Western Counties West
Chard 3, St Austell 20

CHARD surrendered their unbeaten record to high flying St Austell on Saturday in a display that was high in effort and enthusiasm but poor in execution particularly when in good attacking situations, writes Glyn Hughes.

The home side started the game brightly and took the game immediately to their opponents but lost the ball close to the try line and a swift counter attack saw them losing a lot of ground. 

However Chard responded and were awarded a penalty which Charlie Roberts comfortably slotted to put the hosts three points ahead.

St Austell looked a really competent workman like team and were particularly good at disrupting any Chard play, therefore it was no surprise when they broke clear and winger Chris Ashton scored an unconverted in the right hand corner after 12 minutes.

The visitors were testing Chard up front more than any other opposition so far this season and, having won some more turnover ball, Max Duggan went over for a second unconverted try. 

As well as losing possession too many times, Chard were also guilty of conceding lots of penalties which hardly helped their cause.

Shortly before the interval, St Austell scored their best try when Liam Freeman went over for a try he converted to take their half-time lead to 17-3.

Despite being behind Chard were certainly not out of it, but they conceded a penalty within minutes of the restart which Freeman goaled. 

Almost immediately Chard had a penalty in front of the posts but, for reasons known only to themselves, decided to go for the corner even though there was still 35 minutes left in the game. 

Despite an error ridden performance several Chard players had very good games, notably Ben Stead, Jason Wright, Scott Johnson and Billy Biss. 

In addition, Roberts had kicked beautifully out of hand all afternoon.

The rest of the game was very evenly contested but the St Austell defence was very sound and they fully deserved their win.

Chard are away at Sidmouth on Saturday (2.30pm) and will be hoping to take as strong a team as possible against the basement team - but one who beat St Austell in the opening game of the season!

Chard seconds host Bridgwater & Albion 3rds on Friday night (7.30pm), while the thirds travel to face Taunton thirds on Saturday (2.30pm).

Chard Colts 0, Taunton Colts 39

CHARD’S unbeaten run so far this season game to an end when they hosted Taunton on the main ground under lights on Friday evening in front of a 200+ crowd.

It wasn’t a case of Chard playing badly, but more a case of Taunton being a very good team indeed.

They were fast, skilful and aggressive - a good combination!

Chard competed well particularly in the lineout but were unable to make too much of the ball won because of an excellent Taunton defence. 

Niall Crouch made several good penetrating runs for Chard and really deserved to score but it was not to be.

Chard will certainly have learnt things from this defeat, particularly the importance of first up tackles, and getting cover in place from well directed kicks into their own half.

The colts are next in action when they host Castle Cary on November 12.