Ipswich travelled to Chelmsford for their first away game. Ipswich played the first half up the hill against the breeze.

It was clear that it was going to be a tough game, when Chelmsford started running. They applied a lot of pressure with their forwards. Ipswich managed to weather the storm and got a scrum five meters from the Chelmsford goal line. The Ipswich scrum could not control the ball and Chelmsford attacked the ball which spilled out of the back of the scrum and kicked it downfield to touch. This was a wasted opportunity which Ipswich would regret. The first score came when the Chelmsford forwards linked with the backs and they scored and converted their try. Ipswich was under pressure for a long time and slipped tackles did not help. The second score came when the referee was forced to give a penalty try. The Ipswich scrum was under pressure under their posts and after twice infringing in the scrum the referee awarded a penalty try. The rest of the half was a battle for field position with Chelmsford using the slope to great effect. Just before half time, Chelmsford scored again with their backs running strongly at the Ipswich defence. Making the half time score 21 – 0.

With the second half things looked better for Ipswich . They had more of the ball and attacked the Chelmsford side with some strong runs. The Ipswich eight scored their first try, but unfortunately it was not converted. Chelmsford defence was tested throughout the half but could not be broken. Ipswich chance of catching up was dented when their number eight was sin binned for excessively clearing a ruck. Although Ipswich had only fourteen men on the pitch Chelmsford could not break their defence. The rest of the game went scoreless.

Ipswich lost this game due to poor decision making and allowing their forwards to be dominated in the scrums and at the breakdown. A well deserved win for Chelmsford.