South West Division 1 
Chard 17, Okehampton 11

THIS really was a nail-biting encounter with the result in doubt until the final seconds of the game, writes Glyn Hughes.

Despite the poor weather conditions, a good-sized crowd turned up and they witnessed Chard going ahead after five minutes when a break from the backs gained ground before Jason Wright forced his way over for an excellent try converted by Osman. 

It was fitting in the context of the game that Wright got the try as he would go on to give a man-of-the-match performance, his defensive play especially outstanding.

Chard, though, gave away a lot of penalties and, before long, one was within range for Okehampton kicker Richie Friend to reduce the arrears with a fine kick.

On the half-hour of this ding-dong encounter, Chard full-back Jon Humphrey kicked a penalty from the halfway line to put Chard 10-3 ahead.

Just before the interval, Chard had another much easier penalty but, inexplicably, decided not to go for goal and missed a golden opportunity to go 10 points clear.

The competitive side boiled over in the second half and three players found themselves in the bin - one from Chard, two from the visitors.

Chard continued to give away penalties and Friend reduced Chard’s advantage to 10-6 with another kick.

Chard were struggling to get out of their own half but their defensive tackling foiled the visitors time and time again. 

When they did get into the visitors’ 22, Chard were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but, with the opposition a forward short because of a yellow card, Chard again chose a scrummage in an attempt to get a second try - but the chance came to nothing.

The game was then held up for a long period following an injury to Chard skipper Ryan Helliar.

The Chard defence was eventually broken in the dying moments when prop Nicky Martin forced his way over for an unconverted try which put the visitors a point clear.

The best was yet to come from Chard, however and, from the restart, they turned over the ball and created an opening for Mika Hartley to dash through under the posts for a try which was converted by Osman.

Chard held on for a narrow second victory and move off the bottom of the table.

  • AFTER the game, a number of Chard players took part in a fund-raising head shave for cancer care and the team will certainly not be needing many combs for the game at Thornbury next Saturday! A lot of money has been promised for an excellent cause and thanks to hairdresser John Hewitt for his help.