas the backs hunted with menace and purpose. When they unite they will be quite a force.

Man of the Match Tom Jordan, a real handful on the right wing and who made the most carries (11) in the team, opined: "We were surprised that we had so much ball with which to work with, but we lacked a killer instinct and couldn't finish it off."

Despite obvious signs of improvement in the backs, Ignatians were given a right buffeting in the tight from the much improved Chelmsford front row of Ben Franklin, David Hyett (ex Worcester) and former Colchester prop Miles Pitcher.

On a muddy surface, which should have been meat and drink to the blue and gold pack, it paved the way for an uncertain mindset as a pressurised Ignatians coughed up a succession of penalties, and kicker of the calibre of Simon Hoult wasted no time in playing the matador.

In the twilight of his rugby career, the 33-year-old former Southend player Hoult continued his purple patch with the boot by tucking away two very sweetly-struck long range attempts after Ignatians were penalised for standing-up at the scrum and coming-in at the side.

Ignatians continued to be hit hard on the scoreboard and Chelmsford's lively 10-12-13 axis opened up the blue and golds and, after a vital tackle was missed, Harry Simpson's forceful run and subsequent off-load played in Jamie Morrish for a try converted by Hoult.

The home side were stung but a 13-0 deficit was eventually eroded and, with Ignatians at last starting to get on the front foot and the Chelmsford blindside penalised for hands in the ruck, Jordan Wilson made no mistake with the boot.

Another penalty opportunity presented itself soon after but, the difficult more angled attempt was scuffed by Jordan Wilson, when, with the benefit of hindsight, the kick to the corner with the aim of setting up the catch-and-drive attempt would have been better advised.

Ignatians did eventually get into a promising catch and drive position on the opposite of the field, but the opportunity was missed after the blue and golds were reined back for crossing.

Although surrendering the initiative, individual endeavour was never lacking and storming runs from the likes of Luke Stack, Keir Bonnar, Charlie Shorten, Jordan Wilson, Man of The Match Tom Jordan and Jack Wilson, gave Chelm a few anxious flutters.

Although Chelmsford sought solace in the rallying call of 'isolated' they picked up the first of three yellow cards on the half hour when Will Ferrier was temporarily banished for a deliberate knock-on.

By rights it should have been a clear signal to the Ignatians to go over the top and secure some badly needed points before half-time, but at times they were literally submerged in the sea of good intentions, and disaster was at times an unwelcome accompaniment.

Ignatians' out of kilter defensive alignment was at fault for Chelmsford's second try but, it was from the familiar curse of turnover ball, and the blue and golds made ten such indiscretions during the game, from which their woes originated.

It all increased the odds in Chelmsford's favour and in the ensuing foot-race to the line, fullback
Rhys Whitelock made the most of a golden opportunity to give the visitors a 18-3 uplifting lead.

Ignatians' rung the changes in the second-half and certainly gave it a blast but Chelmsford's aggressive defence and unyielding pack ensured that they were often given short shrift when ever in the red zone.

In the prime attacking position of a five metre scrum, the home pack wasn't so much driven back but wrecked and driven into touch. It was a another proud moment for the Chelmsford front row, and who knows what Richard Peach, one of the finest Ignatians' tight-heads, would have made of it all from the touchline?

There were chances to go for pushover scores from the catch and drive. At times it became a little sloppy, and the choice of options was poor, as the stakes mounted, but at times Ignatians were a little unlucky not to have got more points on the board.

From a rolling maul, and my vantage point, prop Christo Kasabi looked to have gone over in the corner. Unsighted, the referee declined to give the score, ruling that the ball had been held-up. Opinions were certainly divided but the Cypriot international was adamant that he had scored.

Frank Stavrou was another also denied a try late in the game as an increasingly pressurised Chelmsford, who suffered two further yellow cards and deserved the win, had Nick Crouch and Jack Acorn bot.

Ignatians continued to construct well via their backline and the pressure eventually paid off, as the fluidity of the centre partnership of Jake Bakes and Keir Bonnar combined to work in Ed Barker, who came more into the game after a shaky start.

Ignatians' next league game is away to Basildon on December 6th,