South West 1
Thornbury 34, Chard 20

CHARD put in another brave and gutsy performance but the tough bunch of home forwards did more than enough in the second half to seal a bonus point victory which keeps their opponents firmly in the relegation places, writes Glyn Hughes.

Things did not go right for Chard even before the game started with the news that the growing injury list has now ruled out Luke Aplin for the rest of the season.

And skipper Ryan Helliar and Ben Johnson are also likely to be out for several weeks.

Chard then lost the toss and would have to play up the notorious Thornbury slope in the second half.

Chard needed to get some points in the opening half and, within a few minutes, full-back Jon Humphrey kicked a 45-metre penalty to put Chard ahead.

Chard always seem to be vulnerable immediately after they have scored, however, and so it proved again as Thornbury kicker Bob Adams levelled things up almost immediately.

Chard then scored a superb try after ten minutes when a fine kick down field was taken advantage of by prop Dave Biss who jinked past two players before scoring under the posts - Osman converted.

The Thornbury backs looked sharp when they had the ball but somehow contrived to waste most of the opportunities they had.

The home side did level things up when number eight forward Jack Hussey crossed for a converted try.

A very evenly-contested game reached the break with the scores level at 10 a piece.

Some poor decision-making by Chard in the opening minutes cost them dear when, after several opportunities to clear their lines they failed to do so and, with the slope in their favour, the home forwards mauled the ball well and were unstoppable as they drove Chard back over the line to run in two quick tries.

Chard were suddenly trailing 22-10 and staring down the barrel.

Chard were not helped when Ollie Harris had to leave the field but all replacements, including Liam Mustchin and Jack Larcombe, did well.

When the home forwards were competing for the ball they had the edge on Chard and their powerful and aggressive play resulted in two more forwards tries.

Chard were not finished, however, and two late unconverted tries from Blok Sijeur and Taalieb Johnson brought them to within one score of claiming a losing bonus point but it was not to be.

  • THERE are no league matches for the next two weeks but a Chard Vets Team are playing away against a Crewkerne team on Boxing Day (ko 1.30pm). Any vets interested in taking part are asked to contact Wayne Lewis on 07714075623 as soon as possible.

***

Somerset 2S
Chard 2nd XV 10, Winscombe 22

DESPITE excellent displays from several Chard players, especially Billy Brookes and man-of-the-match Matt Ousley, Chard were unable to claim the double over their opponents.

***

Division 3S
Chard 3rd XV 26, Wyvern 2nd XV 12

HAVING lost players to the 2nd XV, the 3rds were grateful to a number of former players who were tempted out of retirement to show they still have what it takes.

Chard went ahead with a try from Kev George which he converted and increased their lead with another from James Dunning.

Wyvern retaliated well and two tries brought them level with Chard at the interval with both teams having scored 12 points.

In the second half, Chard pulled away thanks to a man-of-the-match performance from skipper Chris Bond.

Bond scored a fine try after good work from Chris Doel.

Jason Mallett, Eric Singleton and Neil King also had good games, with King crossing for the final try.

A bonus point win for Chard, with George also getting three conversions.