South West One
Drybrook 43, Chard 1st XV 7

CHARD were unable to get anything from the game after the long journey to North Gloucestershire.

The visitors were put under pressure from the off but did well to keep Drybrook out.

However, some slick handling saw the home side open their account through Ben Large and tries from Mitch Baldwin and Danny Price extended the lead.

Drybrook were not having it all their own way, however, and they took advantage of a home slip-up to reduce the arrears with a converted try.

Two more tries were scored before the break, taking the score to 31-7.

To Chard’s credit, they came out for the second half in resilient mood, restricting Drybrook’s opportunities.

Fatigue and increasing pressure led to two more tries mid-way through the half but Chard bravely battled back, pegging the home side deep in their own half but were unable to pick up a late reward.

This coming Saturday, Chard are at home to Midsomer Norton in what is a must-win game if they are to have any chance of avoiding the drop at the end of the season.

Kick-off at Essex Close is at 2.30pm.

***

IN Somerset 2 South, Chard 2nd XV were beaten 58-17 by Minehead 2nds.

This coming Saturday, Chard 2nds are away to Wiveliscombe (ko 2.30pm).

Chard 3rds received a home walkover as North Petherton 3rds were unable to raise a team for their Somerset 3 South match.

On Saturday, Chard 3rds are at home to Wells 3rds, with the kick-off 2.30pm.

***

Somerset Colts League
Chard Colts 33, Clevedon Colts 14

THE Colts thrilled a good-sized crowd on the main pitch with a fine display against Clevedon.

The whole Chard team played well but the three individuals who stood out for Chard were undoubtedly Adam Moore, Barnaby Down and Joe Mainwaring.

Moore crossed for three fine tries and man-of-the-match Down managed one try as well as converting four of the five tries scored.

Down was singled out as well for a fine all-round performance, both in defence and attack.

Mainwaring had his usual solid game and, fittingly, crossed for Chard’s final try.

Clevedon, it has to be said, played their part in an entertaining game.