The Amazons were put under early pressure by Chelmsford and were penalised for holding on, despite Claire Brickley-Moore and Louise Rickard’s attempts to run around their pack.

Chelmsford probed with the high ball, Lucy Gibson lofting the ball but finding the dead ball area.

From the drop out, Rickard and Brickley-Moore took the opportunity and passed cross-field for Beth Clapson to open the scoring.

Finding a good touch, Chelmsford had numerous scrums close to the Amazons’ line before No 8 Cat Carter took a quick penalty against sleepy defence to score.

The Amazons responded quickly, scrum-half Morven McAlpine kicking on from a ruck to set Rickard on a chase from which she offloaded to Emma Johnson for a try.

Chelmsford’s forwards, especially Laura Farnsworth, Jenny Watson and Cat Carter tried to get some movement but were countered effectively by Louise Holmes and the Amazons’ backs.

The restart saw a ruck on the Chelmsford 10m where a loose ball was chased by the fast Amazon three quarters. Chloe Stopard-Baker won the sprint and, supported by Rickard, scored within minutes.

It was then penalties that got the Amazons back into Chelmsford’s 22 forcing some serious forward defence and a great effort to get the ball back into the visitors end.

Using the wind, the Amazons kicked over and prop Beth Kinlan stole possession and carried 20 metres for Vicky Watts to take from the breakdown and score.

The game slowed from injuries and the Amazons took the edge in superior fitness and speed.

Brickley-Moore at 10 directed her backs to nearly get Stopard Baker over before Rickard got a hard-fought try from sustained pressure. The Amazons remain unbeaten so far this season and get a bonus point.

PHOTOS courtesy of Simon Ballard