Saffron Walden will hope to build on a strong first half of the season in 2013.

ANDY Price is refusing to dwell on Saturday’s loss as his side is poised to achieve the goals set out at the start of the campaign.

Walden’s coach challenged his players to win the final two games of 2012 but they fell 13-points short against a tough Chelmsford side in ever tougher conditions.

On a pitch Price described as a “quagmire”, Walden were overpowered up front while the backs could not find their usual explosiveness.

“It was a very interesting game between two evenly matched sides,” said Price.

“Both defences played very well – the majority of the game was players battering each other on a very muddy pitch, which didn’t allow any kind of running rugby.

“We struggled to make ground or get any forward momentum, whereas they did. Chelmsford were the better side on the day in those conditions and deserved to win.”

However, despite the loss Walden’s season goals of finishing in the top half of the London 2NE table is still very possible with the side sitting in fifth place.

“We’re going into the New Year with our aims in sight - if we can double our points by the season’s end that would be a success. We want to improve on last year’s finish and build on that for the coming years, all of which is achievable this season.”

The second half the campaign kicks off against bottom placed Stevenage on January 5 and it’s a game Price is keen to win. And with players coming back to fortify the squad he foresees a strong showing after the Christmas break.

We have Jordan McGown, Steve Limbrick and Jason Sparks all coming back from long term injuries which will make more competition for places and help strengthen the side.”