CHELMSFORD put in what was undoubtedly their best performance of the season to defeat a strong Old Priorians side 22-0 to pull away from the bottom end of the London One North table with their third win of the season.

The hosts came under pressure in the second half when hooker Dave Hyett was sin-binned for killing the ball and Zane Mannan sent off.

But they withstood Priorians pressure to leave director of coaching Eddie Gooby delighted.

“I am so pleased for the coaches and players today,” he said. “In too many of our games we have played well but come up short.

“This week the squad went back to basics to try and work out how to win games and today we produced one of the best performances in my time at the club against a good Old Priorians team.”

Debutant Harry Molesley went over for a try, converted by Mannan. Skipper Paul Redford’s try was converted by Mannan for a 14-0 lead before an uncoverted Chris Hoult try gave the hosts a 19-0 half-time lead.

Hyett had not long returned from the sin bin when Mannan was sent off for a dangerous tackle leaving Chelmsford fown to 14 men for the final 25 minutes. But they held out and Molesley scored a penalty to secure the points.

Chelmsford visit league leaders Brentwood on Saturday (2.30pm).